Know Your Fire Extinguishers: A Guide to Different Types of Fire Extinguishers

5/1/2023 (Permalink)

Fires can occur at any time and in any place, and it's essential to have the right fire extinguisher on hand to suppress the flames. There are different types of fire extinguishers designed to tackle specific classes of fires. In this article, we'll discuss the different kinds of fire extinguishers and which ones are best suited for different types of fires.

Class A Fire Extinguishers

Class A fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires that involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth. These types of fires are common in homes and offices. Class A fire extinguishers contain water or a foam solution to smother the flames and cool the burning material.

Class B Fire Extinguishers

Class B fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires that involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and grease. These types of fires are common in garages, kitchens, and workshops. Class B fire extinguishers contain a dry chemical or foam solution to smother the flames and prevent re-ignition.

Class C Fire Extinguishers

Class C fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires that involve electrical equipment such as computers, appliances, and wiring. These types of fires are common in offices and industrial settings. Class C fire extinguishers contain a dry chemical or carbon dioxide to smother the flames and prevent electrical shock.

Class D Fire Extinguishers

Class D fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires that involve flammable metals such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium. These types of fires are uncommon in homes and offices but are common in industrial settings. Class D fire extinguishers contain a dry powder to smother the flames and prevent re-ignition.

Class K Fire Extinguishers

Class K fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires that involve cooking oils and fats. These types of fires are common in kitchens and restaurants. Class K fire extinguishers contain a special wet chemical solution that reacts with the oil or fat to create a barrier and prevent re-ignition.

Water mist fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires that involve combustible materials such as wood, paper, and cloth. These types of fire extinguishers use a fine mist of water to smother the flames and cool the burning material. Water mist fire extinguishers are safe to use on electrical fires and are ideal for homes and offices

Knowing the right type of fire extinguisher to use is important in keeping your home or business safe incase of a fire.