What is an F-500 fire extinguisher used for?

An F-500 Fire Extinguisher: A Guide to Multi-Purpose Fire Protection

Fire risks are evolving. Traditional combustibles like wood and paper are still common, but today’s environments also include flammable liquids, commercial kitchens, and rapidly growing lithium-ion battery hazards. This is where the F-500 fire extinguisher stands out.

An F-500 fire extinguisher is widely recognised as a multi-purpose fire suppression solution, capable of handling Class A, Class B, and Class F fires, while also being particularly effective for lithium-ion battery incidents. Unlike conventional extinguishing agents, F 500 uses advanced chemistry to cool, encapsulate, and suppress fire more efficiently.

In this guide, we’ll explore what an F 500 fire extinguisher is, how it works, where it’s used, its benefits, limitations, and why it’s becoming one of the most talked-about fire safety solutions in Australia and globally.

What Is an F 500 Fire Extinguisher?

An F 500 fire extinguisher uses a specialised encapsulating agent mixed with water. Rather than simply smothering flames, the agent works at a molecular level, surrounding fuel particles and stopping combustion at its source.

What makes F 500 unique is its ability to deal with multiple fire classes using a single extinguisher, which is especially valuable in modern, mixed-risk environments.

In simple terms:

• It cools fires rapidly

• It neutralises flammable liquids and gases

• It reduces toxic smoke

• It helps prevent re-ignition, including thermal runaway in batteries

Understanding Fire Classifications

To fully appreciate the versatility of an F 500 fire extinguisher, it’s important to understand the fire classes it is designed to handle.

Class A Fires – Ordinary Combustibles

Class A fires involve solid materials that burn with embers, such as:

• Wood

• Paper

• Cardboard

• Textiles

• Many plastics

These fires are common in homes, offices, warehouses, and commercial buildings.

An F 500 extinguisher is highly effective on Class A fires due to its rapid cooling capability, penetrating deep into the burning material and stopping combustion at its core.

Class B Fires – Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Class B fires include flammable liquids such as:

• Petrol

• Diesel

• Oils

• Fuels

• Solvents

• Paints and chemicals

Traditional water extinguishers are dangerous for Class B fires, as they can spread the burning liquid. F 500, however, encapsulates the fuel, neutralising vapours and reducing the risk of flashback or re-ignition.

This makes F 500 especially valuable in industrial, automotive, marine, and fuel-handling environments.

Class F Fires – Cooking Oils and Fats

Class F fires are caused by:

• Cooking oils

• Animal fats

• Vegetable oils

• Commercial deep fryers

These fires burn at extremely high temperatures and can reignite easily. While dedicated wet chemical extinguishers are still the gold standard for large commercial kitchens, F-500 extinguishers can handle Class F fires in a limited capacity, depending on their certification and rating.

This makes them suitable for:

• Small kitchens

• Food preparation areas

• Mixed-risk environments where a single extinguisher is preferred

Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: Where F 500 Excels

One of the biggest reasons F-500 has gained attention is its performance on lithium-ion battery fires.

Why Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Are So Dangerous

Lithium-ion batteries are found in:

• Electric vehicles (EVs)

• E-bikes and e-scooters

• Power tools

• Mobile devices

• Energy storage systems

• Solar battery installations

When damaged, overheated, or defective, these batteries can enter thermal runaway, a chain reaction that:

• Releases extreme heat

• Produces flammable gases

• Causes violent re-ignition

• Is very difficult to stop with conventional extinguishers

How F-500 Helps with Battery Incidents

An F 500 fire extinguisher does not rely solely on smothering flames. Instead, it:

• Rapidly cools battery cells

• Encapsulates flammable gases

• Reduces heat radiation

• Helps prevent re-ignition

This makes F 500 a preferred choice for first responders, EV facilities, workshops, and battery storage sites, especially for early-stage battery fires.

How an F 500 Fire Extinguisher Works

Understanding how F-500 works explains why it is so versatile and effective.

Rapid Cooling Technology

Heat is one of the three elements of the fire triangle. F 500 removes heat faster than plain water by:

• Improving heat absorption

• Reducing surface tension

• Allowing deeper penetration into burning materials

This is crucial for battery fires, where cooling is the key to stopping thermal runaway.

Encapsulation and Micelle Formation

The standout feature of F-500 is encapsulation.

When discharged, the agent forms micelles—tiny molecular structures that:

• Surround fuel particles

• Isolate flammable vapours

• Neutralise combustible liquids and gases

Once encapsulated, the fuel can no longer sustain combustion.

Reduced Smoke and Toxic By-Products

Compared with water alone, F-500 can:

• Significantly reduce soot

• Lower toxic hydrocarbon levels in smoke

• Improve visibility during evacuation and firefighting

This benefit is especially important in enclosed spaces such as data centres, ships, and underground facilities.

Where F 500 Fire Extinguishers Are Typically Used

Because of their broad capability, F-500 fire extinguishers are used across many industries.

Electric Vehicle and Battery Environments

F 500 is increasingly specified for:

• EV manufacturing plants

• EV repair workshops

• Charging stations

• Battery recycling facilities

• E-bike and e-scooter storage areas

• Solar and battery storage installations

These environments demand an extinguisher that can handle both conventional fires and battery risks.

High-Tech and Industrial Facilities

Industries that benefit from F-500 include:

• Data centres

• Telecommunications hubs

• Wind farms

• Manufacturing plants

• Chemical processing facilities

• Warehouses handling flammable liquids

In these locations, a single extinguisher capable of multiple fire classes simplifies training and improves response speed.

General Risk and Commercial Sites

F-500 extinguishers are also found in:

• Office buildings

• Shopping centres

• Marine vessels

• Airports

• Educational facilities

• Mixed-use commercial properties

They are particularly attractive where future-proofing against battery fire risks is a priority.

Advantages of Using an F 500 Fire Extinguisher

There are several reasons why organisations are choosing F-500 over traditional extinguishers.

True Multi-Purpose Capability

Instead of installing multiple extinguisher types, F-500 can cover:

• Class A

• Class B

• Class F (limited)

• Lithium-ion battery risks

This simplifies fire safety planning and equipment selection.

Reduced Re-Ignition Risk

Thanks to encapsulation and cooling, F-500 significantly lowers the chance of:

• Flashback

• Vapour ignition

• Battery re-ignition

This is a major advantage over standard water or foam extinguishers.

Environmentally Considerate

F-500 is:

• Non-toxic

• Biodegradable

• Free from PFAS chemicals found in some foams

This makes it suitable for environmentally sensitive sites and marine applications.

Improved Safety for Occupants and Responders

By reducing smoke and toxic gases, F-500:

• Improves evacuation conditions

• Enhances visibility

• Reduces exposure risks for first responders

Limitations and Important Considerations

While F-500 is highly capable, it is not a universal solution for every fire scenario.

Certification and Ratings Matter

In Australia, most portable F-500 extinguishers are certified as water additive extinguishers to AS/NZS 1841.2.

This means:

• The actual rating on the extinguisher label determines what it is approved to fight

• Users must always follow the stated Class A, B, and F ratings

Never assume capability beyond what is certified.

Electrical Safety Still Applies

Although F 500 can be used on energised equipment and battery incidents, standard electrical safety rules must be followed:

• Maintain safe approach distances

• Isolate power where possible

• Use correct firefighting techniques

F 500 improves safety, but it does not eliminate electrical hazards.

Not a Replacement for Fixed Suppression Systems

For large-scale battery installations or commercial kitchens, fixed fire suppression systems may still be required. F-500 is best suited for:

• Portable firefighting

• Early-stage incidents

• First response applications

F 500 vs Traditional Fire Extinguishers

Understanding how F-500 compares helps highlight its value.

F-500 vs Water Extinguishers

• Better cooling

• Encapsulation of fuels

• Reduced re-ignition

• Greater versatility

F-500 vs Foam Extinguishers

• No PFAS concerns

• Better performance on battery fires

• Reduced smoke production

F-500 vs Wet Chemical Extinguishers

• More versatile across fire classes

• Less specialised for large deep-fryer fires

• Ideal for mixed-risk environments

Training and Correct Use of F-500 Fire Extinguishers

Even the best extinguisher is ineffective without proper use.

Basic Operating Principles

Most F-500 extinguishers operate like standard portable units:

• Pull the pin

• Aim at the base of the fire

• Squeeze the handle

• Sweep side to side

Battery Fire Response Tips

When dealing with lithium-ion batteries:

• Focus on cooling the battery pack

• Apply agent steadily

• Watch for signs of re-ignition

• Do not stop too early

Proper training significantly improves outcomes.

Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Like all fire extinguishers, F-500 units require:

• Regular inspections

• Pressure checks

• Servicing in accordance with AS 1851

• Replacement or recharge after use

Correct maintenance ensures the extinguisher performs when it’s needed most.

Is an F-500 Fire Extinguisher Right for Your Site?

An F-500 fire extinguisher is an excellent choice if your site:

• Has mixed fire risks

• Uses or stores lithium-ion batteries

• Handles flammable liquids

• Wants a future-focused fire safety solution

It is particularly attractive for organisations looking to simplify extinguisher selection while increasing protection.

Conclusion

An F 500 fire extinguisher is far more than a standard firefighting tool. Its ability to handle Class A, Class B, and Class F fires, combined with its proven effectiveness on lithium-ion battery incidents, makes it one of the most versatile extinguishers available today.

By offering rapid cooling, encapsulation, reduced smoke, and lower re-ignition risk, F 500 addresses the realities of modern fire hazards. While it must always be used in line with certification, ratings, and safety standards, it provides a powerful, forward-looking solution for workplaces, industries, and facilities preparing for the future of fire risk.

In a world increasingly powered by batteries and complex fuels, F 500 fire extinguishers are redefining what multi-purpose fire protection really means.

This article is intended to provide general information and is not customised for any individual's specific circumstances