What is the primary characteristic of a Class C fire?

A Class C fire is primarily characterized by the involvement of energized electrical equipment. This type of fire occurs when electrical devices, wiring, or appliances ignite due to faults, overloads, or malfunctioning components. Class C fires require special handling because using water to extinguish them can be dangerous, as water is a conductor of electricity and can create a risk of electrocution. Instead, appropriate extinguishing agents such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical extinguishers are used to safely remove the heat or interrupt the chemical reaction without conducting electricity.

Understanding Class C fires is essential for safety in environments where electrical equipment is common, as different methods are required to effectively and safely extinguish these fires compared to fires involving other materials, such as those in Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), or Class K (cooking media).