What are the types of extinguishers included in Class C?

Class C fire extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires that involve electrical equipment. This includes fires that may arise from appliances, wiring, and electronics. The types of extinguishing agents used in Class C extinguishers must be non-conductive to avoid the risk of electric shock when applied to live electrical fires.

Dry chemical agents, such as monoammonium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate, are effective in interrupting the chemical reaction of fire. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) also serves as a suitable extinguishing agent since it displaces oxygen and cools the fire without leaving a residue, making it ideal for electrical fires.

The other types of extinguishers mentioned, such as water, foam, wet chemical, and Class D powders, do not meet the criteria for Class C. Water and foam can conduct electricity and pose safety risks when used on electrical fires, while wet chemical extinguishers are typically meant for cooking oils and fats (Class K), and Class D powder is used for combustible metals rather than electrical fires. Halotron, although it can be effective and non-conductive, is not a primary focus for basic Class C categories.

Thus, the focus on dry chemical and CO₂ for extinguishing electrical fires makes