Which fire extinguisher classes correspond to ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires?

Which fire extinguisher classes correspond to ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires?

• A. Class A for ordinary combustibles, Class B for flammable liquids, Class C for electrical fires.
• B. Class B for ordinary combustibles, Class C for flammable liquids, Class A for electrical fires.
• C. Class D for all three.
• D. Class K for all three.

Answer: (A)

Understanding which extinguisher class to use depends on the fuel that’s burning and whether electricity is involved. Ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles are best fought with extinguishers labeled for Class A, which are designed to cool the material below its ignition point. Flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, or solvents require extinguishers labeled for Class B, which work by separating the fuel from the fire or by displacing/isolating the heat source. Electrical fires need extinguishers labeled for Class C, which use non-conductive agents to blanket the fire without energizing the electrical system (and you should shut off power if it’s safe to do so). So the correct match is ordinary combustibles with Class A, flammable liquids with Class B, and electrical fires with Class C. Other classifications exist for different hazards (for example, metals or cooking fats), and using the wrong type can spread the fire or pose additional risks.

Understanding which extinguisher class to use depends on the fuel that’s burning and whether electricity is involved. Ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles are best fought with extinguishers labeled for Class A, which are designed to cool the material below its ignition point. Flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, or solvents require extinguishers labeled for Class B, which work by separating the fuel from the fire or by displacing/isolating the heat source. Electrical fires need extinguishers labeled for Class C, which use non-conductive agents to blanket the fire without energizing the electrical system (and you should shut off power if it’s safe to do so).

So the correct match is ordinary combustibles with Class A, flammable liquids with Class B, and electrical fires with Class C. Other classifications exist for different hazards (for example, metals or cooking fats), and using the wrong type can spread the fire or pose additional risks.