Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for electrical fires?

The suitability of a Class C fire extinguisher for electrical fires is based on its design to handle fires involving electrical equipment. Class C extinguishers use non-conductive agents that can safely extinguish flames originating from electrical sources without risking electrocution or further ignition caused by conductive materials.

Class C extinguishers often contain agents such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical powders that effectively suppress electrical fires by removing the oxygen or interrupting the chemical reaction fueling the fire without conducting electricity. This is crucial, as using water or other conductive agents on electrical fires can lead to serious hazards.

In contrast, Class A, Class B, and Class D extinguishers are specifically designed for other types of fires, such as those involving ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and combustible metals, respectively. As such, they are not appropriate for addressing electrical fires, which is why the Class C extinguisher is the recommended, safe choice in this situation.