California Cosmetology Written ExamSafety and Infection ControlMedium
A flat iron's cord shorts out and sparks, igniting a small fire near an electrical outlet at a styling station. Which type of fire extinguisher should be used to safely put out this fire?
- AA bucket of water thrown directly on the outlet
- BClass B (foam) extinguisher only
- CClass C or multipurpose ABC extinguisher rated for electrical fires
- DClass A (water-based) extinguisher
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Class C or multipurpose ABC extinguisher rated for electrical fires
Electrical fires require a Class C or ABC-rated extinguisher, since water or water-based extinguishers can conduct electricity and cause severe shock. Foam extinguishers are typically for flammable liquids, not electrical sources.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Water on an electrical fire creates a severe shock hazard.
- B. Foam extinguishers are meant for flammable liquid fires, not electrical.
- D. Water conducts electricity and could cause electrocution.
Fire Extinguisher Classes
Fire extinguishers are classified by fire type: Class A for ordinary combustibles, Class B for flammable liquids, Class C for electrical fires, and ABC combo units cover most salon hazards.
- Never use water on an electrical fire
- Class C extinguishers use non-conductive agents
- ABC combo extinguishers are common in salons
Memory trick: 'Electrical spark? Grab the C, not the H2O.'