Class C Fire Extinguisher Used For?
A fire involving electrical equipment, electrical appliances, or electrical wiring is called type C fire, and the Extinguisher used to extinguish this fire is known as a Class C Fire Extinguisher. A fire no longer qualifies as a class C fire when its source of power has been removed, and it becomes one of the other classes of fire.
Fires can be complex, and not all fire extinguishers are effective on every fire. Electrical fires can become incredibly complicated and require proper handling and extinguishers.
Keep reading to learn more about the unique challenges of electrical or Class C fires and the Class C fire extinguishers that can be used to put them out.
What is Class C Fire?
A fire of class C is one where an electrical element that has been energized is the reason for the fire. “Energized” means that the electrical element (whether an electrical device, appliance, wiring, etc.) connects to a source of power.
Class C fires can originate from wiring issues as well as short circuit damage to power cords, overheated electrical outlets, overloaded electrical outlets or overcharged devices, and so on. When the device is connected to the power source, it is a constant spark source.
If electricity is charged on equipment or wiring, it is at risk of fires in the Class C category.
Class C fires are especially hazardous because the danger remains until the power source is taken away. In the meantime, there is also a chance of electrocution.
Water-based extinguishing substances and water-based ones should not be used in Classes C fires because they carry electricity, potentially spreading the source of electricity and the cause of ignition. It can also lead to an electric shock to the person using the extinguisher.
If a fire extinguisher is rated classification C rating, it cannot generate electricity. However, it is always advisable to shut off the power source before tackling the fire.
A fire extinguisher of Class C is used to put out an electrical fire caused by an electrically energized element. When the power source is eliminated from the fire, the fire no longer qualifies as a class C fire. It will be classified as another type of fire. However, the removal of the power source isn’t always possible.
What Types of Extinguishers are Rated as Class C Fire Extinguishers?
Due to the particular dangers associated with Class C fires, it is crucial to only use a Class C fire extinguisher to fight these fires.
As previously mentioned, extinguishers made of water (with one exception to be mentioned in a moment) are not only ineffective but can be unsafe to use.
Class C extinguishers utilize agents capable of segregating the components that make up the fire triangle, namely heat, fuel, and oxygen. So even when the ignition source and power source remain connected, fire and heat are dissipated and then extinguished so long as it takes that the power source can be removed.
If and after the power source has been disconnected when the flame has been spread to other areas as well as sources of fuel and fuel sources, the extinguisher of Class C can be exchanged to get a better extinguisher (unless you’re using an extinguisher that is able to take on more classes).
Extinguishers of various types that are classified as fire extinguishers Class C comprise: You can check complete details of What do the Symbols on a Fire Extinguisher Indicate?
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher
CO2 extinguishers operate by suffocating fires by removing the oxygen component. They also eliminate heat as CO2 is extremely cold to discharge. CO2 fire extinguishers are also able to be utilized for Class B fires.
Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher
They work by disrupting the chemical reaction that is taking place within the triangle of fire.
The typical dry chemical extinguisher has been tested for classes C or B flames. The multipurpose version is also employed for Classes A and C fires.
Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher
Halon and/or the halocarbon-based agents used by extinguishers using clean agents are effective in class C or B flames and, occasionally, Class A flames (depending on the capacity that the extinguisher is).
Like dry chemical extinguishers, cleaner agents function by disrupting the chemical reaction that causes fire or removing heat from the fire. The main difference between a cleaning agent and a dry chemical is that the clean chemical doesn’t leave any residue and can penetrate hard-to-spot and hard-to-access areas.
The Water Mist Fire Extinguisher
It is a water mist extinguisher that is a brand new invention; unlike a conventional extinguisher made of water, it is able to eliminate electrical dangers without the threat of electrocution. They work by eliminating the heat component of the triangle of fire and are classified as the C and A fires.
They can be employed on Class C fires because the extinguisher is made of de-ionized waters that do have the capability of conducting electricity. Additionally, the water is formulated in the form of a mist rather than a stream, which improves its cooling as well as soaking properties and minimizes the scattering of the burning substances.
It is worth noting that even after the flames have been put out, the danger of fire, as well as electrocution risk, will continue to exist as long as the malfunctioning electronic component or device remains connected to the source of power.
If sufficient time passes, the extinguishing agents may become ineffective, and the fire might re-ignite. The area won’t be secured till the source of power is removed and the fire is entirely gone.
You can also check the detailed guide of How to Use a Fire Extinguisher? with video guide.
How to Fight a Class C Fire
An unintentional fire of Class C could turn into a Class A fire if the substance in flames is disconnected from the primary source of power (i.e., an appliance on fire is disconnected from the electrical outlet).
However, this isn’t always secure or safe, and it’s sometimes unclear whether an appliance is disconnected from its power source. If water is used to fight a Class C fire that continues to be powered by an electric source, potentially catastrophic results could occur.
The person fighting the fire might be struck by lightning if a water-based extinguisher is used to contain the flames of Class C.
This is why using an approved classification C fire extinguisher and knowing how to properly use it is crucial for total fire security. Fire extinguishers of Class C can be suited to smothering the flames of a fire that is in contact with an electrical supply. Suppose it is determined that the flame is free of an electrical source.
In that case, a Class C extinguisher could be switched to an extinguisher suitable for dealing with classes A and B fires. But, in most instances, an extinguisher made of dry chemicals is used for classes A and B, and C fires.
Preventing Class C Fires
The best strategy for fighting fires is to prevent them. For Class C fires, ensure that all your electrical wiring, appliances, and equipment are compliant and in good condition. Avoid overloaded outlets and improperly charging electrical equipment. However, fires are possible even in the most well-maintained areas.
You should ensure that you are equipped with a modern fire extinguisher specifically designed to deal with Class C fires near any location in which an electrical fire could occur.
Know the emergency equipment for fire protection and know how you can use it to be fully prepared should there be a fire of Class C. Always speak with your local fire authorities regarding the most appropriate safety measures for your property.
Check Full details of different Fire Extinguisher
- Class A Fire Extinguisher
- Class B Fire Extinguisher
- Class C Fire Extinguisher
- Class D Fire Extinguisher
- Class K Fire Extinguisher
- Kitchen Fire Extinguisher
FAQs
What is fire Class C?
A Class C fire is a fire that involves electrical equipment, appliances, or wiring. These fires are caused by overloaded or damaged electrical outlets or power cors.
What is the best fire extinguisher for Class C?
Carbon Dioxide and Halotron Fire extinguishers are the best options to extinguish the fire without damaging the sensitive equipment for fires that involve sensitive equipment such as computers, servers, data centers, or other electrical equipment.
Which is an example of a Class C fire?
A Class C fire is any fire that uses electrical components or energized equipment for its fuel source. Electric fires are frequently fueled by appliances, motors, and electronic transformers.
Electrical fires are pretty common in industries that use heavy, electrically-powered equipment or deal with energy.
What is C type extinguisher?
Electrical equipment is energized in Class C fires. Fire extinguishers classified as C are designed to put out fires involving electrical equipment.
What is Class C material?
The flame spread rating for Class C fire ratings is between 76 to 200. This rating includes building materials such as plywood, fiberboard and hardboard siding panels. This rating also includes faster-burning whole woods.
Can you use water on a Class C fire?
No, Water and foam cannot be used on a Class C fire.
How long is a Class C fire rating?
lass C – Flame-spread 76-200, smoke developed 0-450.
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