A Class C fire is best defined as involving which?

A Class C fire is best defined as involving which?

• A. Wood and paper
• B. Live electrical equipment
• C. Combustible metals
• D. Cooking media

Answer: (B)

Fires are categorized by the presence of a specific fuel or energy source. A Class C fire is defined by involvement of energized electrical equipment. The electricity makes this type dangerous to fight with water, so the recommended approach is to use a non-conductive extinguishing agent (such as a CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher) and, if safe, shut off the power first. If the power is removed, the fire may then be classified by the burning material (for example, ordinary combustibles like wood/paper, cooking oils, or metals), but the defining feature while energized is the live electrical equipment.

Fires are categorized by the presence of a specific fuel or energy source. A Class C fire is defined by involvement of energized electrical equipment. The electricity makes this type dangerous to fight with water, so the recommended approach is to use a non-conductive extinguishing agent (such as a CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher) and, if safe, shut off the power first. If the power is removed, the fire may then be classified by the burning material (for example, ordinary combustibles like wood/paper, cooking oils, or metals), but the defining feature while energized is the live electrical equipment.