Extinguishers for electrical fires in elevator equipment should be rated for which class?

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

Answer: (C)

Electrical fires in elevator equipment involve live electrical components, so the extinguisher must not conduct electricity. Extinguishers rated for Class C are designed for energized electrical equipment and use non-conductive agents (such as dry chemical or clean agents) that help interrupt the current path and cool the fuel without creating a shock risk. That makes them the appropriate choice for fires inside control panels, motors, and wiring found in elevators. Other classes target ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, or metals, which don’t address the electrical hazard present here. If power can be shut off safely, you would then address the remaining fire by its new class, but the immediate need in elevator equipment is a Class C-rated extinguisher.