Electrical fires are categorized as which fire class?

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

Answer: (C)

Fires involving energized electrical equipment are categorized as Class C. The key factor is that electricity is involved—wires, transformers, outlets, or electrical devices—so water or other conductive agents can pose a serious shock risk or spread the fire. To suppress electrical fires safely, use extinguishing agents that are nonconductive and designed for electrical fires, such as CO2 or dry chemical. If the power is shut off and only ordinary combustibles are involved, the situation may be treated as Class A, but when electricity is present, Class C is the appropriate designation. Other fire classes cover different fuels: Class A for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, Class B for flammable liquids, and Class D for combustible metals.