What Are the Different Types of Fire Extinguishers?
There are several different types of fire extinguishers, each designed to put out specific types of fires, including: foam, carbon dioxide, poder, water & wet chemical extinguishers. As each extinguisher has it’s own use, it is incredibly important to use the correct type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire and to follow the proper safety procedures when using one. But before we look at each type in more detail, let’s understand exactly what a fire extinguisher is.
What Is a Fire Extinguisher?
A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires and a legal requirement in all UK businesses, outlined by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. They are typically cylindrical or spherical in shape and contain a pressurised extinguishing agent designed to quickly put out small fires. Fire extinguishers are classified based on the type of fire they are intended to extinguish, and there are 5 main classes of fire extinguishers.
What Are the Different Classes of Fire Extinguishers?
There are four classes of fire extinguishers — A, B, C and D — and each is designed to put out a different kind of fire. According to Nationwide,
- Class A extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper.
- Class B extinguishers are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil.
- Class C extinguishers are suitable for use only on electrically energized fires.
- Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals.
Multipurpose extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and will be labelled with more than one class.
Classes aside, let’s learn more about the 5 different types of fire extinguishers:
1. Foam
Foam extinguishers can be used on solid fuel fires, as well as flammable liquids. They are not suitable for use on electrical fires and often used in areas where there is a risk of fires involving flammable liquids, such as fuel storage areas, laboratories, and workshops. They are also commonly used in industrial and commercial settings.
They contain ‘Aqueous Film Forming Foam’ which smothers the fire and seals in any flammable vapours, preventing the fire from reigniting.
They are typically classified as Class A and B extinguishers, meaning they are suitable for use on fires involving ordinary combustibles (Class A) and flammable liquids (Class B).
2. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon Dioxide extinguishers can be used on flammable liquids and electric fires. They are typically classified as Class B and C extinguishers and often used in areas where there is a risk of fires involving electrical equipment, such as offices, computer rooms, and laboratories. They are also commonly used in industrial and commercial settings where there is a risk of fires involving flammable liquids.
CO2 fire extinguishers work by displacing oxygen and smothering the fire, which effectively extinguishes it. When the CO2 gas is released, it cools down the fire by removing heat and prevents re-ignition by removing oxygen from the surrounding area.
CO2 fire extinguishers should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are functioning properly. It is also crucial to note that CO2 fire extinguishers can be dangerous in confined spaces, as they displace oxygen and can cause suffocation if not used properly.
3. Powder
Powder extinguishers can be used on any kind of fire except for Class F cooking oils, and are commonly used in industrial and commercial settings where there is a risk of fires involving flammable liquids and electrical equipment. They are also commonly used in vehicles and boats.
They stop any oxygen from getting to the fuel, but should not be used in confined spaces as particles that are released can be easily inhaled.
Powder fire extinguishers work by coating the fuel with a layer of powder, which interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire and smothers it. They stop any oxygen from getting to the fuel, but should not be used in confined spaces as particles that are released can be easily inhaled.
Specialist ABC extinguishers can also be used on flammable metals such as magnesium and titanium.
4. Water
Water extinguishers are used on paper, wood, coal, cardboard and other solid fuel.
Water based fire extinguishers work by cooling the fire and removing heat, which helps to prevent re-ignition. They are effective in putting out fires involving ordinary combustibles, but they are not suitable for use on fires involving flammable liquids or electrical equipment.
Water fire extinguishers are commonly used in residential and commercial settings where there is a risk of fires involving ordinary combustibles. They are also commonly used in outdoor settings, such as campgrounds and parks.
Water extinguishers can be used on Class A fires.
5. Wet Chemical
Wet chemical extinguishers are a type of fire extinguisher that use a special solution to put out fires involving cooking oils and fats, such as those found in commercial kitchens. They are typically classified as Class K extinguishers, which means they are suitable for use on fires involving cooking oils and fats.
Wet chemical extinguishers use a fine mist that cools flames as well as salts that form a layer on top of cooking oils cools and smothers the fire.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are commonly used in commercial kitchens, such as restaurants and food processing facilities. They are also sometimes used in residential settings where there is a risk of fires involving cooking oils and fats.
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