Deck General · Fire Theory & Classes
An electrician is working on an energized switchboard when insulation ignites. This fire is classified as:
- AClass A because the insulation is a solid combustible
- BClass C because energized electrical equipment is involved✓ Correct
- CClass B because the melting insulation behaves like a flammable liquid
- DClass D because copper wiring is a metal
Explanation
Class C designates fires involving energized electrical equipment. The key criterion is that the equipment is electrically energized, making water or conductive foam agents dangerous to the firefighter due to shock risk. A non-conductive agent (CO2, dry chemical) must be used. If the equipment is de-energized first, the fire may be reclassified as Class A.
Authority: Firefighting (USCG deck topic)
Practice the full Deck General bank
Free spaced-repetition quizzing across 2190 USCG exam questions — it schedules your reviews so the ones you miss come back until they stick.
Related Deck General questions
- Fire Theory & Classes
The fire triangle consists of three elements. Which answer correctly names all three?
- Fire Theory & Classes
The fire tetrahedron adds a fourth element to the fire triangle. What is that fourth element?
- Fire Theory & Classes
A fire involving burning wood, paper, and rope on a vessel's deck is classified as which class?
- Fire Theory & Classes
A fire in the engine room involving spilled diesel fuel is classified as which class?
- Fire Theory & Classes
Which class of fire involves combustible metals such as magnesium or titanium?
- Fire Theory & Classes
Class K fires involve which type of fuel and are most commonly found where?