NCIDQ IDFX Practice Exam

What type of fire extinguisher would you use in a situation where electrical equipment is involved?

1. Type A

2. Type B

3. Type C

4. Type D

The correct answer is: Type C

In a situation involving electrical equipment, the appropriate fire extinguisher is one specifically rated for electrical fires, which is classified as Type C. Type C extinguishers are specially designed to safely extinguish fires that involve live electrical equipment, such as wiring, appliances, or machinery. These extinguishers typically contain non-conductive agents, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical powders like monoammonium phosphate, that can effectively stop the fire without conducting electricity and creating a risk of electric shock. Using the correct type of extinguisher is crucial for safety. For instance, Type A extinguishers are meant for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, while Type B is for flammable liquids such as gasoline and oils. Type D extinguishers are intended for combustible metals. Using any of these extinguishers on electrical fires could result in danger both to the person attempting to extinguish the fire and to the electrical equipment itself. Therefore, Type C is the only suitable choice when dealing with electrical fires.