CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyHard
A nurse aide is asked to help select the correct fire extinguisher for a small electrical fire in the nurses' station caused by a faulty outlet. Which class of fire extinguisher is appropriate?
- AClass A, for ordinary combustibles like paper and wood
- BClass C, for electrical fires
- CClass K, for kitchen grease fires
- DClass B, for flammable liquids and gases
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Class C, for electrical fires
Class C fire extinguishers are specifically designed for electrical fires because they use non-conductive extinguishing agents, unlike water-based Class A extinguishers which can cause electrocution.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Class A extinguishers often use water, which conducts electricity and is dangerous on electrical fires.
- C. Class K extinguishers are specifically for cooking oil and grease fires in kitchens.
- D. Class B extinguishers are for flammable liquids/gases, not electrical equipment fires.
Fire Extinguisher Classes
Fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire they are designed to fight: A (ordinary combustibles), B (flammable liquids), C (electrical), and K (kitchen grease).
- Class A: wood, paper, cloth
- Class B: liquids and gases
- Class C: electrical equipment
- Class K: cooking oils and fats
Memory trick: C is for Cords - use it on electrical shock hazards.