Which statement about a 2-A, 40-B:C extinguisher is correct?

• A. It is suitable for extra hazard areas only
• B. It is suitable for ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and energized electrical equipment
• C. It is suitable for combustible metals fires
• D. It is suitable for kitchen fires

Answer: (B)

Extinguisher ratings indicate what kinds of fires it can safely fight. The A rating covers ordinary combustibles like wood and paper; the B rating covers flammable liquids; the C shows it can be used on energized electrical equipment. The numbers reflect capacity: a 2-A rating means good effectiveness on ordinary combustibles (roughly twice that of a 1-A), and 40-B means the extinguisher can handle a substantial amount of flammable-liquid fire. The combination with C means it’s also safe to use on electrical fires. So a 2-A:40-B:C extinguisher is suitable for ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and energized electrical equipment. It isn’t designed for combustible metals (that’s Class D) and isn’t specifically for kitchen fires (that would be Class K). It’s a general-purpose extinguisher, not restricted to extra hazard areas.