Which piece of equipment is essential for managing Class C fires?

The essential piece of equipment for managing Class C fires is foam or CO2 fire extinguishers. Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, and using water or other conductive materials can pose serious risks, such as electric shock or furthering the spread of the fire. Foam extinguishers are effective because they can help smother the fire, while CO2 extinguishers work by displacing oxygen and reducing the temperature, effectively extinguishing the fire without leaving a residue that could damage the electrical equipment.

When dealing with electrical fires, it’s crucial to use extinguishing agents that do not conduct electricity. While dry powder extinguishers are also suitable for Class C fires, the choice of foam or CO2 specifically highlights non-conductive methods. This is why foam and CO2 extinguishers are considered essential for managing Class C fires, making them the correct answer to the question.