Fires in electrical equipment near motors, panelboards, and wiring are classified as which class?

Fires in electrical equipment near motors, panelboards, and wiring are classified as which class?

• A. Class A
• B. Class C
• C. Class B
• D. Class D

Answer: (B)

Fires involving electrical equipment such as motors, panelboards, and wiring are Class C. This labeling reflects that the fuel and hazard come from electrical energy inside the equipment, so responders treat them as electrical fires. The right approach is to use extinguishing methods appropriate for electrical fires and, if safe, de-energize power before attacking the flames. Class A covers ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, Class B covers flammable liquids, and Class D covers combustible metals, none of which describe a fire inside electrical equipment.

Fires involving electrical equipment such as motors, panelboards, and wiring are Class C. This labeling reflects that the fuel and hazard come from electrical energy inside the equipment, so responders treat them as electrical fires. The right approach is to use extinguishing methods appropriate for electrical fires and, if safe, de-energize power before attacking the flames. Class A covers ordinary combustibles like wood and paper, Class B covers flammable liquids, and Class D covers combustible metals, none of which describe a fire inside electrical equipment.