When traditional fire extinguishers fail, Type C fires rage on, causing destruction.
Do you know that fires are categorized into different classes? But the fire is just fire that can cause massive damage. So how is it classified?
Fires have different sources and extinguishing methods, which brings up the classification of fires.
In this article, we will examine type C fires, which can erupt without a person noticing and cause immense damage within seconds.
What are the Common Characteristics of a Type C fire?
Type C fires erupt from any energized electrical equipment. It brings an additional hazard because of live electricity. If proper extinguishing is not achieved, electric shocks can occur and take away lives, or it can react to a flammable materials and cause fire.
Causes
C-type fires result from electrical issues or defects in the wiring. Electrical problems occur because of poorly made systems or if they are not adequately cared for. Human ignorance, such as overloaded circuits and faulty equipment, can also increase the risk of fire hazards.
Hazards
Type C fires are linked with electrocution, and this risk does not go away until the power source is entirely cut off. The C-type fire has a dual threat: the fire and the danger of electrical shock. Plus, the batteries and insulation materials release toxic gases into the air, posing an additional threat to human health.
Identification
The earliest sign people recall of a class C fire is a unique burning smell. It gives off a melting plastic or an acrid ozone-like smell due to the overheating of electrical wires and the burning of plastic casings.
Sparks and crackling sounds near the equipment will be noticeable due to electrical faults. Arcing happens when electricity jumps between the gaps in conductors.
Common Causes of Class C Fires
Multiple actions can cause an eruption of Class C-type fires. It can arise due to human negligence or the manufacturer’s negligence. Let’s highlight the common causes;
A. Faulty Wiring and Electrical Components
1. Damaged Wiring
Electrical device wiring wears over time due to physical damage or pests. Worn-out wires expose live conductors, which can cause sparks. Poor insulation of current-carrying wires increases the risk.
2. Short Circuits
A short circuit occurs when electricity follows an unusual path and causes excessive current flow. This can generate sparks with extreme heat. Short circuits are caused by a lack of insulation and damage to electrical systems.
3. Faulty Outlets and Switches
Loose outlets make the system vulnerable. Poor connections increase electrical resistance and generate heat, which can be enough to ignite energy materials. Discoloration of the outlet is a common red flag.
B. Overloaded Electrical Systems
1. Overloaded Circuits
Electric circuits cannot handle unlimited loads. If their capacity is abused, they will heat up. Plugging multiple high-wattage devices in the same circuit will cause overheating and fire eruption. Circuit breakers will trip if overloaded, but issues can still arise.
2. Overloaded Electrical Outlets
If the electrical outlet is overloaded with devices, it is another fire hazard. Overburdened switches produce heat and cause ignition. To avoid this issue, you can use power strips with surge protection.
C. Equipment Malfunctions
1. Defective Appliances
Some electrical equipment can have faulty wiring or worn-out parts that can catch fire. Space heaters and microwaves are vulnerable to defects that cause fire hazards.
2. Overheated Devices
Leaving a device on charging overnight can cause overheating. This causes thermal runaway, a dangerous reaction in which heat accumulates and ignites the device.
D. Unsuitable Installation and Maintenance
1. Corrupt Extension Cords
Improperly connected extensible cords are a huge fire hazard. Running the cords under a carpet or furniture piece generates friction that generates heat. Again, excessive heat causes ignition.
2. Lack of Ventilation
Electrical devices that generate heat demand ventilation. If the devices are kept in a tight place with blocked ventilation ports, they trap heat and cause fire.
E. Environmental Factors
Proximity to Heat Sources
Electrical equipment wiring must not be near flammable materials. If this occurs, the risk of ignition and explosion increases. Even paper or fabric can exacerbate the situation.
What Safety Precautions Should Be Taken When Dealing with a Type C Fire?
Immediate Actions
If you ever witness a fire hazard, here are the immediate steps you should take to keep yourself and others safe.
1. Turn Off the Power Source
Whenever you see any sign of a Class C fire, the electrical device must be disconnected from the power source. Turning off the electricity will stop the passage of the current, prevent the situation from getting too bad, and prevent electrocution. You can cut the power from the circuit breaker rather than going near the fire eruption.
2. Evacuate the Area
After the power is cut, instruct everyone to leave the area. Electrical fires release toxic fumes that are harmful to human health. Make sure that people are at a safe distance and stay away until you get professional assistance.
3. Alert the Fire Brigade
Knowing how to respond to a fire emergency can save lives and minimize damage. You must call professional firefighters as fire eruptions are a big issue that cannot be controlled otherwise. They will have certified training and equipment to deal with the situation.
Using Fire Extinguishers
Having proper fire safety equipment in place can make a huge difference in preventing fire hazards. You can utilize fire extinguishers if you have some to prevent the fire from worsening. Keep into consideration these factors if you are using fire extinguishers:
- Only use a C type fire extinguisher. Extinguishers are built for different fire types.
- Stay at a safe distance whenever you use a C-type fire extinguisher. You should be at least 6 to 8 cm away from the fire.
- The nozzle should be at the base of the fire and swept back and forth in a controlled way. If you don’t know how to operate a fire extinguisher, Consider enrolling in a fire extinguisher training course to ensure proper usage during emergencies.
Prevention Measures
Prevention is better than risking lives and possessions. Train yourself, your employees, and your family on how to handle a fire because fire safety training is an essential part of workplace training in every organization. Here are some tips to prevent fire hazards at your company:
Proper Maintenance
The first way to prevent any class C fire is by maintaining the electric equipment. This includes all the devices present in your house, such as the outlets, devices, wiring, etc.
Call certified electricians who can thoroughly inspect the system and identify any defects before they get bigger. This will keep everything within a safe parameter.
Avoid Overloading
Electrical outlets and power strips should never be overloaded. Use different switches to charge and operate any device. Avoid using adapters or extension cords.
Safe Storage
Electrical devices are vulnerable; hence, they should be kept away from flammable materials such as gases. Proper ventilation of the area is paramount to decrease fire risks.
Inspect Regularly
You must identify all worn-out parts of wires or faults in the electrical systems to prevent hazards before they happen. Any defect should be repaired to avoid this disaster.
Conclusion
This was all about Class C type fire rating. C-type fires cause a massive hazard due to liver currents, which doubles the damage to lives and property.
You must recognize the early signs and follow the preventive measures to keep yourself safe from this situation. Learn the safety protocols from Coggno to avoid fire eruptions.
