Water extinguishers are suitable for which combination of fire classes?

Water extinguishers are suitable for which combination of fire classes?

• A. A only
• B. A and B
• C. A, B, and C
• D. B and C only

Answer: (C)

Water extinguishers are designed to cool the burning material, which makes them effective for Class A fires (ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, textiles). They should not be used on Class B fires (flammable liquids) because water can spread the liquid and intensify the fire, and they are not suitable for Class C fires (live electrical equipment) because water conducts electricity and can cause shocks or energize more parts of the system. Therefore, water extinguishers are suitable only for Class A fires. If Class B or C fires occur, other extinguishing agents such as foam, dry chemical, or CO2 are used.

Water extinguishers are designed to cool the burning material, which makes them effective for Class A fires (ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, textiles). They should not be used on Class B fires (flammable liquids) because water can spread the liquid and intensify the fire, and they are not suitable for Class C fires (live electrical equipment) because water conducts electricity and can cause shocks or energize more parts of the system. Therefore, water extinguishers are suitable only for Class A fires. If Class B or C fires occur, other extinguishing agents such as foam, dry chemical, or CO2 are used.