Dry powder extinguishers are rated for use on fires of which class?

Dry powder extinguishers are rated for use on fires of which class?

• A. Water
• B. Dry powder
• C. CO2
• D. Foam

Answer: (B)

Dry powder extinguishers are designed to cover multiple fire classes. They are rated for Class A, B and C fires, meaning they can handle ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment fires. That broad, multi-class capability is why choosing the dry powder option is the best fit for the question. The other extinguishing media shown are typically associated with narrower class ratings—water mainly for A fires, foam for A and B, CO2 for B and C—with more limited effectiveness on certain targets. Dry powder works by coating the fuel, interrupting the chemical reactions in the flame, and separating the fuel from the oxygen, which makes it effective across those three fire types. Keep in mind it leaves a residue that can be irritating or damaging to sensitive electrical gear and requires cleanup after use.

Dry powder extinguishers are designed to cover multiple fire classes. They are rated for Class A, B and C fires, meaning they can handle ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment fires. That broad, multi-class capability is why choosing the dry powder option is the best fit for the question. The other extinguishing media shown are typically associated with narrower class ratings—water mainly for A fires, foam for A and B, CO2 for B and C—with more limited effectiveness on certain targets. Dry powder works by coating the fuel, interrupting the chemical reactions in the flame, and separating the fuel from the oxygen, which makes it effective across those three fire types. Keep in mind it leaves a residue that can be irritating or damaging to sensitive electrical gear and requires cleanup after use.