5 Types of Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher is one of the most important pieces of equipment you can have in your home. It is used to control small fires that can quickly become large and dangerous. It can also be used to prevent an already burning fire from spreading. There are 5 different types of fires and each type of fire requires a specific fire extinguisher. There are also a number of important safety rules when using an extinguisher.

Class A fires are caused by ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, paper, cloth and many plastics. These materials can be found throughout your house. The simplest way to identify a class A fire is to look for smoke. If there is a lot of smoke, it means that the fire is growing and you will need to move closer to the flames to put them out.

Water fire extinguishers are a great choice for combating class A fires. They are usually pressurized and contain water that is directed with a spray or jet nozzle. The water soaks the burning materials and extinguishes the fire by removing the heat of combustion. These fire extinguishers are not effective on class B fires (petrol, diesel fuel, paint, etc) or electrical fires.

Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers are a popular choice for commercial spaces. The agent is stored as a liquid and expands when released into the air, creating a gas that displaces oxygen to stop the fire. This type of fire extinguisher is safe to use around expensive electronic equipment and it leaves no residue after being used.

Dry Chemical fire extinguishers are a good option for fighting class A, B and C fires. There are two types of dry chemicals: one is made with ordinary sodium bicarbonate and the other uses monoammonium phosphate base. The monoammonium phosphate fire extinguisher is effective on class A, B and C fires and it is recommended for locations that have no piped water or where freezing temperatures are expected.

Foam Water fire extinguishers are useful for class B fires and are also suitable for class A fires. They have a yellow label and are commonly found in kitchens and restaurants. These fire extinguishers are a mixture of water and a foaming agent that smothers the flames and cools the burning materials, stopping the fire’s chemical reactions. Foam extinguishers are not effective on flammable metals, such as aluminium or magnesium, and they cannot be used on electrical fires because the water conducts electricity.

Make sure that your fire extinguishers are in a convenient location so that you can reach them if the need arises. It is also a good idea to keep a few extra extinguishers in the area where you store your fire extinguisher, just in case you need to refill it before it runs out. It is important to regularly check that the hoses and nozzles of your fire extinguisher are free from damage, rust or dust and that they have adequate pressure. It is also a good idea to have your fire extinguisher serviced and recharged at least once per year.