What does the rating 2-A:10-B:C tell you?

• A. The A rating reflects effectiveness on Class A fires, the B rating relates to flammable liquids, and the C indicates suitability for electrical fires; higher numbers mean greater capacity
• B. The A rating relates to water capacity, B to metal fires, C to kitchen oils
• C. The A rating is for Class A and D; B rating for Class B; C for Class C
• D. The A rating indicates protection against any fire; B and C interplay

Answer: (A)

This rating shows what kinds of fires the extinguisher can handle and how effective it is. The 2-A part means it has a capacity against Class A fires (ordinary combustibles like wood and paper) equivalent to 2 on the standard A scale—the higher the number here, the more capacity against those fires. The 10-B part indicates effectiveness against Class B fires (flammable liquids); the number represents an approximate size the extinguisher can handle in a standard test, so 10-B means it can tackle about a 10 square-foot flammable-liquid fire. The C means it is suitable for use on electrical fires; the presence of C shows the agent and method won’t conduct electricity, though you should still shut off power when safe. So, the statement that A rating reflects Class A effectiveness, B relates to flammable liquids, C indicates electrical-fire suitability, and higher numbers mean greater capacity, correctly captures what the rating communicates.