Faulty or defective electrical equipment, wiring, outlets, and other components can all contribute to an electrical fire.
Fires that involve electricity can be more dangerous and difficult to extinguish because they can spread quickly and cause shock dangers.
That is why it is critical to understand which type of fire extinguisher to use for electrical fires and how to use it safely and effectively.
Despite the fact that most workplaces have computers along with additional electrical equipment, it can be challenging to know what to do in the event of an electrical fire.
While flammable or flammable materials will be the fire’s true fuel, we’ll refer to it as an “electrical fire.”
Any fire safety plan has to deal with the various types of fires, particularly in workplaces where flammable substances, chemical compounds, and electricity can cause fires.
Electrical fires, also known as Class C fires, require specific fire extinguishers. Extra safety precautions must be taken when dealing with a Class C fire.
Your ability to identify and demolish Class C fires is critical to the safety of your home and business.
Different Kinds of Fire Extinguishers
There are a total of six kinds of fire: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, ‘Electrical’ and class F.
Class A fires
Combustible substances (caused by flammable solids, such as paper, wood, or fabric)
Class B Fires
Flammable liquids (such as gasoline, paint, or turpentine)
Class C Fires
Gases that are flammable (such as hydrogen, butane, and methane)
Class D Fires
Co1mbustible metals (chemicals like magnesium, potassium, and aluminum)
Electrical Fires
Electrical equipment (when the electrical item is removed, the fire shifts class)
Class F Fires
Oils used for cooking (for example, a chip-pan fire).
What are Class C fires?
A class C fire is powered by electricity. The term “energized” implies the existence of a power source.
This kind of fire can be triggered by short circuits, defective wiring, fragmented power cords, and excessively hot electronics, among other causes. Anywhere there is electrical machinery, there is a possibility of Class C fire.
Water or based on water foams cannot extinguish Class C fires because the electrical source of ignition cannot be controlled.
Someone attempting to extinguish a fire with water may sustain an electrical shock.
Watering down a Class C fire could thus disperse the energy and spark a new fire from a different location.
Fires are classified as Class C to distinguish them from A and B Class fires. Class A foam is controlled by water and involves fuels such as wood or fire, whereas Class B fires are started with liquids such as gasoline.
Carbon Dioxide and CO2 Extinguishers
CO2 fire extinguishers are frequently the primary type of extinguisher found in computer server rooms, and they are primarily used to combat electrical fire threats.
They also extinguish Class B flames, which are caused by flammable liquids such as paint or petroleum.
- Label Color: Black
- You can use it for: Flammable liquids, such as paint and petrol, Electric fires
- Avoid using it for: Flammable metals, Kitchen fires are mostly chip pan fires, Combustible materials include paper, wood, and textiles.
How to Extinguish a Class C Fire?
If the material used in flames has been removed from the primary source of electricity, an electrical fire can transform into a conventional fire.
This is neither practicable nor safe, and it can be difficult to tell when an object has been disconnected from its power source.
If water is used for fighting an electrical fire that is still connected to an electrical source, it can become dangerous, potentially dangerous.
To reduce risk, engage with the best Fire Fighting Company for electrical explosions in certain situations.
Equipment For Suppressing Fires In Electrical Systems
When putting out an electrical fire, an extinguisher must be used, which could eliminate the fire’s oxygen, fuel, and heat sources. Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers extinguish a fire by removing the oxygen.
They reduce the heat of the fire by discharging at a low temperature. Similarly, dry extinguishers work by separating the elements of a fire.
This extinguisher prevents the molecules of oxygen and fuel from integrating by releasing chemicals that also extinguish the fire.
Class C for Fire Prevention
Prevention is the most effective method of fighting a fire. To avoid a Class C fire, keep your wiring, electrical equipment, and appliances in good working order and up to code.
Do not overload sockets or overcharge electrical devices. Fires can occur in even the most well kept areas.
A modern fire extinguisher created specifically for extinguishing electrical fires should be kept nearby wherever an electrical fire could start.
Learn how to use your fire extinguisher so you’re fully prepared in the event of a Class C fire.
Consult United Fire & Safety Services for advice on the best safety measures for your premises at all times.
