Class C Fires – Understanding different types of fire and how to combat them is very important to both landlords, homeowners, and firefighting teams. There’s always a risk of experiencing different types of fire in our homes and commercial buildings. Each of these type of fires require special equipment and knowledge to deal with.
Class C fires are different other types of fires in the sense that they burn combustibles as well as electrical components – that can be energized at any time.
Also known as electrical fires, class C fires require specialized extinguishers to put off the fire. Besides, there are several precautions to be considered when it comes to dealing with class C fires. It is important to understand the unique characteristics of a class C fire and how to combat it as quickly as possible. Click here for the Best-Selling Fire Safety Products.
Understanding class C fires
A class C fire can be described as an energized electrical fire. Energized means that the fire is being fueled from a particular source of power. The fire may start as a result of a short circuit, power code damage, faulty wiring, overloaded electrical outlets, or overcharged devices.
In other words, any place that has electrical wiring or where there’s electrical equipment has the potential of experiencing a class C fire.
If a fire happens in an electric conductor like a power panel, kitchen appliance, media device, or computer, then electricity energizing the equipment serves as the source of ignition or spark.
This means that foam and water foam cannot be used to put off class C fires since they are incapable of counteracting the repeated electrical sparks. The fact that water is a conductor of electricity means that trying to use it to put off a class C fire will only spread the electrical current.
What happens when electrical devices are energized?
Normally, there’s no harm when electrical gadgets, components, equipment, and devices are energized. There is no danger unless they are used incorrectly.
Once the fire has been determined as class C, the first thing is to identify the supply of the electrical fire and cut it off. This should be done as soon as possible – because as the electric current flows, it serves as a major ignition source and is likely to increase the size if fire.
How to detect a class C fire
It is difficult to deal with a fire if you don’t know what type is it. Understanding the type of fire will help you to get the right equipment and substances to extinguish the fire.
You can detect a class C fire through the presence of burning gas. The most popular flammable gases that cause fire include butane, methane, and propane.
Irrespective of where they are stored, flammable gases present a significant risk if they are not kept properly. Similar to class B, class C fires are not easy to control and can cause enormous damage.
One of the reasons why Class C fires cannot be controlled easily is that gases are usually heavier than air – meaning they can travel much faster towards the ignition source and cause the fire to spread widely. Class C fires can also explode and cause immense damage.
Fighting class C fires
One of the most important things to remember is that a class C fire cannot be put off using water. You will only make things worse if you attempt to do so. You can only use non-conductive substances to extinguish a Class C fire.
Class C fires can be turned into class A fires if the materials in the flames are disconnected from the major source. However, this may not the very safe because sometimes it will be difficult to know if the device or appliance has been totally cut off from the power source.
The most effective way to deal with class C fires is by using carbon dioxide extinguishers as well as those that contain dry chemicals such as PKP.
It is important to have class C fire extinguishers and understand how to properly use them. The extinguishers are the only ones designed for smothering the fire flames connected to the source of electricity.
Once it has been established that the device or appliance has completely been disconnected from any source of electricity, you can then switch the extinguisher to a mode appropriate for class A fires.
Equipment for class C fires
These type of fires require a substance that’s’ able to break or disrupt the elements feeding the fire such as heat, oxygen, and fuel.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are good when it comes to combating class C fires. This is because they help in smothering the fire by getting rid of the oxygen. Besides, they also suppress the heat – since the substance is extremely cold.
Dry chemical extinguishers
Dry chemical extinguishers are also commonly used in combating Class C fires. They are effective because they help in breaking the elements burning the fire.
The fire goes off after the two major elements (fuel and oxygen) are not able to interact – because of the introduction of a dry chemical from the fire extinguisher.
There are several other fire extinguishers that can be used to deal with class C fires. Most of them contain potassium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, or monoammonium phosphate.
Protecting your homes and business against class C fires
The best way to fight class C fire is prevention. It is important to ensure that all appliances, electrical components, and wiring are done correctly and well maintained. Overloading outlets and improper charging of electrical devices should be avoided.
Additionally, ensure that you have the latest fire extinguisher designed for class C fires. The extinguishers should be placed close to every point where an electrical fire can occur.
You should also ensure that everyone in the house or commercial building is properly trained on how to handle the firefighting equipment.
Finally, remember that class C fires happen very first. They can also spread rapidly, and if quick action is not taken, then the fire can cause severe damage. Click here for the Best-Selling Fire Safety Products.