What is a common characteristic of Class C extinguishing agents?

Class C extinguishing agents are specifically designed for fires that involve electrical equipment. One of the key characteristics of these agents is their non-conductive nature, which means they do not conduct electricity. This is crucial because using a conductor on an electrical fire could lead to electrocution or further spread of the fire. Non-conductive agents help ensure safety for the person extinguishing the fire and prevent additional hazards that could arise from conducting electricity.

In contrast, water-based agents, while effective on other fire classes, should never be used on Class C fires due to their conductive properties, which create a significant risk of shock. Foam-based agents are typically used for flammable liquid fires and may not be suited for electrical fires. Dry powder agents can be effective for Class C fires, but the unique focus on non-conductivity defines the primary characteristic of Class C extinguishing agents.