What class of fire involves electrical equipment?

The class of fire that involves electrical equipment is Class C. This classification is specifically designated for fires that originate from energized electrical equipment, such as wiring, motors, transformers, and appliances. It is important to understand that water and other regular extinguishing agents can pose a serious risk when applied to Class C fires, as they can conduct electricity and cause electrical shock or further property damage.

Class C fires are characterized by their source of ignition, which means that if the electrical equipment is de-energized, the fire may fall into a different class. For example, if a fire involving an electrical appliance is disconnected from its power source, it may then be considered a Class A fire if it produces solid combustibles like wood or paper. Firefighters and emergency responders use this classification to assess the situation and select the appropriate type of extinguishing agent. Using non-conductive extinguishing agents, such as carbon dioxide or dry chemical extinguishers, is crucial when dealing with Class C fires to ensure safety and effective fire suppression.