Which class of extinguisher is used for energized electrical fires?

• A. Class A
• B. Class B
• C. Class C
• D. Class D

Answer: (C)

When a fire involves energized electrical equipment, the priority is to avoid creating a path for electricity to travel through the extinguishing agent. That’s why the appropriate option uses a class designed specifically for electrical fires. The extinguishing agents chosen for this scenario—like certain dry chemical powders or clean agents such as CO2—are non-conductive, so they can suppress the flame without conducting electricity or posing a shock risk. Water-based extinguishers, which are conductive, would be dangerous on live electrical fires and can spread the current or cause electrocution. Other extinguisher classes target different fuels (ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, metals) and don’t address the electrical hazard, so they’re not suitable for energized electrical fires. If it’s safe to do so, shut off the power, but if not, use an extinguisher rated for electrical fires to reduce shock risk while putting out the flames.