Which statement about Class C fires is true?

Which statement about Class C fires is true?

• A. They involve inorganic materials.
• B. They are best extinguished with water.
• C. They have no risk of electrocution.
• D. Never use water around energized electrical equipment; CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers are used instead.

Answer: (D)

Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, so the extinguishing approach must avoid creating a path for electricity to flow. Water is a good conductor and can cause electrocution or spread current, making it unsafe to use on energized equipment. Non-conductive extinguishing agents like carbon dioxide and dry chemical extinguishers are appropriate because they suppress the flame without conducting electricity or energizing the surrounding metal. That’s why the statement about never using water around energized electrical equipment and instead using CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers is correct. The other options misstate either the material aspect, the safety risk of shock, or the suitable extinguishing method for energized equipment.

Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, so the extinguishing approach must avoid creating a path for electricity to flow. Water is a good conductor and can cause electrocution or spread current, making it unsafe to use on energized equipment. Non-conductive extinguishing agents like carbon dioxide and dry chemical extinguishers are appropriate because they suppress the flame without conducting electricity or energizing the surrounding metal. That’s why the statement about never using water around energized electrical equipment and instead using CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers is correct. The other options misstate either the material aspect, the safety risk of shock, or the suitable extinguishing method for energized equipment.