Everything You Need to Know About Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguishers
- Fire Products Direct
- Jul 28
- 5 min read
Guide to Understanding Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguishers
It is important to be equipped with the right firefighting tools as fire outbreaks can happen at any location without warning. The dry chemical powder fire extinguisher is a widely used firefighting equipment. This guide provides you with comprehensive knowledge about dry chemical powder fire extinguishers, covering their characteristics, dimensions and usage scenarios.
What Are Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguishers?
A dry chemical powder fire extinguisher—commonly referred to as DCP, ABE, or BE—is a portable device for fire suppression filled with a fine, non-flammable powder, typically monoammonium phosphate (for ABE types) or sodium bicarbonate (for BE types).
These extinguishers function by disrupting the chemical reaction of fire. Upon discharge, the powder creates a thin coating or blanket over the burning materials, isolating the fuel from oxygen and thus extinguishing the flames. Additionally, the powder can serve as a heat shield, providing extra protection.
Key features:
Multi-class use: ABE dry chemical extinguishers are effective on:
Class A fires: Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, textiles)
Class B fires: Flammable liquids (petrol, oil)
Class E fires: Electrically energised equipment.
Non-conductive: Safe for use on electrical fires as the powder does not conduct electricity.
Quick and versatile: Offers rapid extinguishment, suitable for various fire types, and does not cause thermal shock to hot metals.
Identification: In Australia, these extinguishers feature a red body with a white band near the top.
Limitations:
The powder does not cool the fire, so there is a risk of re-ignition if the fuel remains hot.
Not suitable for fires involving certain combustible metals (Class D) or cooking oils (unless specified for Class F).
Dry chemical powder fire extinguishers are the most commonly used extinguishers in Australia due to their versatility and effectiveness against multiple fire classes.
Sizes of Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguishers
Choose the appropriate size of dry powder fire extinguisher based on the area you want to protect and the types of fires you may face. A range of sizes is available, from 0.75kg to 9kg. For smaller spaces like vehicles, caravans, and small boats, the 0.75kg and 1kg extinguishers are a good fit. In industrial or commercial settings where larger fires may occur, opt for larger sizes like the 4.5kg or 9kg extinguishers.
Colours of Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguishers
The body of a fire extinguisher that contains dry chemical powder is red, with a white colour band encircling the top of its cylinder. This established colour code assists in recognising the extinguisher type and the kind of fire it can handle. The white band signifies that the extinguisher holds dry chemical powder and is suitable for extinguishing Class A, B, and E fires.
Usage of Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers containing dry chemical powder can be used to combat fires related to flammable liquids, electrical equipment, and combustible solids. However, it is not advisable to use them for cooking oil or fat fires because the powder may aggravate the situation. While using a dry powder extinguisher, one must target the bottom of the flame and swing it in a horizontal direction. The discharge must be continued until the fire is entirely put out. To avoid mishaps, it is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations since various dry powder fire extinguishers may come with differing instructions.
Effectiveness of Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguishers
For extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids, electrical equipment, and combustible solids, dry chemical powder fire extinguishers are remarkably efficient. They stop the chemical reaction behind the fire's combustion. Nevertheless, they are not ideal for putting out fires caused by cooking oils or fats since the powder can promote the spread of the flames. Moreover, the dry powder can create a mess that is hard to clean up. Hence, one should factor in the potential consequences of using a dry powder extinguisher.
Maintenance of Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguishers
To ensure the effectiveness of dry chemical powder fire extinguishers, it is crucial to understand their maintenance requirements. These extinguishers are of high quality and performance; therefore, regular maintenance is necessary. Below are some tips on how to maintain dry chemical powder fire extinguishers:
Inspection: Regularly inspect the extinguisher to ensure that it is in good working condition. Check for any signs of damage, corrosion, or leakage. Also, make sure the pressure gauge is in the green zone, and if it isn't, have a professional service it promptly.
Recharging: After every use or when the pressure gauge shows a lower reading, recharge the dry chemical powder fire extinguisher. Contact a qualified professional to ensure that the correct amount of powder is filled and that the extinguisher is pressurised properly.
Testing: It is recommended that dry chemical powder fire extinguishers be tested annually or per the manufacturer's guidelines. A professional should carry out the test to ensure that the extinguisher is in good working order.
Placement: Proper placement of fire extinguishers is essential to ensure quick accessibility in the event of a fire. Place them in a visible and easily accessible location, without any obstructions.
Training: Adequate training on how to use a fire extinguisher is essential. Ensure that all employees are correctly and safely informed on how to use the fire extinguishers.
By following these maintenance tips, your dry chemical powder fire extinguishers will always be in good condition and ready for use in the case of a fire emergency
Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguisher Sizes:
What is dry chemical powder fire extinguisher?
Dry powder fire extinguisher is the most effective all-around model for use in the home or on a vehicle due to its impressive coverage of multiple fire classes. They generally come as ABE or BE variants and are rated for use on those types of fires. As an added bonus they are safe to use on electrical fires too which is an impressive extension of their usage.
Where can you use dry chemical powder fire extinguisher?
Dry chemical powder fire extinguishers are extremely effective and versatile.
ABE Type : Class A Fires - paper, cardboard, wood, fabrics, people etc. Class B Fires - flammable liquid fires, petrol, diesel, oil etc Class E Fires - electrical fires, computers, photocopiers, switchboards etc
What is dry chemical powder?
Dry chemical powder extinguishing agent which is forced out of the extinguisher under pressure by a non flammable gas. The powder then smothers the fire and prevents re-ignition by removing one of the fire causing elements such as oxygen.
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