What Type of Fire Extinguisher Should be Used in an Electric Fire Emergency?

Electric fires are particularly challenging to combat. As they are caused due to electronic malfunctions, fused wires, or overloaded electric charges, they can be very dangerous. In addition, such fires cannot be extinguished using a water-based fire extinguisher. Thus, the commercial facilities need to install specialized fire extinguishers in NYC to combat such fire threats.

Fire extinguishers are classified into different classes depending on the type of fires they can be used to extinguish. There are five types of fire extinguishers, namely Class A, B, C, D, and K, each used to smother a particular kind of fire. Therefore, it is crucial to know which type of fire extinguisher should be used for different fires. For example, Class C fire extinguishers are used to combat electric fires.

What is a Class C Fire Extinguisher?

A Class C fire is caused due to malfunctioning electric equipment that poses a significant threat of injury and electric shock. Thus, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers classified as “Class C” are installed in facilities that are at risk of electrical, chemical, or combustible liquid fires to combat fire emergencies. The CO2 fire extinguishers can effectively engulf the flames and eliminate the oxygen supply to the fire. In addition, CO2 is naturally cold and cools down the heat immediately. Thus, they are best suitable for suppressing Class C fires.

Precautions When Extinguishing an Electric Fire

• Make sure to shut down the main power or unplug the electric equipment from the socket before using the fire extinguisher.

• There is a greater danger if a water-based fire extinguisher is used for an electric fire as the user can get electrocuted. Thus, make sure to check the fire extinguisher type and ensure it's a class C extinguisher with CO2 or dry chemicals extinguishing agent. You can also use a multipurpose Class ABC dry chemicals fire extinguisher for electric fires.

• The fire extinguisher must be inspected and serviced regularly to keep it well-maintained and ready for fire emergencies. Thus, it is recommended to hire a professional fire extinguisher service company for proper fire extinguisher repair, maintenance, and inspections in compliance with the NFPA guidelines.

• It is crucial to follow the right directions for using the fire extinguisher effectively during a fire. So, make sure to regularly review the fire extinguisher instructions to be familiar with how to use it properly during a fire emergency.

• The fire extinguisher should be safely stored in a good-quality cabinet. In addition, make sure to replace the fire extinguisher cabinet parts immediately if they get damaged to ensure the fire extinguisher is protected and ready to be used at any time.

If you want to install fire extinguishers in your facility in NYC or schedule a routine fire extinguisher inspection by certified professionals, get in touch with our team for expert assistance today!