Which class of fire extinguisher should an employee use to put out an electrical fire?

The correct choice involves using a Class C fire extinguisher to put out an electrical fire. Class C extinguishers are specifically designed for fires involving electrical equipment, such as wiring, appliances, and circuit breakers. This class typically utilizes non-conductive extinguishing agents, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical powders, which effectively suppress flames without the risk of conducting electricity, thus ensuring the safety of the user.

Using a Class C extinguisher is crucial because other types, like Class A or Class B, are not suited for electrical hazards. Class A extinguishers are effective for ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper, while Class B extinguishers are used for flammable liquids and gases. Class D extinguishers are specifically designed for extinguishing combustible metals, which are not relevant to electrical fires. Therefore, utilizing a Class C extinguisher in this scenario is both the safest and most effective option.