Which of the following fire extinguisher types is best used for the electrical fires that might result when working with computer components Class A Class B Class C Class D?

Using an improper fire extinguisher on an electrical fire like this could be ineffective and harmful to your equipment.

Picture this: you’re having a normal day at work when the smell hits you – that odd, burning, electrical smell. You look around and notice that a server is smoking and starting to catch fire. Before you reach for your fire extinguisher on the wall, do you know if it’s the right kind for the fire? Using an improper fire extinguisher on an electrical fire like this could be ineffective and harmful to your equipment. When it comes to protecting your office and property from a fire, it is essential to understand the different classes of fire extinguishers required. Here are some of the right kinds of fire extinguishers to use around servers and computers.

Why Fire Extinguisher Type is Important

Many individuals know where inside their homes or buildings their fire extinguisher is located, but few realize that they are categorized according to the kinds of fires they can help fight. Using the wrong kind of fire extinguisher for a fire could result in ineffective fire suppression, property damage, or even harm to your employees. Electrical fires involving computers and other sensitive electronic equipment can be very tricky. Class C fires are typically the kind of fire involved with computer equipment, and certain extinguishers, like water extinguishers, will not work at all and could make the situation more dangerous.

Class C Agent Fire Extinguishers

Clean agent fire extinguishers are used for Class C fires. Some of the best include:

Halocarbon-Based Fire Extinguisher

These are usually the ideal choice for server rooms with sensitive equipment. While these kinds of extinguishers can be used for both Class C and C, they’re perfect for use on electronic equipment because they don’t leave a residue that could hurt the electric components. Some common halocarbon-based extinguishing agents you could find in fire extinguishers are FE-36 (CleanGuard) and HCFC (Halotron I). HCFC is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon agent that leaves no residue and is environmentally safe. FE-36 is a hydrofluorocarbon agent that is similar to HCHFC-123 but with no ozone depletion potential.

Halon 1211 Fire Extinguishers

Halon 1211 is a type of chlorofluorocarbon, liquefied gas that is no longer produced but still recycled for fire extinguishing purposes. Halon 1211 extinguishers are still used and are safe for use on electronic-based fires.

CO2 Fire Extinguishers

CO2 fire extinguishers are another reliable option for use on electrical fires involving high-value and sensitive electrical equipment. It can be used on both Class C or Class B fires, leaves no residue, is non-conductive, and is also a non-contaminant gas. The Co2 suffocates the fire, removing oxygen from the area and disrupting and extinguishing it. This kind of extinguisher is safe for your electronics.

Fire Protection Services from Fireline

Whether you need smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or an automatic sprinkler system installed at your commercial property, Fireline has you covered. We have been protecting people and property from fire damage since 1947—and our experience shows in our excellent work! We are known for our superb customer service, our expertise, and our reliability. For more information on how we can help your residential or commercial property, visit us online or give us a call at (800) 553-3405. We are located in Baltimore, MD, with a second office in Leesburg, VA. For more fire safety tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

What To Know About Class C Fire Extinguishers and Electrical Fires

Knowing fire classifications is an essential part of any fire safety plan, particularly in commercial settings where electrical, chemical, or flammable liquid fires can occur. Different kinds of fires are fought with different approaches and require specific types of extinguishers. Class C fires, sometimes referred to as electrical fires, require their own Class C fire extinguishers. There are also certain precautions that must be taken when confronting a Class C fire. Understanding the distinct qualities of Class C fires and how to prevent and extinguish them is vital for keeping your commercial and residential buildings safe.

What Are Class C Fires?

When a fire occurs in an electrical unit such as a kitchen appliance, power panel, computer, or other media device, the electricity powering the equipment acts as a constant source of spark or ignition. Water and water-based foams are not capable of putting out Class C fires because they cannot counteract the constant, electrical ignition source. Because water conducts electrical currents, using water on a Class C fire can result in a spread of the electricity and therefore the fire’s source of ignition.

“Class C” is a term that distinguishes a fire from Class A and Class B fires. Class A is a category for fires consuming a source like fire or wood that can be extinguished with water, and Class B fires are fueled by flammable liquids like gasoline.

How to Fight a Class C Fire

A Class C fire can become a class A fire if the material in flames is cut off from the main power source (i.e. a computer on fire is unplugged from the electrical outlet). However, this is not always safe or possible and sometimes it’s unclear if an appliance is completely cut off from its source of power. If water is used on a Class C fire that continues to be fueled by an electric power source, dangerous and even fatal results can occur. The person fighting the fire may be electrocuted if a water-based extinguisher is utilized in an attempt to control a Class C fire.

This is why having a Class C fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it properly is so important for comprehensive fire safety. Class C fire extinguishers are the only type suitable for smothering the flames of a fire that is still connected to an electrical source. Once it becomes clear the burning object is completely disconnected from any electrical sources, a Class C extinguisher may be switched out for an extinguisher appropriate for fighting Class A fires. However, often times a dry chemical fire extinguisher can be used on Class A, B, and C fires.

Fire Extinguishers For Class C Fires

A Class C fire requires an agent that can break apart the elements that feed a fire: oxygen, heat, and fuel. Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers smother a fire by eliminating the oxygen. They also suppress the fire’s heat because their discharge is very cold. Similarly, dry chemical extinguishers work to separate the elements of a fire. The fire dies when the oxygen and fuel can no longer interact due to the chemicals introduced by a dry chemical extinguisher. These Class C fire extinguishers may contain monoammonium phosphate, potassium bicarbonate, or potassium chloride, all of which are suitable for putting out Class C fires.

Fire extinguishers of any type can only work to extinguish a fire when used properly. It is important to review fire extinguisher instructions regularly so you are familiar with its proper use should a fire ever occur. Additionally, make sure to test your fire extinguisher periodically to ensure it’s in proper working condition.

Preventing Class C Fires

The best fire-fighting strategy is prevention. For Class C fires, make sure all your wiring, appliances, and electrical components are up to code and in good working condition at all times. Avoid overloading outlets and improperly charging electrical devices. Still, fires can happen even in the best maintained environments.

Make sure you have an up-to-date fire extinguisher designed specifically for putting out Class C fires near any place where an electrical fire may occur. Know your fire safety equipment and how to use it so you can be fully prepared in the event of a Class C fire. As always, consult with local fire-fighting authorities on the best safety procedures for your building.