A suitable fire extinguisher can be the difference between life and death when it comes to a fire. Whether it’s a small kitchen fire, an electrical spark, or a gasoline leakage on a boat, choosing which fire extinguisher to use can help prevent a minor problem from becoming a major disaster. However, with so many different types of fire extinguishers, it can be difficult to choose which should be used for each case.
Fire extinguishers may be affordable but essential to a home fire protection plan. They can save lives and property by putting out an extremely small fire or controlling it until the fire service arrives.
Specialized dry powder, regular dry powder, foam, water spray, water mist, water spray, wet chemical, and carbon dioxide are the different types of fire extinguishers. A single fire extinguisher cannot be used to put out every kind of fire.
The fire risk caused by the various classes of fire on your business property will decide the type of fire extinguisher required. To comply with the laws, the appropriate fire extinguisher (in size and weight) must be installed in the proper location in your home or business.
What Are the Types of Fire Extinguishers?
The following are the five main types of fire extinguishers:
Water, water mist, or water spray fire extinguishers:
These extinguishers mostly use water, though sometimes other chemicals are also used. One disadvantage of pure water fire extinguishers is that they cannot be used in freezing weather since the water within will freeze and become unusable.
Avoid using water fire extinguishers for:
- Electrical fires because it may result in electrocution.
- Cooking fires, including chip pan fires (Class F fires)
- Fires using combustible gases, especially methane and butane (Class C)
- Fires that use combustible liquids, such as paint, and gasoline (Class B fires)
Foam fire extinguishers:
Foam extinguishers are among the most popular forms of fire extinguishers. They are usually used for fires including combustible substances and liquids, making them appropriate for a large number of companies.
Foam fire extinguishers shouldn’t be used for:
- Oil and grease-related cooking fires (Class F fires)
- Gases that can catch fire (Class C fires)
Dry Powder (ABC)– standard or specialist fire extinguishers:
A dry powder fire extinguisher is a highly adaptable extinguisher option because it can be applied to practically any fire type. That being stated it isn’t suggested to use a dry powder fire extinguisher in a restricted location.
Avoid using dry powder fire extinguishers for:
- Cooking oil-related fires (Class F fires)
- Electrified object fires above 1000 volts
- Burning in confined areas
Carbon Dioxide (‘CO2’) fire extinguishers:
A CO2 fire extinguisher is effective against fires including live electrical equipment and volatile substances. The fire is put out by carbon dioxide because it suppresses the flames and eliminates them of oxygen. Unlike other kinds of fire extinguishers, including powder and foam, these extinguishers don’t leave any residue behind.
Avoid using CO2 extinguishers for:
- Flames involving oil and grease (Class F fires)
Wet Chemical fire extinguishers:
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are the only option suggested for putting out a cooking oil fire, making them important for the professional safety of the kitchen.
Avoid the use of wet chemical fire extinguishers for:
- Class B fires, or fires using flammable substances, unless they have been approved for this use clearly
- “Class C” fires are those that involve flammable gases like butane and methane.
- Electrical fires
Classifications of Fires
The different types of fire extinguisher classifications are listed together below:
| Fire Classifications | Description |
| Class A Fires | Fires in common combustible materials, including rubber, cloth, wood, and a variety of polymers. |
| Class B Fires | Fires in flammable substances such as combustible liquids, oils, gasoline, petroleum greases, chemicals, paints, alcohol, and flammable gasses. |
| Class C Fires | Fires caused by overheated electrical equipment. |
| Class D Fires | Fires in metals that catch fire include potassium, sodium, lithium, zirconium, titanium, and magnesium. |
| Class K Fires | Fires in cooking equipment using flammable cooking medium (vegetable or animal oils and fats). |
ABC Fire Extinguisher: Versatility and Common Uses
Standard dry powder extinguishers, often called ABC extinguishers, can be applied to extinguish class A, B, and C fires. However, they should not be applied in enclosed environments because the extinguisher’s dry powder is easily inhaled. Furthermore, cleaning up the residual material once the fire is out is difficult.
These are also useful in cases of electrical equipment fires. Additionally, there are specialized dry powder extinguishers that are usually used to put out fires started by combustible metals. This kind of extinguisher has blue labeling.
This kind of extinguisher can be used to put out flames started by a variety of organic materials, such as paper, cardboard, coal, textiles, and wood. In addition, flammable liquids like paint and gasoline, as well as flammable gases like acetylene and liquefied petroleum gas, can also cause fires.
Any type of fire that includes electrical equipment up to 1000 V can also be handled with the use of this fire extinguisher.
Location
Parking forecourts, welding and flame-cutting companies, and buildings with big boiler quarters are examples of industries that use combustible gasses for chemical processes and need this kind of fire extinguisher.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers: Specialized for Kitchen Fires
To extinguish class F fires in kitchens, use a wet chemical fire extinguisher. A fire that includes live electrical equipment, making them perfect for use in a kitchen setting. Wet chemical extinguishers in 2ltr or 3ltr sizes work well for household kitchens, small restaurants, and catering vans.
The extinguishing substance used within wet chemical extinguishers spreads upon touching the burning oil to produce a blanket on top of it, which stops re-ignition by cooling and suffocating the affected area as well as preventing access to oxygen.
They are typically equipped with a long lance that allows the user to maintain a safe distance from the fire while discharging the foam at low pressure, compared to the deep fat fryer, which risks creating splashes and expanding the fire on flaming droplets of oil.
The whole elements of the wet chemical extinguisher should be released even after the fires have been extinguished so that the oil or fat stays insulated from oxygen till it has cooled sufficiently to avoid re-ignition.
Who needs wet chemical fire extinguishers?:
Any space with a smart kitchen or intense fat fryer must have a wet chemical fire extinguisher such as Restaurants, Fish and chip shops, Burger bars, and Hotel kitchens.
These types of businesses often require the ‘ standard pair’ of a foam extinguisher and a CO2 extinguisher to handle all fire threats.
Fire Extinguishers for Electrical Fires:
When it comes to electrical fires, Class C fire extinguishers are required. The main types of class C fire extinguishers are carbon dioxide (CO2) and dry chemical extinguishers.
CO2 fire extinguishers operate by replacing oxygen and putting out the fire. Dry chemical fire extinguishers work by stopping the chemical reaction of the fire and forming an insulation between the fuel and oxygen.
The best and most useful fire extinguishers for electrical fires are Dry Powder and CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers.
Dry Powder Extinguishers
- Electrical fires are the main use of dry powder extinguishers.
- They include non-conductive compounds like monoammonium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate.
- These substances stop the chemical reaction of the fire and do not conduct electricity, thus they are suitable for use on electrical equipment.
CO2 Extinguishers
- For electrical fires, CO2 extinguishers are also helpful.
- Carbon dioxide is an inert gas that eliminates oxygen from the fire, smothering it.
- CO2 extinguishers also help avoid re-ignition by cooling the tool.
- CO2 is perfect for use on delicate electrical equipment and machinery because it doesn’t leave any residue behind.
BC Fire Extinguisher: Specific Use for Class B and C Fires
BC Fire Extinguishers are classified as a dry chemical extinguisher. Both Class B and C fires started by combustible liquids (B) and powered electrical equipment (C) can be extinguished by them. Either potassium or sodium bicarbonate is used to fill them.
These typically exist in locations where flammable chemicals, electronics, and machinery give a significant risk. This extinguisher will typically put out a flammable liquid fire more successfully than a Class ABC extinguisher, pound for pound.
Although carbon dioxide units are effective in extinguishing flammable liquid flames, they do not produce any residue that can stop restoration. Thus, it is usually suggested that you choose a dry chemical agent for these types of threats. The best dry chemical for BC fire is Purple-K.
Fire Extinguishers for Boats: Essential Safety Equipment
You should take the necessary measures to protect both your boat and the people who travel on it because your boat signifies a large cost. It is important to have the right kinds of fire extinguishers on your boat for this reason. You should also double-check the number of fire extinguishers and confirm that they are all in good functioning order.
Class B fire extinguishers are usually needed on boats because many fires on boats are caused by gasoline. Class B fires include a flammable liquid fuel source, such as gasoline.
Additionally, to satisfy the carriage criteria for the required quantity of extinguishers for the size of your boat, they should be labeled as 5-B, 10-B, or 20-B; extinguishers labeled with B-I or B-II alone are not anymore allowed. Extinguishers should be less than 12 years old, according to the production date marked on the bottle.
Maintenance
Maintaining your boat in good condition requires routine maintenance, which includes replacing your fire extinguishers. In addition to being shaken hard every month to keep the chemical agent from sticking, fire extinguishers must be checked frequently to make sure they’re in proper working order.
Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Needs
Are you confused about how to choose the right type of fire extinguisher? It’s important to identify the type of fire that you’re dealing with before making your purchase because there are many varieties to pick from, each applying separate ingredients that work well for different kinds of fires.
Identify the hazard you might face:
Selecting the right extinguisher for every situation helps ensure that you have enough defense against any kind of fire. Think about the different kinds of fires that are likely to happen in your neighborhood and how much time you have to put out a fire before it gets too big.
Know the ABCs of Fire Extinguishers:
Any fire extinguisher won’t work for you. You need one that is suitable for your situation. Keep in mind the fire extinguisher’s ABCs. Class A extinguisher is used for wood, paper, and fabric fires, a Class B for combustible liquids and gases, and a Class C for electric fires.
Choose an appropriate size for your needs:
Fire extinguishers exist in a variety of sizes, ranging from small portable units that can be used with one hand to larger units that may need multiple individuals. Every size has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s wise to think about your needs before making a purchase.
- Calculate the room’s dimensions and record the square feet.
- Determine how quickly the fire will spread considering the setting.
- Make sure the extinguishers are in positions where everybody can readily access them in the event of an emergency.
Some sizes for small workplaces are 5 pounds (2kg to 4kg), whereas 10 pounds (4 kg/6 kg/9 kg) are suitable for larger spaces such as warehouses and garages.
Maintenance and Inspection
Once you’ve purchased the correct fire extinguisher, it is essential to maintain and inspect it every week. For this purpose, you need to check the pressure gauge, nozzle, hose, handle, and pins. Verify the legibility of the inspection labels. If the service equipment was placed more than 12 months ago, schedule another one right soon. If you want to be sure your extinguishers are in the best possible condition, schedule a professional service.
Conclusion
Selecting the proper fire extinguisher choice is essential to fire safety. Understanding the many forms of fires and their related extinguishers, taking into account your surroundings, and maintaining your equipment may all contribute to keeping your place safe.
Remember that fire safety is a shared responsibility and knowing the necessary tools and information may save lives and property. If you’re not sure which extinguisher is ideal for what you’re facing, ask a fire safety professional or your local fire department for recommendations.