Class C Fires

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Class C Fires

Class C is a fire involving energized electrical equipment where safety to the employee requires the use of electrically nonconductive extinguishing media.
Types of fire extinguishers used to extinguish a class C fire:
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher
  • General purpose, pressurized dry chemical ABC extinguisher
Important comments:
  • NEVER use water on a class B or C fire; this will only increase the hazard.
  • A fire involving electrical equipment reverts to a Class A or Class B fire IF the electricity is turned off at the source.
  • CO2 may be preferred because it does not leave a corrosive residue.
  • CO2 extinguishers can become extremely cold and cause cold burns if not handled properly.