Dry powder extinguishers are rated for which fire class?

• A. Class A
• B. Class B
• C. Class C
• D. Class D

Answer: (D)

Extinguisher ratings tell you which kinds of fires a given device is designed to combat. Dry powder extinguishers intended for metal fires are specifically rated for Class D. These powders are formulated to handle combustible metals (like magnesium, titanium, sodium, potassium, aluminum) by cooling, smothering, and forming a crust that protects the metal from reacting with air. They’re not the right choice for ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, or energized electrical fires, which require other types of extinguishing agents. So, the correct rating for dry powder extinguishers in this context is Class D.