Types of Fire Extinguisher: All You Need To Know by Jon Butt

The universal fire fighting equipment, well-known to many is the fire extinguisher. But, did you know that there are many different types of fire extinguishers available on the market for different surfaces?

In total, there are 5 types of fire extinguishers available here. They are water, foam, dry powder, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Wet Chemical and Class D Powder fire extinguishers.

Water fire extinguishers put off Class A fires. Most solid materials such as wood and paper fall under the category of Class A fires. As such, water fire extinguishers are ideal for use at home and office.

Foam fire extinguishers can be used to put out both Class A and Class B fires. Class B fires includes petrol, tar, oil and paint. Foam fire extinguishers are used only when the higher level of risk is involved as compared to Class A fires. Foam fire extinguishers can be used at petrol kiosks, kitchen and food and beverage outlets.

Dry powder fire extinguisher can put out fires of Class A to Class C. Class C fires include fires caused by gasses such as methane, propane and natural gas. Dry powder fire extinguishers are not widely used as many a time these gasses are not used very openly. These dry powder fire extinguishers are commonly used in science laboratories.

Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers or CO2 fire extinguishers are ideal to put out Class B fires and electrical hazards. Electrical hazards include heat and fire. CO2 fire extinguishers do not do any harm to electrical products when used. These CO2 fire extinguishers are ideal for modern offices, homes and areas with a lot of electrical equipment.

Wet Chemical fire extinguishers put out deep fat fryer fires and Class F fires. Class F fires include oils and grease found in the kitchen areas, in food and beverage outlets. Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are used only when the fire intensity level is high and can be re-kindled easily. These Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are ideal to extinguish fire in commercial kitchens.

Class D powder fire extinguishers put out Class D fires. Class D fires include metals. These Class D powder fire extinguishers are ideal for use at offices, metal factories and homes.

Choose the fire extinguisher that is the best for your use. Do not buy the most expensive one or the one with more benefits, as it may not be the one for you. Identify your needs and match it with the fire extinguisher.

Remember to store your fire extinguisher in a cool, dry place where it can be easily accessed!

Information on fire fighting equipment and fire extinguishers for home or commercial use

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