What Is a Fire Extinguisher?

A fire extinguisher is a tool designed to put out a fire in the home. Many of these devices contain a chemical known as a wet chemical. The substance forms a soapy foam blanket over the burning fuel, which reduces oxygen from reaching it. This chemical is also called a “multipurpose dry chemical.” It melts at 177 degrees Celsius and flows at 351 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also more corrosive than water and is colored pale yellow.

Fire extinguishers are available in different types, with different chemicals. ABC dry chemical was brought over from Europe in the 1950s. Other dry agents were developed later, including Purple-K. Manual dry agents had been in use since WWII. Pressurized extinguishers first appeared in 1949 when Ansul introduced them to the United States. Then other types followed. It is important to keep a fire extinguisher close at hand at all times.

Fire extinguishers usually come in two different types: carbon dioxide and dry chemical powder. The carbon dioxide one is ideal for Class B and C fires. It works by blocking oxygen and quickly evaporating. Carbon dioxide also prevents the spread of toxic carbon monoxide, a gas created when fuels burn. This gas is naturally produced, but can also be produced during fires and car exhaust. Fortunately, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers can stop the spread of carbon monoxide from one room to another.

Another type of fire extinguisher is a sodium carbonate extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is used to put out fires that contain sodium, potassium, or sodium-potassium alloys. The extinguisher has a crust like consistency and is easily portable. Buffalo even marketed a 2.5-gallon version of this extinguisher, which was met with limited success. However, due to its limited applications, its production did not last very long.

While water is the most common type of extinguishing agent, it can be dangerous if it is used in the wrong situation. A water extinguisher works well to put out fires caused by paper, cardboard, or wood, but it can cause damage to electrical equipment or spread a fire. As such, it is essential to know when to use a fire extinguisher and when to use it.

The AFFF type is used in A and B fires. It contains a mixture of water and foam concentrate that can cool the burning material. Despite its flammability, this type of extinguisher is relatively cheap to purchase, clean, and easy to use. There are several different types of AFFF fire extinguisher. In the United States, aqueous film-forming foam is used in most cases.

Standard dry chemical fire extinguishers use sodium bicarbonate to put out Class B fires. However, it is recommended to use a clean agent fire extinguisher instead of a dry chemical. This will prevent contamination and will also be more environmentally friendly. Clean agents also work by dissolving the combustible materials. They are also better suited for smaller, handheld models. In addition to using the chemical agent, these products can also work on other kinds of fires.