Safety is a priority when it comes to residential or commercial fire prevention, particularly when dealing with electricity. Electrical fires can flare up at any time so it pays to get the proper extinguisher ahead of time, or risk your own and others’ safety in the event of a real emergency. That’s where the Class C fire extinguisher is crucial. In this guide, we’ll take a look at how this type of fire extinguisher differs from others, cover other types of fire extinguishers, and we’ll also hit on an often overlooked, but very important, cost of a fire sprinkler system.
What Is a Class C Fire Extinguisher?
A Class C fire extinguisher is rated for use with energized electrical equipment. These can be things like outlets, circuit breakers, electric motors, computers, any number of things plugged into a live electrical outlet. As water is a conductor of electricity, using water based extinguishers for such fires is dangerous, as it can result in an electrocution. Class C fire extinguishers, instead, use non-conductive agents such as CO2 or dry chemical powders to break the fire triangle (heat, fuel, oxygen) without the risk of conductivity.
Importantly the arson fire will convert to a Class A or B fire when the electricity source is turned off, depending on the material involved. But only a Class C fire extinguisher should be used as long as the electricity remains on.
Why Are Class C Fires Dangerous?
“Electrical fires are especially hazardous because they can begin within walls or behind equipment, where the danger is not immediately apparent.” When they do flare, they can spread rapidly and set nearby combustibles aflame. Plus, with electricity present, there is not just the fire risk but the electrocution risk/shock to anyone trying to put the fire out incorrectly. This is why knowing how to use different types of fire extinguisher is crucial.
Adding emphasis, the arson fire will become a Class A or Class B fire when the electricity supply is removed, depending on the material. But electricity is still on so I can only use a Class C fire extinguisher.
Types of Fire Extinguisher and Their Functions
There are multiple types of fire extinguisher, and each is designed for specific fire classes:
- Class A – For fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, and paper. Usually water-based or foam.
- Class B – For flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and paint. Uses foam, CO₂, or dry chemicals.
- Class C – For electrical fires. Non-conductive agents like CO₂ and dry chemicals are used.
- Class D – For combustible metals like magnesium or titanium. Uses a specialized dry powder.
- Class K – For kitchen fires involving cooking oil and grease. Uses a wet chemical extinguishing agent.
- Multipurpose (ABC) – These extinguishers are commonly used in commercial and residential spaces and can handle Classes A, B, and C.
The categorisation of fire extinguishers and which is best to use. If you use a Class A fire extinguisher on an electrical fire, you run the risk of serious injury. If you have several types of hazards, then it’s a practical decision to just have a pole with different types of extinguishers, including a class c fire extinguisher.
Complementing Extinguishers with Fire Sprinkler Systems
Although a fire extinguisher can provide immediate manual response to a fire, it’s not a substitute for an automated system in a large space. And this is where fire sprinkler systems can help. But there are plenty of others that are hesitant, because they’re concerned about the fire sprinkler cost in order for it to be installed.
The cost of a fire sprinkler system is really no different, and is determined in large part by the same factors: type of building, the size of the building, the complexity of the system, and whether it is a new construction or a retrofit. On average:
- The cost for fire sprinkler installation for single family dwellings is usually between $1 and $2 per square foot of the area being covered with the addition of a local city permit.
- Retrofitting existing homes can raise the cost of a fire sprinkler system to about $2 to $7 a square foot.
- Whether wet, dry, pre-action, various system options will cost between $2.00 and $10.00 per sqft in a commercial building.
While the price tag upfront can be high, the long-term advantages including decreased insurance rates and less property damage can make the initial investment of a fire sprinkler system worthwhile. When combined with a Class C fire extinguisher,the fire sprinkler system also gives a strong shield against fire.
Training and Maintenance
No, you have to have a Class C fire extinguisher first. It is also crucial to educate staff or family on its proper use. The first thing you should try to recall is the PASS technique Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep, a common operation for fire extinguishers. Also, all types of fire extinguishers need to be regularly maintained and should be inspected every year and kept up as part of your fire safety plans. Test pressure gages, expiration dates, and accessibility.
And even if crews eat the cost of installing a fire sprinkler system, keeping the equipment in good working order with regular inspections is still required. If you don’t maintain fire extinguishers and sprinklers they can fail and create catastrophic results.
Conclusion
Electrical fires are scary and incredibly dangerous, but knowledge coupled with a few key tools can make them far less frightening. A Class C fire extinguisher kept in a room with electronic gadgets and/or wiring might be of assistance as well. Knowing the various types of fire extinguisher will ensure that you are ready for the various types of fire.
A fire sprinkler system price may seem costly at first, but what other system will automatically extinguish a fire for you, and should be considered an invaluable piece of any fire protection tactics. By carrying fire extinguishers in close proximity to your sprinklers (standards for Class C fire extinguishers), you can do your part to save lives and property.