Public Vessel Operators License Practice Exam

Which statement about extinguishing methods for energized electrical fires is correct?

Water is the primary method for Class C fires. Never use water around energized electrical equipment; use CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers instead. Water is safe when power is on. Water rapidly cools and de-energizes electrical equipment.

Correct Answer:

Never use water around energized electrical equipment; use CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers instead.

Explanation:

Electrified fires require avoiding anything that can conduct electricity. Water conducts electricity, so using it on a live electrical fire can allow current to travel through the extinguishing stream or through you, causing electric shock and potentially spreading the fault through energized equipment. The safer, more effective options are non-conductive extinguishing agents like CO2 or dry chemical, which suppress the flame without creating a conductive path or leaving conductive residues. Water does not de-energize equipment and can worsen the situation if power is still on. If possible, shut off the power first, then apply an appropriate non-conductive extinguisher for any remaining fire.

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