ABC Fire Extinguisher for Electrical Fires

Every home should have a class ABC fire extinguisher for electrical fires. Homes should also have a CO and smoke alarm on every floor of the house.

Having the proper home safety fire extinguishers on hand (including a class ABC fire extinguisher) can protect you and your home should you have a small electrical fire.

What Is A Class ABC Fire Extinguisher Used For?

Home fire extinguisher ratings are categorized into three basic types, class A, B, and C:

1. Class A fire extinguisher for protection against paper, fabric, and wood fires
2. Class B fire extinguisher for protection against flammable liquid fires
3. Class C fire extinguisher for protection against live electrical fires

In order to be electrically rated, there are strict guidelines that the contents of a Class C fire extinguisher must pass if it is to be used as an electrical equipment fire extinguisher.

Portable Home Fire Extinguisher Sizes

Portable fire extinguishers are designed for home use and are available for over the counter purchase in various sizes. While it is understood that large fire extinguishers are designed to put out larger fires, they can also be quite heavy.

When purchasing, do keep in mind who will be using the ABC fire extinguisher in the event of a fire. For instance, if a small child tries to use a 10 lb. fire extinguisher, he or she will have some difficulty lifting, moving, and/or controlling the device.

How to Buy A Fire Extinguisher

For home use fire extinguishers, you may only need an ABC fire extinguisher. Here are some guidelines for buying a home fire extinguisher.

1. Purchase a size that the smallest individual in your home can handle.
2. Purchase one for each floor, or two for each floor if your home is quite large.
3. Some fire extinguishers have plastic heads that are disposable while others have metal heads and can be refilled. Refilling can often be cheaper than buying a new fire extinguisher.
4. A 10 lb. fire extinguisher might be suitable for a garage, whereas a 5 lb. for a kitchen or laundry room), and a 2 lb. for a vehicle.
5. Make sure that there is a fire extinguisher placed on each level of your home and that they are easily accessible.
6. Read the instructions provided with each ABC fire extinguisher and train your family on how to use them.

How to Properly Use An Extinguisher

Thankfully, in most cases, homeowners rarely have to use an electrical fire extinguisher however, if the occasion should ever arise, everyone in your household should be familiar with the Fire Extinguisher PASS Method.

PASS is an acronym that simply means Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep:

• PULL out the safety pin
• AIM the hose or nozzle towards the bottom of the fire
• SQUEEZE the fire extinguisher handle
• SWEEP from side to side as you extinguish the fire

You can also check out this City of Vancouver page on Fire Extinguishers.

Still Have Questions?

If you live in an older home or if you have any concerns about the condition of your home’s electrical wiring, talk to our certified electricians about having an electrical safety inspection completed.

Please call us at 1-604-308-6195 or send us an email to learn more about an ABC fire extinguisher.

Our Abbotsford electricians at Premium Electric service homeowners and businesses throughout the Fraser Valley. Call us when you need an electrician in Surrey, Langley, Aldergrove, Abbotsford, Mission, or Chilliwack.

We also service the Vancouver area including the communities of Burnaby, Maple Ridge, and Poco/ Coquitlam.