What type of fire extinguisher is appropriate for fires involving live electrical equipment?

Fires involving live electrical equipment require a specific type of fire extinguisher that does not conduct electricity and is safe to use on energized circuits. The appropriate choice for such situations is indeed Class C fire extinguishers. These extinguishers are filled with non-conductive agents, making them suitable for extinguishing fires that involve electrical components.

Using a Class C extinguisher effectively mitigates the risk of shock or further electrical hazards while addressing the fire. Class C extinguishers typically use substances such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical agents, which can safely put out the flames without conducting electricity.

In contrast, Class A extinguishers are intended for ordinary combustibles like wood or paper, Class B extinguishers are designed for flammable liquids, and Class D extinguishers are specifically for combustible metals. Therefore, they pose a safety risk when used on live electrical fires, reinforcing why Class C is the only suitable option for this type of incident.