What are class C extinguishing agents?
Asked by: Dr. Alexandrine Bruen Jr. | Last update: February 14, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (28 votes)
Class C. Extinguish energized electrical equipment by using an extinguishing agent that is not capable of conducting electrical currents. Carbon dioxide, ordinary (BC-rated) dry chemical, multi-purpose dry chemical and halon* fire extinguishers may be used to fight Class C fires.
What's an example of a class C fire?
A Class C fire is fuelled by flammable gases. While the list of flammable gases is long, we have provided below some common ones you're more likely to encounter: Butane and propane in gas canisters, which you'd expect to find in equipment for certain building trades or in gas camping stoves and gas barbeques.
What is class C in fire extinguishers?
Class C fire extinguishers.
Carbon Dioxide or CO2 fire extinguishers discharge as a white cloud of “snow” which smothers a fire by eliminating its oxygen. These fire extinguishers are effective for CO2 is a clean, non-contaminating, odorless gas, safe for use on electrical wiring and equipment.
Can you use water on a Class C fire?
A Class C fire can involve electrical tools, wiring, or appliances, and often occur in industrial settings. Keep in mind that Class C fires cannot be fought with water— using water as an extinguishing agent can actually make Class C fires worse!
How are class C fires extinguished?
In the case of class C, the electricity provides the ignition or spark. The most important thing to remember is that a class C fire cannot be fought with water; you must use non-conductive substances. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, and those loaded with a dry chemical like PKP, are effective.
What Is A Class C Fire Extinguisher? - The Racing Xpert
What is a class C extinguishing agent?
Class C. Extinguish energized electrical equipment by using an extinguishing agent that is not capable of conducting electrical currents. Carbon dioxide, ordinary (BC-rated) dry chemical, multi-purpose dry chemical and halon* fire extinguishers may be used to fight Class C fires.
Can you use a CO2 extinguisher on a class C fire?
Class C fires
CO₂ extinguishers are a suitable choice because carbon dioxide is a non-conductive extinguishing agent, so it's safe to use on electrical fires without the risk of electrocution or short-circuiting.
Can you use a foam extinguisher on a class C fire?
No, foam extinguishers are only appropriate for Class A and B fires, since one of the substances they contain is water.
What are the four types of fire extinguishers?
Which fire extinguisher types to use
- Class A fire extinguisher – water, water mist, foam, dry powder, wet chemical.
- Class B fire extinguisher – water mist, foam, dry powder, CO2, some wet chemical.
- Class C fire extinguisher – water mist, dry powder.
- Class D fire extinguisher – specialist dry powder.
What hazard could ignite a class C fire?
At a Glance: Class C fires are caused by damaged or malfunctioning energized electrical equipment, including faulty wiring, poor installation, and overloaded outlets. Unlike other fire types, Class C fires can cause electrocution, making them very hazardous to fight without proper knowledge and equipment.
When should you use a class C fire extinguisher?
Class C extinguishers are suitable for use on fires involving appliances, tools, or other equipment that is electrically energized or plugged in. Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in question.
Can one extinguisher handle all fire types?
The fire risk from the different classes of fire in your home or your business will determine which type of fire extinguisher you need to cool it. 1– Water 2– Foam 3– Dry Powder 4– Carbon Dioxide ('CO2') 5– Wet Chemical NOTE: There is no one extinguisher type which works on all classes of fire.
Is wood a class C fire?
The basic types of fires are Classes A, B, C and D as defined in the following paragraphs. Class A fires are fires in ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics. Class B fires are fires in flammable liquids, gases, and greases.
What is the best extinguisher for a Class C fire?
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are listed for use on Class B and Class C fires. Because the agent is discharged in the form of a gas/snow cloud, it has a relatively short range of 3 ft to 8 ft (1 m to 2.4 m).
Can you use a fire extinguisher on a burning person?
If flames are still burning and you have a fire extinguisher, use it only if you can do so safely without putting yourself at risk. Follow the instructions on the device and aim at the base of the fire. If you can't put out the flames quickly, focus on getting the person away from danger and calling for help.
What's the difference between AB and C fire extinguishers?
ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals). Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases). Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
What is a Class D fire extinguisher used for?
Class D fire extinguishers can be used on combustible metal fires and can be specially ordered if you have reactive class D materials.
What happens if you use a water extinguisher on a class C fire?
To handle a Class C fire, you need an extinguisher that stops the flames without conducting electricity. That rules out water and foam—both can carry current and turn a risky situation into a dangerous one. CO₂ (carbon dioxide) extinguishers are a top choice for electrical fires.
Is there a class ABC fire extinguisher?
What is a ABC fire extinguisher used for? An ABC fire extinguisher is used to tackle Class A, B, and C fires, which include fires involving ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment.
What shouldn't you use a CO2 extinguisher on?
However, CO2 extinguishers are not suitable for Class A fires, which include materials like paper, wood, or textiles. They also shouldn't be used on cooking oil fires or in confined spaces with poor airflow.
Which is better, ABC or CO2 fire extinguisher?
A CO₂ fire extinguisher contains a carbon dioxide fire agent ideal for Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires. Unlike the ABC fire extinguisher, the CO₂ fire extinguisher leaves no residue, making it ideal for electronics, IT rooms, server rooms, and labs.
Which fire extinguisher is best for home use?
We recommend dry powder extinguishers as they are great for fighting fires that involve a variety of combustibles. They can be used on Class A fires (wood, paper and cloth) as well as Class B (flammable liquids) and C (flammable gases). Additionally, these extinguishers can sometimes be used on electrical equipment.