Fire Extinguisher Types

Water and foam fire extinguishers are crucial in dealing with Class A fires. This type deal with ordinary combustibles by effectively removing the heat element in the chemical reaction of a fire. The foam also separates the oxygen from the other elements of the fire causing it to die down.

It’s extremely important to remember that water and foam fire extinguishers should NOT be used on electric fires (Class C). Using water on an electrical fire is very dangerous as it increases the risk of electrical shock to the person using the extinguisher.

Using water on combustible liquids like gasoline or oil (Class B) doesn’t work well as the two liquids typically repel each other. Furthermore, splashing water on burning fuel exacerbates the problem by causing the fire to spread further even faster.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers effectively remove both the oxygen and heat elements from the chemical reaction of a fire with a cold discharge of carbon dioxide.

These fire extinguishers are NOT effective in dealing with Class A fires but can be used on Class B and C fires.

Dry chemical fire extinguishers are the most common extinguisher on the market as they are the most versatile when it comes to fighting fires.

Dry chemical fire extinguishers come in two varieties.

• Multipurpose Dry Chemical
• Ordinary Dry Chemical

Multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguishers are effective on Class A, B and C fires. They work in a similar way to wet chemical fires with an agent creating a barrier between the oxygen element of a fire and the fuel agent of the fire.

Ordinary dry chemical fire extinguishers are to be used with Class B and C fires only if you don’t want the fire to reignite after thinking you’ve extinguished it.

Wet chemical fire extinguishers are most effective in dealing with Class K fires. Wet chemical is a special agent that removes heat from the chemical reaction of a fire. Additionally, wet chemical prevents a fire from reigniting by creating a barrier between the oxygen and fuel elements of a fire.

Wet chemical fire extinguishers were designed specifically for large commercial kitchens where lots of deep frying is done. Fats and oils can get very hot and in the event of a fire, the wet chemical agent is by far the most effective.

This type can be used for Class A fires that occur in commercial kitchen as well.

Clean agent fire extinguishers are best used on Class B and C fires, but can also be used for Class A fires depending on the size of fire extinguisher.

Clean agent fire extinguishers use newer and less ozone depleting halocarbon agents as opposed to older halon fire extinguishers. These agents are very effective at removing the heat from the chemical reaction of a fire to help extinguisher the flames.

These extinguishers are extremely useful when protecting delicate or sensitive property like data centres, communication facilities, control centres, museums, art galleries and the like.

Dry powder fire extinguishers are very similar to dry chemical extinguishers except that they extinguish fires by separating the fuel from the oxygen element or by removing the heat element within the chemical reaction.

It is important to note that these extinguishers are for Class D fires only. They are ineffective in every other situation.

Water mist fire extinguishers are a relatively new product on the market. These extinguishers remove heat from the chemical reaction of a fire and they are an alternative to the clean agent extinguishers where contamination is a concern.

These extinguishers are most effective with Class A fires, but they can also be used in the event of a Class C fire.

Cartridge operated dry chemical fire extinguishers are effective at extinguishing fires by interrupting the chemical reaction of a fire.

The multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguishers are effective on Class A, B and C fires, ensure the

Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B & C fires only. It’s important to use the correct extinguisher depending on the type of fuel present! Using the incorrect agent can allow the fire to re-ignite after apparently being extinguished successfully.