Different types of fire extinguishers for different classes of fires.

Even though installing fire extinguishers in buildings is a requirement by regulatory compliance, it is important, first and foremost, for your own safety.

Yet, what most do not know, or recall, is a fire extinguisher will not fight all fires. Each fire extinguisher has been created to combat a specific class of fire. Using the wrong one may not only be ineffective but encourage the fire onward.
First step in fire extinguisher selection is knowledge of what type of fire could take place in your area.

Classes of Fire Extinguishers

Though there are only five major types of fire extinguishers, these are categorized into different classes. Each extinguisher has one or more symbols marked on them regarding its applicable class. The classes are as follows:

• Class A: Involving combustible carbon-based solids, like textiles, wood, or paper.
• Class B: Fires caused by flammable liquids like petroleum, diesel, and paraffin.
• Class C: Fires of flammable gases, such as methane, propane, and butane.
• Class D: Fires of burning metals, such as magnesium, lithium, and aluminum.
• Electrical Fires: Electrical fires are not really considered a class of fire, but rather, electrical fires are often referred to as Class E, even though they are just informal classifications for those involving live electrical equipment and sources.
• Class K: Starting with fats, grease, and cooking oils, these are usually related to kitchens.

Fire Extinguisher Types Chart

The following chart shows the types of fire extinguishers, their respective classes of fires extinguished, and color code.

Variety Types of Fire Extinguishers

At Bansi Suppliers, we have a variety of types of fire extinguishers that will best suit your needs in each respect. That is,

Water Mist Fire Extinguisher

This extinguisher disperses very small-sized de-ionized water molecules in a fog-like form that depletes oxygen amounts, thus smothering the fire. It is suitable for Class A, B, C, and K fires. It can be used on electrical fires because the de-ionized water does not conduct. Labeled with a bright red color, it is ideal for schools, offices, warehouses, hospitals, and residential buildings.

Fire Extinguishers of Foam

These extinguishers spray foams that expand when they reach the air by laying a blanket over the fire to prevent the rise of vapor and hence re-igniting the fire. The water in the foam actually cools the fire. For Class A and liquid fires, not advisable to use in kitchens, electrical fires, and flammable metals. They are commonly used in offices, warehouses, hospitals, schools, and buildings with flammable liquids.

Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers

This category of extinguishers applies to Class B and C fires. These extinguishers are filled with a gaseous fire suppressant agent, liquid under pressure, but gas when discharged. The non-conductive gas leaves no residue. The agent extinguishes fire by smothering it through oxygen depletion. Clean agent fire extinguishers are very safe, environmentally friendly, and hence suitable for use in rooms containing computers and electrical appliances.

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher

This is specifically made for fat and cooking oil fires, especially for kitchens that use deep fryers. It consists of the pressurized solution of alkali salts that cools flames by creating fine mists that prevent re-ignition. Primarily used in kitchens, it is also to be used for Class A fires. This is labeled with a yellow color. They should not be used on flammable liquids, electrical fires, or flammable metals.

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher

Carbon dioxide extinguishers release pressurized CO2 that smothers the fire without depositing any residue, thus making it safe for use on electrical equipment. The discharge may be cold enough for frostbite if due precaution is not taken. These types of extinguishers are most commonly used for Class B and electrical fires. They are marked black. The extinguishers should not be used in kitchens, in areas with combustible materials, or with flammable metals. These are best put in proximity either to fire exits or things that could cause fires.

Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher

Also known as ABC fire extinguishers, they are designed to tackle Class A, B, and C fires. They work by dispensing a fine chemical powder, usually mono ammonium phosphate, which starves the fire of oxygen. Although effective, their use is not advisable in any enclosed area as the powder may be inhaled and also be problematic to clean up afterwards. Dry powder extinguishers are blue in color and are ideal for use in welding businesses, garage forecourts, commercial boilers, and any environment involving flammable gases.

Benefits of Fire Extinguishers

Having the correct type of fire extinguisher will come with a number of benefits, which include but are not limited to:

Meeting the Legal Requirements

Most fire safety legislations dictate that all properties should conduct risk assessments and apply necessary precautionary measures, of which include providing fire extinguishers. Additionally, training people living and working on the premises on fire safety would allow them to react faster and efficiently in case such an incident occurs.

Environmental Protection

Fire extinguishers contain fires that would then contribute to environmental pollution through smoke and burning debris, making the environment cleaner and healthier.

Safety Uses

Fire extinguishers save lives because one can extinguish small fires before they begin to spread out. The right type of extinguisher should be available and accessible to handle any fire outbreak to prevent the situation from getting out of hand.

Property Damage Prevention

Fire extinguishers protect against property loss because a fire can be smothered before it spreads to do major destructive damage. Protection of property is another major reason to have the proper fire extinguisher on hand.

Increasing Efficiency and Profits

From a business perspective, fire security protects the investment and ensures that workers are safe; therefore, employees will have fewer absences or less turnover, thus making for a safer, more productive workplace.

Conclusion

Your safety is paramount, and this is a major fire that can create a big deal of damage and injuries and even cost one’s life. Buying the right fire extinguisher from Bansi Suppliers, therefore, turns out to be of vital importance to reduce these risks. We sell a variety of certified fire extinguishers suitable for various applications at the best market prices.