Types of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are portable or movable devices used to put out fires. They have a pin on the end that releases a pressurized agent to extinguish the fire. These devices are important to property owners and homeowners because they reduce the risk of injury or death. In addition, it is essential to know how to use them properly. You should also have the right kind of extinguisher on hand.

There are four main types of fires: ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, flammable metals and electrically energized equipment. Each of these fires requires different extinguishing agents. If you are not sure which type of extinguisher you should use, you should contact your local fire department.

Fire extinguishers can be divided into handheld and cart-mounted varieties. Handheld extinguishers are available in different sizes, ranging from 0.5 to 14 kilograms. They are easy to maneuver and are the least hazardous to use. However, these extinguishers are not ideal for outdoor use in strong winds. Also, they are not effective in freezing temperatures.

Cart-mounted extinguishers, or wheeled extinguishers, are more widely used in public areas such as docks and airport runways. They are also commonly found in factories, office buildings, and printing rooms. This type of extinguisher is usually quite heavy.

Water extinguishers, on the other hand, can be sprayed or blasted at the base of the flame. Some are even equipped with jet nozzles. These extinguishers hit a larger surface area, which helps to extract heat more quickly. Depending on the brand, these extinguishers may also have surfactants added to their water to penetrate deeper into the burning material.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers can be very helpful in suffocating fires. Unlike water, the CO2 has a high pressure that displaces oxygen, which prevents combustion. As a result, it leaves no residue. While CO2 fire extinguishers can be useful in certain situations, they are not ideal for use outside in a windy environment.

Another type of extinguisher is the dry chemical. Dry chemical fire extinguishers contain sodium potassium bicarbonate. They are effective against flammable gases, and they can also be used on ordinary combustibles. Despite their effectiveness, dry chemical extinguishers are not a good choice for indoor use. For example, a fire in a confined space could cause a lot of damage if the extinguisher is accidentally damaged.

Before using any type of extinguisher, you should read the instructions. You should also be aware of your local fire regulations and make sure that you are covered by the right insurance. It is also a good idea to have a smoke detector installed. A fire is one of the most dangerous things that you can face in your home.

If you have a fire in your home, you should call your local fire department and evacuate immediately. The sooner you take action, the better your chances are of containing the fire. When you do evacuate, you should be prepared with the right fire extinguisher and safety gear.