Which statement about Class K extinguishers is true?

Which statement about Class K extinguishers is true?

• A. They use a wet chemical agent specifically designed for fats and oils.
• B. They are effective on electrical fires.
• C. They require water to operate.
• D. They cannot be used on kitchen fires.

Answer: (A)

Class K extinguishers are designed specifically for fires involving cooking fats and oils in kitchens. They use a wet chemical agent, typically potassium acetate, that reacts with the fats to saponify them—turning the fats into a soapy layer. This soapy layer cools the oil, creates a barrier between the fuel and the air, and helps prevent reignition. Because of this targeted chemistry, Class K extinguishers are the right choice for grease fires in kitchens. They aren’t meant for electrical fires, they don’t rely on water to operate, and they are purpose-built for kitchen hazards, not general combustibles.

Class K extinguishers are designed specifically for fires involving cooking fats and oils in kitchens. They use a wet chemical agent, typically potassium acetate, that reacts with the fats to saponify them—turning the fats into a soapy layer. This soapy layer cools the oil, creates a barrier between the fuel and the air, and helps prevent reignition. Because of this targeted chemistry, Class K extinguishers are the right choice for grease fires in kitchens. They aren’t meant for electrical fires, they don’t rely on water to operate, and they are purpose-built for kitchen hazards, not general combustibles.