What Are the Different Types of Fire Extinguishers?

To the untrained eye, all fire extinguishers will put out a fire regardless of their content. However, there are different types and classifications of fire extinguishers based on the fire categories they can extinguish. When choosing a fire extinguisher, selecting the right type for the applicable class of fire is integral to saving lives and preventing property damage.

Understanding the Various Fire Classes

According to the latest fire loss report from the National Fire Protection Association, thousands of fire-related civilian deaths and injuries and an estimated $18 billion in property damage occurred in 2022. These figures underline the importance of understanding fires, how to put them out and safety measures to take during a fire.

Before getting into the various types of fire extinguishers, you must first learn their connection to fire classes. What are the five different classes of fire that determine the type of extinguisher to use?

• Class A: The materials in this class are common solid substances, such as paper, wood, fabric, plastic and rubber.
• Class B: The burning materials are flammable liquids and gases. These could be gases like propane or liquids such as gasoline.
• Class C: These are fires caused by electricity where the burning devices are actively connected to the power source.
• Class D: Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and lithium. They occur most often in industrial settings.
• Class K: These materials include cooking grease and oils. Fires from these materials mainly occur in kitchens, particularly commercial kitchens.

What Are the Different Types of Extinguishers?

A, B, C, D and K are classifications for fires, not extinguishers. Here are the different types of fire extinguishers and their uses:

CO2 Extinguishers

Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are filled with pressurized CO2. They are used for Class B and C fires to remove oxygen, an essential element in fires. Since liquid, gas and electricity fires only worsen with water due to conductivity, CO2 is essential for removing oxygen in these situations.

Water Extinguishers

Water extinguishers are the most common and least expensive type of fire extinguisher. They come as jet or spray nozzles, the difference being the amount of pressure each carries. Water fire extinguishers are used to put out Class A fires involving organic solids like plastic, wood and paper.

Besides the common jet and spray nozzle extinguishers, there is a subclass of water-based extinguishers known as water mist extinguishers containing de-ionized water. They have a special nozzle that releases microscopic water particles, creating a pressurized mist capable of putting out A, B and C fires. That said, it is still recommended to use a CO2 extinguisher for Class C fires because they are more effective.

Wet Chemical Extinguishers

These are specialized extinguishers containing potassium solutions that spray out as a mist, blanketing burning oils in a cool and foamy reaction. Due to their misty release, wet chemical extinguishers are ideal for Class K fires caused by cooking oils and fats, which can splash around if you use other agents like water. Note that the reaction only works with vegetable oil fires, not Class B fires involving fuel.

Dry Powder Extinguishers

These fire extinguishers use a powdery agent to put out solid, liquid and gas fires. As multipurpose extinguishers, they can control Class A, B and C fires. If you’re unfamiliar with the different extinguishers or are on a budget, a dry powder extinguisher would be ideal. You can use it to put out an alcohol, gasoline or propane fire. While effective in multiple fire classes, they are unsafe for use in confined spaces.

Use specialist dry powder extinguishers for Class D fires caused by combustible metals. These are different types of dry powder extinguishers that chemically interfere with combustion to extinguish metal fires.

How to Select the Right Fire Extinguisher

Since fire extinguishers vary, it’s important to select one that fits your needs. Here are tips for choosing the right fire extinguisher for your home or business:

• Understand the hazard: Depending on the setting, consider the type of fire hazard that is likely to occur. Knowing the type of fires you may have to deal with allows you to choose applicable extinguishers.
• Consider the size: Size is critical when selecting a fire extinguisher. It should be big enough to extinguish flames before they get out of hand but not too big that it is difficult to carry and move around. Consider 10 pounds for commercial settings, 5 pounds for homes and offices and 2 pounds for smaller spaces like vehicles.
• Analyze the UL rating: Fire extinguishers must undergo testing by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) to ensure safety and performance. UL ratings indicate the type of fire the product can handle and how much it can put out. Look for this rating on the fire extinguisher.

Essential Tips for Fire Safety

It’s best to arm yourself with fire safety knowledge so you can take measures to prevent one from occurring.

A few crucial at-home fire safety tips include:

• Install smoke alarms: Fires can start at any time. Installing a smoke alarm in your home will alert you to take quick action. Like other electronic devices, fire alarms can malfunction. Test your alarms monthly to ensure they function properly.
• Pay attention when cooking: Avoid distractions in the kitchen. Put flammable items like towels away from the stove and oven.
• Put away matches and lighters: Keep matches and lighters in a safe place and out of reach of children.
• Install a sprinkler system: In the case of a fire, an indoor sprinkler system can help mitigate the flames.

Steps for workplace fire safety involve:

• Keep fire equipment nearby: Make fire equipment readily accessible and easy to find throughout the facility.
• Use smoking zones: Encourage smokers to partake in smoking zones to avoid accidental fires.
• Activate the alarm system: Activate your building’s alarm system if you notice smoke or flames.
• Understand regulations: Familiarize yourself and your employees with fire safety codes and standards to help keep everyone safe.
• Test the emergency exit: Check the emergency exits to make sure they’re free of obstacles and the doors work properly.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

While preventing a fire from occurring in the first place is crucial, having an action plan for when a fire breaks out at home or in the workplace is just as important. With barely a two-minute window to escape, knowing what to do and how to do it fast makes all the difference. Here are steps to make an emergency preparedness plan:

• Create a map of your home or workplace. Note escape routes for each room or area.
• Designate emergency exits.
• Remove blockades from doors and windows.
• Discuss the fire emergency plan with loved ones or employees so they know what to do.
• Conduct regular fire drills.

How to Maintain Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers need monthly inspections and annual service by a qualified technician to ensure they remain in good condition and ready for use. While you can perform visual inspections to watch for signs of damage like dents and rust, it’s best to leave the performance maintenance of fire equipment to professionals.

Keeping your fire extinguisher clean is also good practice to avoid malfunction and corrosion. If the storage area attracts dust, moisture and grime, use a removable cover on the extinguisher to help keep it in good condition.

Contact National Fire Supply for Fire Equipment and Advice

Fire equipment like fire extinguishers are lifesaving tools that should be present in your home or business. However, it’s important that you select the right extinguisher to put fires out correctly.

Do you have questions about specific fire extinguishers and how to use them? At National Fire Supply, helping you find the best solution for fire safety and protection is our top priority. We offer an extensive selection of fire equipment from leading brands. Contact National Fire Supply for expert advice and products!