Types of Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher is a device used to put out a fire. It works by releasing air-pressurized water to cool the burning material. It is inexpensive, non-toxic, and easy to clean up. The most common types are available in 6 to 9-litre capacity. These devices can be located in offices, homes, and other places. They should be maintained according to manufacturer recommendations, as well as periodically inspected for safety.

Graphite-based fire extinguishers contain dry graphite to put out hot metal fires. The first variety of this type of extinguisher was developed for magnesium and lithium fires, but they work well on other metals, too. This type of extinguisher does not stick to lithium or vertical fires, though, as graphite powder does not adhere to these materials.

Another popular type is the water-based extinguisher. These extinguishers can put out almost all types of fires. The water cools the burning material, which makes them effective against deep-seated fires. However, water-based extinguishers are ineffective on electrical or chemical fires, which are energized or flammable. They also do not work on grease fires, so it’s important to know which type to use.

The dry chemical system consists of powder, foam, or gel. A dry chemical extinguisher must be aimed directly at the fire. A wet chemical system, on the other hand, must be sprayed directly onto the fire. A wet chemical extinguisher can work with a variety of classes of fire. It is recommended to keep one in the home and an extra one in the workplace, for instance.

In the event of a fire, the first step to take is to identify a safe path to escape. Once you’ve located the safest route, you can reach the fire. Use the appropriate fire extinguisher and use the P.A.S.S. technique – pull, aim, squeeze, sweep – to extinguish the fire. If the extinguisher is empty, it’s best to evacuate the area. If the fire is in a closed area, remember to pull the tamper seal.

When purchasing a fire extinguisher, take care to compare price and features. Prices vary a lot, and future costs of servicing must be factored in. Some firms will also charge you for commissioning and installation. You should also consider whether you’ll need mounting brackets for it. The prices listed are inclusive of VAT. The chart below shows the different types of fire extinguishers used in the UK.

Halon, a gas that inhibits the chemical reaction of a fire, is the most common and effective type of extinguisher. It is also safe to use in residential and commercial properties. In addition to being non-corrosive, halon contributes to ozone depletion, and is banned from new production in the Montreal Protocol. Amerex is one of the few companies that recycles halon.

A CO2 fire extinguisher is the most common type of portable fire extinguisher, but this is not the most suitable type for use in an electrical fire. They are not designed for use in confined spaces and cannot withstand strong air currents. They should also be used with caution in windy or dry conditions. There are different types of fire extinguishers for different purposes, so make sure you get one that meets your needs.