Fire Extinguishers for Electrical and Switchgear Rooms
Energized electrical equipment calls for a Class C-rated extinguisher under NFPA 10 (2026) 6.4, sized on the Class A or Class B hazard in the room. Below: the sections in plain words, Class C-listed units with live prices, and which clean agent unit fits the room by volume. Ships in 1–2 business days; most orders arrive in 3–7 business days.
What NFPA 10 (2026) says for this room
| Section | In plain words |
|---|---|
| 5.5.4.6.1 | Extinguishers protecting delicate electronic equipment are selected from types listed and labeled for Class C. |
| 5.5.4.6.2 | Dry chemical extinguishers are not installed for the protection of delicate electronic equipment. |
| 6.4.1 to 6.4.3 | Class C-rated units are required where energized electrical equipment can be encountered; they are sized and located on the Class A or Class B hazard present (2-A minimum within 75 ft for light and ordinary Class A hazard; 5-B within 30 ft or 10-B within 50 ft for light Class B). |
| 5.3.2.6.1 | Halogenated agent units follow the nameplate minimum room volume. |
| 6.1.3.9 | Mounting height: top of a unit under 40 lb no more than 5 ft above the floor; bottom at least 4 in. |
| 7.2 / 7.3 | Monthly inspection; annual maintenance with a tag. |
Source: NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2026 edition, sections as cited, read on NFPA's free access; Amerex HT Series clean agent sheet for minimum room volumes. Summaries are ours; the standard and the authority having jurisdiction govern.
Which unit fits the room volume
NFPA 10 (2026) 5.3.2.6.1: extinguishers containing halogenated agents are placed in line with the minimum confined-space volume on the nameplate. Length x width x height in feet gives the room volume in cubic feet.
| Unit | Rating | Minimum room volume (Amerex) |
|---|---|---|
| Amerex 551 Halotron BrX, 12.5 lb | 2A:10B:C | 2,988 cu ft |
| Amerex 549 / 547 Halotron BrX, 3.75 lb | 5B:C | 896 cu ft |
| Amerex A537TS Halotron BrX, 1.79 lb | 2B:C | 427 cu ft |
| Amerex 398 / 397 Halotron I | 2A:10B:C / 1A:10B:C | Not listed by Amerex; follow the nameplate |
| Carbon dioxide 330 / 332 | 10-B:C | Not applicable; see the nameplate for confined-space cautions |
Class C-listed clean agent units
| Part number | Item | Version | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 28084 | Amerex 28084 Model 551 Halotron BrX Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher, 12.5 lb | 12.5 lb | $1,431.84 |
Amerex HT Series, nonrechargeable, 12-year service life. Prices are live.
| Part number | Item | Version | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 15510 | Amerex 15510 Model 398 Halotron I Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher, 15.5 lb | 15.5 lb | $2,256.25 | |
 | 15509 | Amerex 15509 Model 397 Halotron I Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher, 11 lb | 11 lb | $1,570.75 | |
 | 15271 | Amerex 15271 Model B386T Halotron I Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher, 5 lb | 5 lb | $770.98 | |
 | 15231 | Amerex 15231 Model B385TS Halotron I Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher, 2.5 lb | 2.5 lb | $429.51 | |
 | 14400 | Amerex 14400 Model A384T Halotron I Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher, 1.4 lb | 1.4 lb | $300.35 | |
 | 01714 | Amerex 01714 Model 330 Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher, 10-B:C, 10 lb | 10-B:C, 10 lb | $459.95 | |
 | 01708 | Amerex 01708 Model 332 Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher, 10-B:C, 20 lb | 10-B:C, 20 lb | $686.96 | |
 | 27702 | Amerex 27702 Model C272 Water Mist Fire Extinguisher, 2-A:C, 2.5 Gallon | 2-A:C, 2.5 Gallon | $344.59 |
Halotron I, carbon dioxide and water mist units, rechargeable.
Dry chemical in electrical rooms
NFPA 10 does not bar dry chemical units from electrical rooms in general; 5.5.4.6.2 applies where delicate electronic equipment is being protected. Many owners choose a clean agent for switchgear and control panels because the agent leaves no residue (3.3.5). That is the owner's and the authority having jurisdiction's decision.
See also: clean agent fire extinguishers · Amerex HT Series · Class C fire extinguishers · minimum room volume · NFPA 10 requirements explained.
Fire Extinguishers for Electrical and Switchgear Rooms questions
What class of extinguisher is required in an electrical room? Class C-rated where energized electrical equipment can be encountered (NFPA 10 (2026) 6.4.1), sized and located on the Class A or Class B hazard present (6.4.3).
Is a CO2 extinguisher acceptable for electrical equipment? Carbon dioxide units are listed B:C and are non-conductive (NFPA 10 3.3.3). Check the nameplate for confined-space cautions.
Which clean agent unit fits a small electrical closet? By Amerex's minimum room volumes: A537TS from 427 cubic feet, 547 or 549 from 896, 551 from 2,988. Below the smallest minimum, Amerex lists no HT Series unit.
The ratings, test results and standards shown here are the manufacturers' published values, reproduced as published. Nothing on this page is a recommendation by Bayshore Safety that any product is suitable for a particular task, hazard or workplace. Selecting safety products and protective equipment is the responsibility of the end user and the employer, based on their own hazard assessment and the regulations that apply to their work. Confirm every value on the manufacturer's own documentation before use.