Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, and power tools. These fires pose unique hazards because using water or foam extinguishers can conduct electricity, increasing the risk of shock. Instead, Class C fires should be extinguished with non-conductive agents like dry chemical or carbon dioxide extinguishers. Once the electrical source is de-energized, the fire can then be classified as a different type (like Class A or B) if it continues to burn.
Dry chemical extinguishers are most effective on Class B and Class C fires. Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline and oil, while Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment. The dry chemical agents work by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire and can also smother the flames. However, they are not suitable for Class D fires involving combustible metals or Class K fires involving cooking oils and fats.
Well a class e fire would be an electrical fire, electrical fires are fires involving potentially energized electrical equipment in Australia. In the U.S. we categorize electrical fires class c.
As per Americal standard CLASS C is for electrical fire but in british standard it is not there because technically Electrical fire is not applicable since it will turns to CLASS A fire once it happened. so Dry Powder extinguisher is enough to extinguish the same.
A class C fire involves energized electrical equipment. It should not be extinguished using water, as it can conduct electricity and cause electrocution. To extinguish a class C fire, it is recommended to use a dry chemical or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher designed for use on electrical fires.
Class C fire Extinguishers
PKP (Purple K Powder) is most effective on Class B and Class C fires. Class B fires involve flammable liquids, while Class C fires involve electrical equipment. PKP works by smothering the flames and interrupting the chemical reaction of combustion, making it highly effective for these types of fire scenarios. However, it is not suitable for Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustibles like wood or paper.
A 20 lb CO2 fire extinguisher is classified as a Class B and Class C extinguisher. Class B fires involve flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and grease, while Class C fires involve electrical equipment. CO2 extinguishers work by displacing oxygen and removing heat, making them effective for these types of fires. However, they are not suitable for Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustibles like wood and paper.
DCP stands for dry chemical powder. This is most often found in certain types of fire extinguishers, and they can be used to extinguish the following: * Class A fires which involve "ordinary combustibles" such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and many plastics. * Class B fires which involve flammable liquids, oils, greases, tars, oil-based paints and flammable gases. * Class C fires which involve energized electrical equipment. Certain parts of the world use DCP tenders (or tankers). This is a vehicle with a large tank of dry chemical powder. This practice is rare if not unused in the United States, but is found in nations such as India.
Fires involving live electrical equipment.
The fire class represented by an upside-down orange triangle with a number 3 in the middle indicates Class C fires. Class C fires involve electrical equipment and are typically caused by live electrical sources. It's important to use appropriate fire extinguishers, such as those labeled for Class C, to safely combat these types of fires without risk of electrocution.
A multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher is used for fires involving ordinary combustibles (Class A), flammable liquids (Class B), and energized electrical equipment (Class C). It is effective for a wide range of fire types, making it suitable for use in homes, businesses, and vehicles. Always ensure to aim at the base of the fire and follow the PASS technique: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.
In American standards, fires are classified into five main classes: Class A - Ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth. Class B - Flammable liquids and gases, such as gasoline and oils. Class C - Electrical fires involving energized equipment. Class D - Combustible metals, including magnesium and sodium. Class K - Cooking oils and fats, primarily found in commercial kitchens. Each class requires specific types of extinguishers for effective suppression.