5 Key Types of Fire Extinguishers –A Detailed Guide

Do you know the main types of fire extinguishers and what they should be used for? Understanding the uses of different types of fire extinguishers will help you purchase the right extinguisher for your home or commercial property. This post will share more information about types of extinguishers you should get from a fire extinguisher services company.

1. Water extinguishers

This is a common extinguisher designed for class A fires. Many premises need water/foam extinguishers. The extinguisher is used for organic matters like fabrics and textile, paper, cardboard, wood and coal. However, they shouldn't be used for kitchen fires, flammable liquids and gas or fires that involve electrical equipment. Usually, the water offers a cooling effect on fuel making it burn slowly until the flames get extinguished. These extinguishers can be used in schools, offices, hospitals, residential properties and warehouses.

2. Foam extinguishers

This extinguisher is ideal for class-B fires, although it also works on water-based class-A fires. It is used for organic materials just like water extinguishers, including flammable liquids like petrol and paint. But, don't use it for flammable metals, kitchen fires or a fire that involves electrical equipment. Like water extinguishes, a foam extinguisher has a cooling effect on fuel. When used on a burning liquid, its foaming agents create barriers between the fuel and flame hence extinguishing the fire.

3. Dry powder extinguishers

These extinguishers are designed to tackle all class A, B and C fires, but they shouldn't be used in an enclosed space. The powder can be inhaled easily, and the residue is hard to clean up. The extinguisher can be used for organic materials, flammable liquids, flammable gases like LPG gas and acetylene as well as fires that involve electrical equipment of 1000v. It works by creating a barrier between the fuel and oxygen source.

4. Carbon dioxide extinguishers

CO2 extinguishers are ideal for electrical fire risks, and that's why they are commonly used in computer server rooms. They're also ideal for flammable liquids like petroleum and paint. But, do not use these extinguishers for flammable metals, organic materials and kitchen fires. The CO2 suffocates the fire by displacing the oxygen required by the fire to burn.

5. Wet chemical extinguishers

These extinguishers are ideal for class A which involves cooking fats and oils. They may also be used for organic fires. However, they shouldn't be used for flammable metals, electrical fires or flammable gas or liquid. The extinguisher creates a foam on the burning oil surface to prevent oxygen from enhancing the fire.

Hopefully, this guide has offered insights you did not know about fire extinguishers.