Which class of fires is associated with electrical equipment?

Which class of fires is associated with electrical equipment?

• A. C
• B. A
• C. B
• D. D

Answer: (A)

Electrical fires are labeled to address the fact that electricity is involved. Because live current makes the hazard unique, you use extinguishing media that won’t conduct electricity and you prioritize de-energizing the equipment if it can be done safely. That’s why fires involving electrical equipment fall into this category—the method and considerations are different from fires caused by ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, or metals. Using water on energized electrical fires is unsafe, which is another reason this category is distinct.

Electrical fires are labeled to address the fact that electricity is involved. Because live current makes the hazard unique, you use extinguishing media that won’t conduct electricity and you prioritize de-energizing the equipment if it can be done safely. That’s why fires involving electrical equipment fall into this category—the method and considerations are different from fires caused by ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, or metals. Using water on energized electrical fires is unsafe, which is another reason this category is distinct.