What happens chemically in a class-c fire-extinguisher, for it to put out fires?

Question

And what causes it to hurt your lungs and eyes, if you come in contact?

Answer 1

I have had to begin to qualify my remarks when people ask about Classes of fire extinguishers lately, because I learned not too long ago that what is considered Class C, for example in Europe and the UK is not what is considered Class C in the United States.

In the United States, Class C fires (and extinguishers rated for Class C) refer to fires that involve electricity. In Europe, Class C refers to fires involving flammable gases.

A fire extinguisher suitable for a electrical fire will not use water or be water based, such as foam. Instead it will be a powdered dry chemical, or a gaseous agent like CO2 or a halogenated agent that will not conduct electricity.

A fire involving a flammable gas is often difficult to extinguish and most firefighting techniques require an attempt to stop the flow of the gas whereever it is coming from. High-flow dry chemical fire extinguishers are probably your best bet here for extinguishment. (See link to photo... pretty cool stuff!)

https://www.ansul.com/en/Products/hand_portable/images/redline_hp_app_02_z.jpg

Any extinguishing agents can be harmful to the eyes, chemical or otherwise. Care should be taken to not aim the extinguisher in a matter than would contibute to exposure. Even water extinguishers can have an antifreeze solution in them! (Not something you want in your eyes.)

For more information about how fire extinguishers work, the different types, and the classifications of fire (at least in the U.S.) visit the information link on fire extinguishers. It's a pretty good site.

Answer 2

I'd rather love to break myself over the top with one correct now. Purely due to the fact I've been the sort of fu­ckwit in recent times. There's certainly not a fireplace extinguisher handy while you wish to have one....

Answer 3

foam comes out