Types of Fire Extinguisher: Choosing the Right Solution for Every Fire Risk

Fire safety truly requires the right kind of fire extinguisher. Since fires can start from many sources, each of these requires its own unique method in order to extinguish it competently. Besides just selecting the appropriate type of fire extinguisher, one must have due consideration for size and weight and correct placement. This guide will delve deep into the world of fire extinguishers: it discusses fire classifications and then describes eight variations in fire extinguisher types. We are not only committed to educating you in this field but also to arming you with knowledge to protect your premises safely.

Understanding the Different Types and Uses of Fire Extinguishers

There are various types of fire extinguishers for the different types of fires. Each one is suitable for fighting certain types, and it’s important for you to know about the differences if this is your job at work to fight fires. Being able to immediately distinguish which extinguisher you need in an emergency could make a lifesaving difference.

Classes of Fire, Identification Symbols, Types of Extinguishers and Their Use In this article, we are going to talk about the different classes of fires, the symbols that identify them, and the different types of extinguishers and their uses.

What Are the Different Classes of Fires?

Fire must be fought carefully depending on the materials involved. That is why they have been classified in 6 different categories:

• Class A – These are fires in solid flammables and dust, such as wood, plastics, paper and cardboard, fabric and textiles, and dust such as grain dust and flour.
• Class B – These are fires in flammable liquids, such as gasoline, petroleum oil, paint, or diesel.
• Class C – These are fires in flammable gases, such as propane, butane, or methane.
• Class D – Fires that involve combustible metals including metal swarf, such as magnesium, lithium, sodium, potassium, titanium or of aluminium.
• Class E – Electrical fires. Though not a separate class of fire in Europe, electrical fire, which involves live equipment and electrical sources is another genre that you should also be aware of. Think of it as the unofficial
• Class F – Fires involving hot cooking oils and fats, e.g. Vegetable oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, maize oil, lard, or butter
  Normally those used in deep-fat fryers.

Understand the 8 Classes of Fire Extinguisher

Now that we have understood the classes of fire, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty on the types of fire extinguishers. All in all, there are eight types, and it’s very important to know their characteristics and uses:

1. Water Extinguishers

There are two models of water extinguishers: standard water spray and dry water mist.

Water fire extinguishers are a staple for Class A fire risks. The cooling effect of water slows down combustion until the flames are not able to sustain themselves anymore. Organic material targets are paper, fabric, and wood.

Label Colour: Bright Red

Ideal for:

• Paper and cardboard
• Fabrics and textiles
• Wood and coal

Not recommended for:

• Electrical equipment fires
• Kitchen fires
• Flammable gas and liquid fires

Application: Water extinguishers find their ideal application in offices, schools, hospitals, and storage facilities; however, it proves extremely effective in building structures made from organic materials.

Water Spray Extinguishers: Higher Efficiency

Water spray extinguishers are fitted with a spray nozzle for wider reach and quicker fire smothering. They resemble water extinguishers, except that they have higher efficiency.

Water Mist Extinguishers: A Smothering Effect

The major feature of the majority of water mist extinguishers is being capable of fighting practically all types of fires, even class F, which normally are difficult to attack. Water mist fire extinguishers smother fires with very small droplets of water, creating a fogging barrier between the fire and the user. Moreover, such a method will not only extinguish flames but also make the user safer.

2. Foam Fire Extinguishers: Universal Fire Extinguishers

The foam fire extinguisher excels in fighting Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids. However, they can also be used on Class A fires. The foaming agent acts as a barrier between the flame and fuel, thus extinguishing the fire. They are mainly water-based but contain a foaming agent, which has rapid flame knock-down and a smothering effect. The agent smothers the flames and seals vapours so re-ignition cannot take place.

Label Colour: Cream

Ideal for:

• Paper and cardboard
• Fabrics and textiles
• Wood and coal
• Flammable liquids like paint and petrol

Not recommended for:

• Kitchen fires
• Electrical equipment fires
• Flammable metal fires

Use: Places where the application of these kinds of extinguishers covers are offices, schools, hospitals, warehouses, and places where flammable liquids are in usage.

3.  Dry Powder Extinguishers: The ABC Solution

Standard dry powder fire extinguishers are also referred to as ‘ABC’ extinguishers and fight Class A, B, and C fires. They should not be used in confined areas because of the inhalation hazard and because it is very difficult to clean up afterwards.

Label Colour: Blue

Ideal for:

• Paper and cardboard
• Fabrics and textiles
• Wood and coal
• Flammable liquids like paint and petrol
• Flammable gases like LPG and acetylene
• Fires involving electrical equipment up to 1000v

Not recommended for:

• Cooking oil fires
• Fires involving electrical equipment over 1000v
• Enclosed spaces

Usage: Dry powder extinguishers find their place in businesses using flammable gases, welding sites, garage forecourts, and locations with commercial boiler rooms.

Specialist Dry Powder Extinguishers: For Flammable Metals

Specialist dry powder extinguishers address fires involving flammable metals like titanium and magnesium. They come in two types: ‘L2’ for lithium fires and ‘M28’ for other flammable metal fires.

4. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers: Targeting Electrical Fires

Due to any electrical fire hazard, CO2 extinguishers are also essential and hence indispensable for offices, kitchens, construction sites, and server rooms that possess electrical equipment.

Label Colour: Black

Ideal for:

• Flammable liquids like paint and petrol
• Electrical fires

Not recommended for:

• Kitchen fires, especially chip-pan fires
• Combustible materials like paper, wood, or textiles
• Flammable metals

Caution should be taken: these should not be applied to fires involving hot cooking oil and fat, Class F; the powerful jet from the extinguisher would force the burning oils or fats and spread the fire to surrounding areas. Also bear in mind that, although carbon dioxide is effective in smothering the fire, once the gas has floated away the fire may reignite if the source has not been removed.

Additionally: in handling a CO2 extinguisher you must avoid contacts with the horn, base, or pipework as the gas is very cold when being discharged, and may damage your hands.

Application: CO2 extinguishers are to be installed in areas involving electrical equipment and be conveniently accessible near hazards.

5. Wet Chemical Extinguishers: Taming Cooking Fires

Wet chemical fire extinguishers have been specifically designed for Class F fires, which involve cooking oils and fats. Although they are also capable of dealing with Class A fires, it is commonplace for them to be installed alongside foam or water fire extinguishers for this purpose.

They work effectively because they have the ability to smother fires of a very high temperature – specifically those caused by cooking oils and fats. Their release is soft and gentle, which prevents the oils and fats on fire from being pushed and splashing into other places or even onto the user.

Label Colour: Yellow

Ideal for:

• Cooking oil and fat fires
• Paper and cardboard
• Fabrics and textiles
• Wood and coal

Not recommended for:

• Flammable liquid or gas fires
• Electrical fires
• Flammable metals

Usage: This type of extinguisher is necessarily essential in commercial kitchens and places where cooking oils are involved.

Conclusion

Fire safety is one of the utmost concerns that any business or facility should be able to provide. Being knowledgeable about the various classes of fire, along with the peculiar specifications attached to each class regarding the type of fire extinguisher to be used, you can be confident in selecting the right equipment toward premises safety. From water extinguishers for organic materials, foam extinguishers for flammable liquids, to CO2 extinguishers for electrical fires, each type has an important function to perform in mitigating specific fire risks.