Types of Fire Extinguisher and Its Uses

Here is a piece information on types of fire extinguisher. We promise to save you from a fire (or at least help you in protecting yourself).

How?

By sharing an important piece of information with you.

Types of Fire Extinguishers and their uses are arguably the most crucial knowledge you ought to have to prevent yourself and your loved ones from small fires.

But before jumping at the cure, it becomes imperative to understand the cause of it. Thus, we will discuss the classes of fire before jumping to the hot part of the blog.

We can classify fire can into the following six classes. These are-

1. Class A: Combustible solid materials such as wood, paper, fabric, etc
2. Class B: Flammable liquid or gas
3. Class C: Electrical fire, LPG, CNG, etc
4. Class D: Metallic fire (magnesium, sodium, etc.)
5. Class K: Cooking fires – animal or vegetable oils or fats

Consider reading about this article on importance of fire safety training.

For different types of fires, fire extinguishers come to play in their shining armour. Companies generally classify fire extinguishers into six different classifications. These are as follows:- 

Foam Fire Extinguisher

Have you ever been caught in a fire caused by wood for liquids? Foam it out with this extinguisher as it extinguishes class A and B fire.

The foam released from the extinguisher expands into the air and blankets the fire, thus cutting its air supply.

Look for a cream label for this extinguisher.

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Also called Class K extinguishers, they are specifically designed for commercial cooking processes. However, you can also use it on Class A fires and Class B fires.

These extinguishers enclose a solution (containing potassium) that effectively reacts with the burning oil to form a soap-like solution. It helps in putting off the fire and preventing re-ignition.

So don’t forget to keep a small portable yellow label extinguisher in case your kitchen is prone to fire.

Water Fire Extinguisher

As the name suggests, this type of extinguisher uses water to put off the fire. All water extinguishers have a red label.

With the emergence of new researches, these extinguishers are further available in different forms. Some of them are- water jet, water spray, water with additives, and water mist fire extinguishers. 

Out of these water mist extinguisher is the most flexible type as it can extinguish different types of fire. For example, it can be effectively used in classes A, B, C, and K fires.

Water Mist extinguisher discharges microscopic water molecules(in the form of mist or fog). These molecules then evaporate quickly into the air, thus decreasing the oxygen and suffocating the fire.

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher

This is the type of extinguisher you have to look for in case of a fire caused by electrical equipment or flammable liquids. (Class B and Class C fires)

This extinguisher is one of the cleanest types of extinguishers to use because, unlike foam extinguishers, it leaves no residue. These extinguishers are distinguished by the black label present on them.

Carbon dioxide gas emitted from it acts as an inhibitor for oxygen, thus cutting the fire.

Powder extinguishers

It is a blue-label extinguisher that uses powder to extinguish the fire. Among its three types, the most common type is the ABC powder fire extinguisher. The other two are M28 powder and L2 powder extinguishers.

ABC- It extinguishes all A, B, and C classes of fire. They are also suitable for fighting electrical fires.

M28- suitable for all types of metal fires(Class D), except Lithium.

L2- suitable for all types of metal fires(Class D)

Despite its multipurpose features, limit its use as the excess powder can cause inhalation issues and leaves a residue that is difficult to clean. 

Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers

This is a gaseous type of extinguisher, which is also called a Halogenated fire extinguisher. It comprises halogen gases stored in liquid form. These gases are non-conductive, safe, and leaves no residue. 

As soon as these gases are discharged into the air, they undergo a chemical reaction, thus removing heat from the fire triangle. 

Clean agent extinguishers are effective on Class B and C fires.

These eco-friendly extinguishers it has a green label on them. 

With this, we hope you feel more informed and equipped with suitable extinguishers for your home or workplace. However, note all fire extinguishers need periodic servicing. You can contact us, in case you wish to get your fire extinguisher serviced.