Protect your life and know the different types of fire extinguishers and their uses for any emergency 

Fire extinguishers are everywhere; at home, work, malls, hotels, and even cars. Their presence is definitely ubiquitous, but do you know their types or how to use them? – With so many types and sizes, choosing the right one for your business can be overwhelming. In this guide, we will provide basic information about fire extinguishers and how to act if you’re forced to use them. Check out the different types of fire extinguishers and their uses, along with the fire classes.  Let’s start! 

What are the classes of fire?

To tackle any fire, you need to choose the most suitable fire extinguisher, avoiding any damage or injury. Actually, choosing the wrong fire extinguisher may backfire, causing electric shock, explosions, or even fire spread. If you want to face any fire before it grows, you must know the 6 different classes of fire. 

• Class A 

This fire involves solid materials, including wood, textiles, paper, plastics, furniture, and more. Class A fire usually occurs in places where solids are the common type of fuel. If a fire starts to attack offices or the structure of buildings, a water extinguisher is an ideal solution. But, it is highly dangerous to use near electrical equipment. Also, foam, dry powder, and wet chemical fire extinguishers are convenient for this fire class. 

• Class B

This fire involves flammable liquids, including petrol, oil, or diesel. Workplaces are subjected to this type of fire as the fluids or chemicals used are explosive such as inks, paints, and cleaning fluids. According to a recent study, flammable liquids are responsible for only 2% of all fires. So, it is rare; not likely to occur. However, it can be more drastic than any other type. If a Class B fire ignites, foam, dry powder, and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are the best types to attack this fire type. 

• Class C fire:  

Class C fire involves flammable gases or any gas that causes explosions, including natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas. Any building or institution that deals with gas is highly subjected to fire risks, having a dangerous environment. Gases must have special care and be dealt with cautiously; kept in sealed containers in a safe spot. If a Class C fire starts, shutting the gas source is a must before using dry powder fire extinguishers. 

• Class D 

Class D fire involves metals such as potassium and sodium as they are highly flammable materials, being good conductors. Metals melt at high temperatures so, fires that attack a building structure, with its columns and beams, can be a disaster. Never use a water fire extinguisher on this fire class as it can accelerate the fire spread. Dry powder extinguishers are the perfect fit for this fire. And, the used powder is different depending on the type of metals such as L2, ABC, and M28 powders. 

• Class E

Class E doesn’t particularly exist but Electrical fires fall under this category. Live fires beside any electrical equipment is a hazard that can’t be risked. Make sure to install any electrical equipment right to avoid this fire class. If an electrical fire ignites, the first thing to do is shut down the power supply. Then, start using dry powder or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers.

• Class F fire:

Class F Fire involves the presence of cooking oils and flammable fats near any heat source in kitchens. The only approved fire extinguisher for Class F fires is the wet chemical type. If the fire is small, a fire blanket will be enough to suppress the flames.

Different types of fire extinguishers and their uses:

Walking through any workplace or public building, you’ve probably seen fire extinguishers near entrance doors or fire escapes. Sometimes, you may spot two or more fire extinguishers beside each other. They are all red and it can be hard to tell the difference. But, take a closer look and cast your attention upon the small labels and different nozzles shape. Now, you can see the difference! 

So, why is it important to tell the difference between each type? – When a fire starts to attack the building, there won’t be time to check the labels. In the upcoming guide, we will take you through the different types of fire extinguishers and their uses to identify them quickly in case of an emergency.  

Water-Fire Extinguishers

Water Extinguishers are the most common and effective type used to suppress Class A fire. It is totally safe as it contains only water and also the least expensive among the other types. Its price may increase if chemical additives are added as they increase the effectiveness to 300% and reduce the weight. There are 4 types of water extinguishers in the market: 

• Water jet: Operates by spraying water at the burning flames and avoiding the re-ignition. It is dangerous to use this type of electrical equipment. 
• Water spray: Operates by spraying water droplets at the burning flames. The concept is that the water droplet is surrounded by non-conductive air. 
• Water extinguishers with additives: Adding foaming chemicals to the water makes the fire extinguisher operate much more effectively. Another benefit; using chemicals means that a smaller fire extinguisher can carry the same water volume. 
• Water mist or fog: This type absorbs heat energy faster, extinguishing fires in the form of mist or fog, which have smaller droplets than water. This type is safe to use in case of any fire class except Class D. 

And, there is Dry Water Mist Extinguisher

This fire extinguisher type is both unique and powerful, used to suppress any fire class, including Class F. It operates by turning water into dry microscopic particles which cools the flames and avoids re-ignition. What is good is; this type doesn’t leave any residue behind which is difficult to clean. Dry water mist extinguishers have proven their efficiency in electrical fires, not causing hazards as the normal water extinguishers. 

Foam Extinguishers

Foam Extinguishers are used to suppress Class A and B fires. It operates by producing a foaming agent that acts as a blanket that seals the liquid surface to prevent the flammable vapor from reaching the atmosphere. In this case, the fire is suppressed, avoiding the re-ignition. Foam extinguishers are recognized due to the word “foam” printed in a foam rectangle. 

Carbon Dioxide (CO2 Fire Extinguishers)

Carbon dioxide extinguishers are perfect to suppress Class B fires, as well as electrical fires. It operates by replacing the oxygen in the air with carbon dioxide, smothering the flames, and cutting off the air supply. It doesn’t leave any residue behind, making it safe to use in server rooms and workplaces with electrical equipment. Once the fire is suppressed, the fire may re-ignite when the gas floats away. 

Dry Powder Extinguishers 

Powder Extinguishers are multi-taskers with the ability to suppress Class A, B, C fires, in addition to electrical fires. It operates by making a barrier between the fire source and oxygen, suppressing fire. One drawback; it doesn’t cool the flames entirely, so, it may re-ignite. It isn’t recommended to use this type inside closed spaces as it may cause breathing problems and visibility loss. Also, the powder leaves a residue that may damage machines and electronics. 

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Wet Chemical Extinguishers are the ideal choice when a Class F fire attacks a kitchen. It operates by forming a soap-like solution that seals the surface, knocks down the flames quickly, and avoid the splash of burning oils to the surroundings. It also avoids re-ignition. While this type is mainly designed to suppress Class F fire, it can be also used on Class A and B fires. 

The meaning of fire extinguisher colors:

Each color represents a different fire extinguisher. It is important to know the different types to grab the right extinguisher at the time of need. 

• Water: Water extinguishers are all red with the word “water” or “aqua spray” printed in white letters. 
• Water Mist: Dry Water Mist Extinguisher is all red with the word “water mist” printed in a white rectangle.
• Foam: Foam Extinguisher is all red with the word “foam” printed in a cream rectangle.
• Powder: Powder Extinguisher is all red with the word “powder” printed in white letters inside a blue rectangle.
• Carbon dioxide: The carbon dioxide Extinguisher is all red with the word “CO2” printed in white letters inside a black rectangle.
• Wet Chemical: Wet Chemical Extinguisher is all red with the word “Wet Chemical” printed inside a yellow rectangle.:

How does a fire extinguisher work?

You must know how to use a fire extinguisher to be ready if you have to put out any sudden fires. It is easy to use when you familiarize yourself with the four steps of the P.A.S.S technique.

• P: Pull the pin to break the tamper seal
• A: Aim the extinguisher low, with the nozzle directed at the firebase
• S: Squeeze the handle to spray the extinguishing agent
• S: Sweep from side to side while pointing the extinguishing agent at the firebase 

If the flames re-ignite, evacuate the building immediately and start to repeat the same steps over and over. 

Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for home?

Any home must have a fire extinguisher to conquer small fires until the fire department arrives, saving lives. ABC Powder Fire Extinguisher is the perfect choice when looking for something suitable at home. That’s because it can combat Class A, B, and C fires and subdue the fire source. But, if you’re looking for a fire extinguisher for the kitchen, the wet chemicals type will be the ideal fit. 

How to test a fire extinguisher?

• Check the outer structure for any damage, leakage, or clogged nozzle
• Lift the fire extinguisher to make sure that it’s full
• Check for the pressure gauge and immediately replace it if missing
• If the pressure level falls outside the green zone, it is a bad indication.

What happens when a fire extinguisher expires?

Most of the fire extinguishers don’t have an expiry date, however, it doesn’t mean that it will last forever. It will continue to operate from 5 to 15 years if it has been cared for well over time. If you catch signs of a broken or weak seal around the fire extinguisher’s neck, replace it immediately. At Team Work Holding, our experts can provide you with new fire extinguishers to be ready for any upcoming emergency. 

Want to purchase a fire extinguisher? 

Fire Extinguishers are an important addition to any fire safety system in any building or workplace. In fact, it is indispensable to conquer a small fire before it goes out of hand. However, it is essential to remember that there are different types of fires to choose the right fire extinguisher. Choosing the wrong fire extinguisher will do harm more than good and sometimes causes disasters. At Team Work Holding, we will help you understand the different types of fire extinguishers and their uses. We also offer maintenance services to fire fighting and alarm systems. Have you decided on your fire extinguisher yet?!