What class of fire involves electrical fires?

The classification of fires is based on the type of material that is burning, and understanding these classes is crucial for safety and appropriate fire response. Electrical fires fall under Class C. This classification specifically pertains to fires that involve energized electrical equipment, such as wiring, circuit breakers, and appliances.

When dealing with Class C fires, it is important to use the right extinguishing agent, as using a water-based extinguisher could conduct electricity and pose a greater hazard. Instead, extinguishers rated for Class C fires are usually dry chemical extinguishers or CO2 extinguishers, which are safe to use on electrical sources.

The other classes of fire relate to different materials, such as ordinary combustibles like wood and paper for Class A, flammable liquids for Class B, and combustible metals for Class D, which do not include electrical equipment. Thus, understanding that Class C is designated specifically for electrical fires helps ensure proper handling and safety measures are taken in case of an electrical fire incident.