Types Of Fire Extinguishers And Their Uses

Fire safety is a paramount concern in both residential and commercial settings. Fire extinguishers are vital in mitigating fire-related risks by providing a quick and accessible means to suppress flames. Below are the Types Of Fire Extinguishers And Their Uses to tackle different classes of fires, each necessitating specific extinguishing agents.

Classification of Fire

Fires are grouped into classes depending on what fuels the fire. The classification will help determine the effective extinguishing agents. Classes of fire include Class A, ordinary combustibles; Class B, flammable liquids; Class C, electrical fires; Class D, flammable metals; and Class K, cooking oils and fats.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Water Extinguishers

Water extinguishers are used for Class A fire risk. Water cools the fire and extinguishes it. It can extinguish spots of fire even deep inside the core of the fire by penetrating burning textiles.

What are water fire extinguishers used for?

Water fire extinguishers are everywhere as they are considered ‘traditional fire extinguishers’; however, current guidelines in most instances suggest foam extinguishers, which can extinguish both Class A and B fires.

They are, nevertheless, of use to areas that have extremely flammable material with them, which include warehouses, storage units, paper mills, and textile factories.

They also come quite in handy in the home setting along with the CO2 extinguishers, so that most likely kinds of fires are covered.

Do not use water fire extinguishers for:

• Electrical fires as doing so can lead to electrocution
• Cooking fires, such as chip pan fires (Class F fires)
• Fires involving flammable gases, such as methane and butane (Class C fires)
• Fires involving flammable liquids, such as petrol and paint (Class B fires)

Foam Extinguishers

These are the most common types of fire extinguishers used for class B fires. However, these are water-based. So you can use it for class-A fires.

Foam fire extinguishers should be installed in locations that have several fire hazards, such as hotels, offices, garages, and factories. Most buildings can have a foam fire extinguisher installed.

What are foam fire extinguishers used for?

• flammable solids (Class A) – paper, wood and textiles
• some flammable liquids (Class B) – petrol, diesel and paint

Do not use foam fire extinguishers for:

• Cooking fires involving oil and grease (Class F fires)
• Fires involving flammable gases (Class C fires)

CO2 Extinguishers

CO2 extinguishers are effective for Class B and C fires of flammable liquids and electrical equipment. The CO2 replaces the oxygen, thus starving the fire. These are very suitable for offices, server rooms, and laboratories.

What are CO2 fire extinguishers used for?

• Fires involving equipment such as computers, or generators (‘electrical’ fires)
• Fires involving some flammable liquids, such as petrol, diesel, and paint (‘class B’ fires)

Do not use CO2 extinguishers for:

• Fires involving oil and grease (Class F fires)

Dry Chemical Extinguishers

It includes Standard and Specialised dry powder. It is an ideal or specialist fire extinguisher. The old-style dry powder extinguishers are also known as ABC extinguishers.

You can also use these extinguishers for class A, class B, and class C fires. However, these should not be used in confined spaces as the dry Powder in the extinguisher can be easily inhaled. Also, cleaning up the surplus remains is uncomfortable once the fire is over. These can also be used for fire, regarding electrical tools.

Dry powder fire extinguishers are suitable indoors and outdoors because they can be applied to many types of fire that may be caused by chemicals, fuel, or vehicles.

• Garage forecourts
• Large, commercial boiler rooms
• Flammable liquid storage facilities
• Large workshops
• Fuel tankers and other vehicles

What are dry powder fire extinguishers used for?

• Fires involving flammable solids (Class A fires)
• Fires involving flammable liquids (Class B fires)
• Fires involving combustible gases (Class C fires)
• Electrical fires involving some electrical items under 1000v

CO2 extinguishers are also useful for electrical fires, especially within kitchens or if there are any electric heaters on the site.

• Specialist dry powder extinguishers work for flammable metals

Do not use dry powder fire extinguishers for:

• Fires involving cooking oil (Class F fires)
• Fires involving electrical items over 1000v
• Fires in enclosed spaces

Wet Chemical Extinguishers

Wet chemical extinguishers are specifically suited for Class F fires, such as those of kitchen origin that involve cooking oils and fats. The chemical smothering agent assists in rapid cooling by reacting with the hot oils, building up barriers that prevent re-ignition. They are very important in commercial kitchens and restaurants.

What are wet chemical fire extinguishers used for?

• Fires involving cooking oils and fats (Class F fires)
• Fires involving flammable solids (Class A fires)

Some wet chemical fire extinguishers can also be used for fires involving flammable liquids; however, the exact use will be written on the label.

Do not use wet chemical fire extinguishers for:

• Fires involving flammable liquids (‘class B’ fires) UNLESS they are specifically cleared for this use
• Fires involving combustible gases, such as methane and butane (‘class C’ fires)
• Electrical fires

Conclusion

Fire extinguishers are crucial in firefighting since they are the first line of defence against incipient fires. Recognizing the different types of extinguishers and their correct applications is paramount in effective fire management and for ensuring the safety of occupants in residential and commercial buildings.

FAQs

1. What is the best type of fire extinguisher for a kitchen? Wet chemical extinguishers are ideal for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats.
2. Can I use a CO2 extinguisher on electrical fires? Yes, CO2 extinguishers are effective for electrical fires (Class C), as they displace oxygen, suffocating the fire.
3. How often should fire extinguishers be inspected? Fire extinguishers should be inspected annually by qualified professionals to ensure they are in proper working condition.
4. Are fire extinguishers reusable after use? In most cases, fire extinguishers can be refilled and reused after they have been discharged, provided they pass inspection and servicing.
5. Can anyone use a fire extinguisher in an emergency? While anyone can use a fire extinguisher in an emergency, proper training is recommended to ensure safe and effective usage.