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One of the most common questions we hear is, “Is this an electrical fire?” It’s a fair ask. Electrical issues are behind many calls to the fire service, and knowing what counts as a Class of electrical fire can be confusing.

Here’s the plain truth: Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment. The danger comes not only from the flames but also from the risk of electrical shock, which means you can’t reach for just any extinguisher.

In this guide, we’ll keep it simple: clear causes, practical prevention tips, and the right gear you’ll want on hand because choosing the proper fire extinguisher can be the difference between putting out a spark and making the fire worse.

Key Takeaways

• Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment and require non-conductive extinguishers like CO₂ or dry chemical until power is shut off.
• Everyday hazards (faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and damaged cords) cause most electrical fires, making prevention and early detection critical.
• The right extinguisher matters. Matching extinguishing agents to the fire class is essential to protect people, property, and equipment safely.

What “Class C” Really Means (and When It Stops Being Class C)

A Class C fire is any fire involving energized electrical equipment, such as outlets, wiring, or electrical panels that still have power running through them. The electricity itself is what makes this fire dangerous, not just the flames.

Here’s the key detail: once the power is cut, it’s no longer considered a Class C. At that point, you treat it like the actual fuel involved. Often, that means Class A (ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, or plastic), but in some industrial settings, it might also mean Class B if flammable liquids are present.

Why does that matter? Because not all fire extinguishers are safe to use on a live electrical fire. Spray water or foam on it, and you risk serious injury from electrical shock.

Instead, you need a Class C fire extinguisher that uses a non-conductive extinguishing agent like carbon dioxide or certain dry chemical extinguishers. These knock down flames without carrying current back to the person holding the extinguisher.

It’s also why fire safety training emphasizes using the right tool for the right type of fire. Choosing incorrectly can make the fire worse and put people in harm’s way.

Everyday Causes We See (Home and Workplace)

Most electrical fires don’t start with dramatic sparks—they build quietly from everyday issues we all recognize. Here are some of the most common culprits our team comes across:

• Overloaded circuits: Plugging too many devices into a single outlet or power strip can push wiring past its limit.
• Faulty wiring and worn cords: Frayed insulation, loose plugs, or damaged electrical components create hidden ignition points.
• Extension cords as permanent wiring: These are designed for short-term use, not to power an office printer or server closet day after day.
• Wrong bulb wattage: Using a bulb that’s too hot for a fixture is a recipe for overheating.
• Heat sources too close to combustibles: Think space heaters tucked under desks or appliances pushed against paper and plastic.

In workplaces, these hazards multiply in the server rooms, kitchens, shops, and even medical spaces like operating rooms need extra vigilance because of sensitive equipment and higher loads.

And here’s a quick stat worth noting: according to safety research, extension cords are a major source of fires involving flammable materials, leading to hundreds of incidents each year. Simple fixes go a long way:

• Don’t “daisy-chain” power strips.
• Choose cords with built-in overload protection.
• Replace damaged cords immediately.

It's important to create a culture of fire protection where both homes and businesses are set up for fire safety every day.

Spotting Trouble Early

Electrical problems rarely start with flames. More often, they show themselves through small but important warning signs. If you notice:

• Breakers tripping repeatedly
• Outlets or plugs that feel warm or smell unusual
• Panels that buzz or hum
• Lights that flicker without explanation

…these are all signals that something isn’t right.

The first step is to disconnect power safely if you can. Flip the breaker or unplug the device without putting yourself at risk. If the problem continues or you’re unsure, evacuate and call 911. It’s always better to have professionals check it than to risk turning a warning sign into a full fire.

Remember, electrical hazards fall into their own category of fire classes. Just as Class B fires deal with flammable liquids and fires involving flammable gases need specialized responses, a Class C situation demands the right extinguisher and approach.

Portable fire extinguishers and larger fire suppression systems are built with different extinguishing agents—foam for cooking oils and class K fires, dry powder extinguishers for combustible metals, and non-conductive agents like CO₂ or dry chemical agents for electrical fires.

Knowing the early signs gives you the chance to stop an issue before it sparks into something more serious.

What to Use (and What Not to)

When it comes to electrical fires, the right extinguisher isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Do use:

• Class C-rated extinguishers designed for energized equipment
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) units for electronics and panels
• Clean agents or certain dry chemical extinguishers that won’t conduct electricity

These options will safely extinguish flames without sending current back toward the operator.

Don’t use:

• Water or foam extinguishers on energized equipment. While water is effective for Class A fires, it becomes dangerous when electricity is present. Foam, meanwhile, is meant for fires involving flammable liquids like fuel or oil.
• Once the power is cut, the fire is no longer Class C. At that point, treat it according to the material that’s burning. It could shift into ordinary combustibles, a Class D fire if burning metals are involved, or even a Class F fire, such as grease fires in a kitchen. Each type of fire calls for its own specific extinguishers and strategy.

The bottom line: match the extinguishing class to the hazard. Using the wrong method risks worsening the fire or triggering a dangerous chemical reaction.

Matching Gear to the Risk (How We Help)

Not every fire looks the same, and neither should your protection plan. The right extinguisher or system depends on the type of fire you might face:

• CO₂ units: Ideal for electrical panels and equipment rooms, where you need to safely extinguish flames without damaging components.
• Clean-agent systems: Perfect for server closets or sensitive electronics that can’t handle residue.
• Multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers: Cover a wide range, from Class A combustibles to fires involving flammable liquids.

When hazards expand (flammable liquid fires in an industrial shop, grease fires in kitchens, or even burning metals in specialty facilities), you need the right specific extinguishers. Water or foam extinguishers work in some cases, but using the wrong method risks worsening the flames or creating a dangerous chemical reaction. That’s where matching the right extinguishing class matters most.

At Swartz Fire & Safety, we provide a full solution:

• Portable extinguishers for every hazard
• Engineered suppression systems for complex environments
• Detection and control systems that buy you precious time
• On-site service, recharging, and inspections to keep your gear ready
• Hands-on employee extinguisher training so your team can act with confidence

Because protecting your people and property means having the right tools in the right place and ready when you need them.

Simple Prevention Checklist

Most electrical fires can be prevented with everyday habits. Here are some quick, practical steps to keep in mind at home and at work:

• Plug major appliances directly into wall outlets—never into extension cords.
• Don’t run cords under rugs or furniture where heat can build unnoticed.
• Always use the correct bulb wattage for your fixtures.
• Keep clear space around electrical panels and equipment for ventilation and safety.
• Label panels so breakers can be shut off quickly in an emergency.
• Avoid overloading power strips and never daisy-chain them together.
• Choose surge- or overload-protected devices whenever possible.
• Schedule regular inspections to catch issues like faulty wiring before they spark.

Small steps like these reduce hidden risks and give your fire protection tools, whether portable fire extinguishers or full suppression systems, the best chance to work when you need them.

For Facility Managers: Placement & Maintenance

The best fire protection plan is making sure they’re the right ones, in the right place, and always ready to go. We help facility managers across Central PA with:

• Proper staging of Class C-rated units near electrical panels and equipment rooms
• Annual inspections and recharging to keep your portable fire extinguishers and suppression systems compliant and reliable
• Employee training that builds real confidence because knowing how to pull the pin and aim matters just as much as having the extinguisher on the wall

Swartz Fire & Safety is proudly NAFED-certified and has been serving businesses in Central Pennsylvania for decades. If you’re ready for a hands-on partner who understands placement, maintenance, and training, we’d be glad to schedule an on-site visit. Contact us.

Conclusion

Electrical fires don’t have to be complicated. When you know what a Class C fire is, how it starts, and which extinguishers are safe, you’re already ahead. With the right habits and properly maintained gear, most risks can be stopped before they spark. At Swartz Fire & Safety, we’re here to keep your people, property, and equipment protected—every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Class C fires different from other types of fires?

Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment. The electricity itself makes them dangerous, which is why only non-conductive extinguishing agents, like CO₂ or dry chemical, are safe until the power is shut off.

How are Class B fires different from Class C fires?

Class B fires involve flammable liquids or gases, such as gasoline, solvents, or propane. Unlike Class C, they don’t require electricity to be dangerous. Each class requires its own extinguisher to put the fire out safely.

Why is carbon dioxide often used on electrical fires?

Carbon dioxide is a non-conductive extinguishing agent. It smothers flames by displacing oxygen without leaving behind residue, making it especially useful for electrical panels and equipment where cleanup and safety matter.

What about Class K and Class D fires? How do those compare?

Class K fires involve cooking oils and fats, which are common in commercial kitchens. Class D fires involve burning metals like magnesium or sodium, often in industrial settings. Both require very specific extinguishers, and you can’t use water or general-purpose units without risking a chemical reaction or making the fire worse.