Which Type of Fire Extinguisher is Best for Your Home or Business?
- Fire Products Direct
- Apr 1
- 7 min read
Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher: Guide for Ultimate Fire Safety
What Is A Fire Extinguisher?
A fire extinguisher is a device designed to control or extinguish small fires. It features a pressurized container filled with an extinguishing agent such as water, foam, dry chemicals, carbon dioxide, or halon. When activated, the extinguisher releases the agent onto the fire, either smothering it or interrupting the chemical reaction that sustains it. Fire extinguishers come in various types and sizes, each suited to handle specific types of fires. It is essential to have a fire extinguisher readily accessible during a fire emergency and to be trained in its proper use.
What Are The Six Classes Of Fire?
The six classes of fire are:
Class A: Class A fires involve common combustibles like wood, paper, cloth, and plastics. These fires are the most frequent and can be easily put out with water, which cools the material below its ignition point and prevents re-ignition. To extinguish a Class A fire, the basic method is to eliminate the fuel source or cut off the oxygen supply. This can be done by smothering the fire with a fire blanket or using a fire extinguisher with water or foam. However, water should not be used on Class A fires involving live electrical equipment or flammable liquids, as it could cause electrocution or spread the fire. In such cases, a fire extinguisher with dry chemical or carbon dioxide should be used.
Class B: Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and grease. These fires can be very hazardous and spread rapidly if not properly controlled. Common examples include fires in vehicles, fuel storage tanks, and chemical plants. These fires can be triggered by electrical sparks, overheated equipment, or open flames. When dealing with a Class B fire, never use water as it can spread the flames. Instead, use an extinguisher specifically designed for Class B fires, like those with foam or carbon dioxide. If the fire is too large to handle with an extinguisher, evacuate immediately and call the fire department.
Class E: Class E fires involve electrical equipment such as appliances, tools, or other devices that have short-circuited or malfunctioned. These fires are particularly dangerous due to the risk of electrocution if water is used. To put out a Class C fire, use a non-conductive extinguishing agent designed for electrical fires, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical extinguishers. It's crucial to turn off the electrical source before attempting to extinguish the fire to minimize electrocution risk. If the fire is too large or uncontrollable, evacuate immediately and call the fire department. Always prioritize safety and do not attempt to fight a fire if unsure.
Class D: Class D fires involve flammable metals like magnesium, titanium, and sodium. These fires require special precautions and extinguishing agents, as water-based extinguishers can worsen the situation by causing a violent reaction to the metal. Specialized dry powder extinguishing agents are typically used to smother the fire and prevent the metal from reacting with oxygen. Sand or other non-combustible materials can also be used to cover the fire and cut off its oxygen supply. Class D fires are extremely dangerous and should only be handled by trained professionals with the proper equipment and protective gear. If you encounter a Class D fire, evacuate immediately and call for help.
Class F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats are classified as Class F fires. These fires typically occur in kitchens and restaurants where cooking with oils and fats is common. Class F fires are very dangerous because cooking oils and fats ignite quickly and burn at high temperatures, making them hard to extinguish. To prevent Class F fires, always be attentive while cooking and ensure the cooking area is clean and free from flammable materials. Have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of a fire. If a Class F fire occurs, never use water, as it can spread the fire. Instead, use a fire extinguisher designed for Class F fires or a fire blanket to smother the flames. Call emergency services immediately.
What Types Of Fire Extinguishers Are There?
Fire extinguishers come in various types, each designed to tackle specific kinds of fires. The most common types include:
Water extinguishers are typically used for fires involving solid materials like paper, wood, and textiles. They extinguish flames by cooling the fire, reducing the temperature to below its ignition point. It is crucial not to use water extinguishers on fires involving electrical equipment or flammable liquids, as water can conduct electricity and spread the fire. For such instances, a different type of extinguisher is necessary.
Foam extinguishers are designed for fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel, and oil. The foam suffocates the fire by cutting off oxygen, effectively extinguishing it. These extinguishers are often used in places where flammable liquids are present, like factories, workshops, or garages, and areas at risk for such fires, like petrol stations or airports. Foam extinguishers are unsuitable for electrical fires or cooking oil fires, as they might exacerbate these situations. In such cases, a different extinguisher is recommended.
CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguishers are intended for fires involving flammable liquids, electrical equipment, and other Class B and Class E fires. They put out fires by removing oxygen from the area, smothering the flames. CO2 extinguishers, identifiable by their black horn-shaped nozzles and red labels, are commonly used in labs, server rooms, and industrial settings. They are not suitable for Class A fires, involving materials like wood or paper, as they do not cool the burning material. In confined spaces, CO2 extinguishers can be hazardous due to the risk of asphyxiation, so proper safety measures must be followed.
Dry powder extinguishers are effective against fires involving flammable gases like propane, butane, and methane, as well as flammable liquids such as gasoline or oil. They work by releasing a fine powder that smothers the fire and disrupts the chemical reaction sustaining it. The powder, often made of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or monoammonium phosphate, is non-conductive and effective for fires involving electrical equipment.
Wet chemical extinguishers are specifically for fires involving cooking oils and fats, known as Class F fires. The agent, usually a potassium acetate-based solution, forms a soapy layer over the burning oil or fat, cooling the fire and preventing re-ignition. Common in commercial kitchens and restaurants, these extinguishers are often used alongside automatic fire suppression systems. They should only be used on Class F fires, as using them on other types of fires, like electrical or flammable liquid fires, can be ineffective or dangerous. Selecting the correct extinguisher for each fire type and receiving proper training on its use is essential.
Act Before It's Too Late: Recognizing When to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Recognizing the right moment to use a fire extinguisher is crucial for preventing fires from spreading and ensuring the safety of people and property. It's vital to realize that not all fires can be tackled with a fire extinguisher, and using the wrong type can be hazardous.
Consider these key points when deciding whether to use a fire extinguisher:
Evaluate the fire: Before deploying a fire extinguisher, evaluate the fire to see if it can be safely put out. If the fire is rapidly spreading or taller than you, it may already be beyond your control, and using a fire extinguisher could endanger you. In such situations, evacuate immediately and contact the fire department. Fires involving flammable liquids or gases often pose greater risks and can quickly become unmanageable, making them unsuitable for a fire extinguisher. Using one in these cases might worsen the fire and cause further spread. Therefore, carefully evaluate the fire before deciding to use a fire extinguisher, which can help you avoid danger and make the best decision for the situation.
Select the appropriate extinguisher: Different fires require different extinguishers. There are five primary types: A, B, E, D, and F, each designed for fires caused by various materials like wood, paper, flammable liquids, electrical equipment, and cooking oils. Ensure you have the correct extinguisher for the type of fire you are facing.
Follow the PASS technique: The PASS technique is a simple acronym for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep, providing an effective way to use a fire extinguisher. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Pull the pin: Start by pulling the pin on the extinguisher, typically located near the handle, to prevent accidental discharge. Removing this pin enables the use of the extinguisher.
Aim at the fire's base: After removing the pin, aim the extinguisher nozzle at the fire's base, targeting the fuel source for maximum effectiveness. Stand at a safe distance and aim at the base, not the top of the flames.
Squeeze the handle: With the nozzle aimed at the base, squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent, which could be foam, powder, or gas, depending on the extinguisher type. Continue squeezing until the extinguisher is empty or the fire is out.
Sweep side to side: As you release the agent, sweep the nozzle from side to side to cover the fire's base thoroughly. This helps extinguish remaining flames and prevents re-ignition. Keep sweeping until the fire is completely out.
Always contact the fire department immediately and evacuate if the fire is too large or spreading rapidly. The PASS technique is effective only for small fires that can be safely managed with a fire extinguisher.
Plan an Escape Route
Planning an escape route before using a fire extinguisher is crucial for your safety. Consider these tips when developing an escape plan:
Identify all possible exits: Locate every potential exit in the room or area, such as doors, windows, and emergency exits.
Choose the safest exit: Assess which exit is safest to use during a fire, taking into account distance, obstacles, and potential hazards.
Have an alternative plan: Identify a secondary escape route in case the primary one becomes inaccessible or unsafe.
Share the plan: Ensure everyone in the area is aware of the escape plan and knows how to follow it.
Remember, if a fire cannot be safely put out, do not try to extinguish it. Leave the area immediately and contact the fire department.
Generally, you should use a fire extinguisher only if you are certain you can safely put out the fire. If you have any doubts, or if the
fire is too large or dangerous, evacuate the area immediately and call the fire department.
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