Which type of fire requires a dry chemical extinguisher?

A dry chemical extinguisher is specifically designed to tackle fires involving electrical equipment, classified as Class C fires. These extinguishers utilize a powder that interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire and can be safely used on electrical fires since they do not conduct electricity. This makes them particularly suitable for addressing fires caused by electrical appliances, wiring, or other sources of electrical energy.

The effectiveness of dry chemical extinguishers lies in their versatility; they can also be used on Class A and Class B fires, but their primary designation is indeed for electrical fires. In scenarios involving live electrical equipment, using water or other conductive agents could exacerbate the situation, making dry chemical extinguishers the appropriate choice.