Fire Extinguishers are an invaluable way of protecting your business or building in case of an emergency situation. It is essential to understand all the different types of extinguishers available so you can select one suitable to the specific circumstances at hand.
There are four primary types of fire extinguishers, each designed for specific types of fires.
Please review the information about different type оf fire extinguishers:
Water Extinguishers
Water fire extinguishers provide an economical, low-effort option for class A fires. By dispensing pure, de-ionised water that cools fuel below its ignition point and reduces oxygen supply to the fire, these extinguishers effectively put out flames without harming nearby objects – they are among the most versatile extinguishers available today.
Fire extinguishers designed for water use are typically red cylinders with “water fire extinguisher” written on their front labels. Suitable for use against materials like paper, wood, textiles and some plastics that ignite easily; they cannot however be used against cooking fires involving fats and oils as this would aggravate them and make extinguishing harder with just water streams.
These extinguishers can often be found in offices, warehouses and industrial environments near chemical storage areas that use oxidizers. You might also see them combined with dry powder extinguishers in kitchens as a solution for Class A fire risks.
Some models will feature stainless steel cylinders to avoid internal corrosion from freezing conditions when stored; their maximum use time rating usually ranges between one hour before needing recharge; therefore it should be serviced regularly by a BAFE certified fire protection provider.
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers are typically comprised of cylinders filled with liquid carbon dioxide stored under pressure, fitted with horn-shaped nozzles to enable easy use.
They’re intended to protect against Class B liquid fires involving petrol, solvents, oils (except cooking oils/greases ) tars or oil-based paints as well as being effective against electrical equipment malfunctions (Class C fires).
CO2 extinguishers release a cloud of white “dry ice”, which reduces oxygen to flames and extinguishes them effectively. They’re especially ideal for server rooms or areas containing lots of electrical office equipment as the dry ice will not damage machines if wet, while being safe to use near live wires.
These extinguishers operate at higher working pressure than water-based ones and this may result in a strong kick when you pull on the handle, potentially causing wrist strain or injury if held incorrectly. Furthermore, their discharge results in an extremely cold horn-like nozzle which could result in frost burns, so only purchase models with frost-proof horns.
These fire extinguishers should not be used on chip pan fires as their chemicals will not effectively cool the surface and can potentially pollute the environment.
Furthermore, their performance outdoors may be adversely impacted by wind drift that blows CO2 back onto the fire – when using, ensure you maintain a safe distance and aim the horn-shaped nozzle directly at the fire before slowly moving it across its flames.
Dry Chemical Extinguishers
Dry chemical fire extinguishers use a pressurized spray of dry powder that blankets and smothers any fire that arises, giving these types of extinguishers multiple names such as multipurpose, A, B, and C fire extinguishers as well as ordinary dry chemical fire extinguishers.
One popular example is monoammonium phosphate which comes out in yellow powder form; this type of extinguisher can be used against class A fires as well as class B fires as well as electrical equipment energized during electrical equipment fires.
This type of fire extinguisher is highly efficient and versatile, being suitable for a range of fire types. Commonly referred to as an ABC type, it can be used against paper, cloth, wood, trash and people; liquid fires (gasoline, oil and solvents); as well as electrical equipment that has become electrified (class B); cooking oils as well as flammable metals like sodium or potassium are class C fires which it effectively extinguishes.
A fire hose valve cabinet can house various fire extinguishers, including carbon dioxide, wet chemicals, and water mist extinguishers. Although less costly, this type of extinguisher may not be ideal for outdoor use due to windy conditions or strong air currents that might disperse its agent before it has the chance to combat the fire.
Cleaning up such an extinguisher may require special precautions and special safety precautions be taken in order to prevent corrosion on metal objects during its cleanup process.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers
Wet chemical extinguishers utilize a liquid agent that, when discharged, creates a foam blanket to smother a fire and prevent it from reigniting. They are most frequently used against deep fat fryer fires found in commercial kitchen environments (Class F), although other classes (A, B etc) may also benefit.
Used with water they emit nonconductive discharge spray that will not damage electrical equipment but should never come in contact with live wires; discharged as either spray, mist, or gas/mist.
Evaporates quickly while providing twice their range compared with carbon dioxide; not recommended when exposed to windy conditions as this could result in rapid dispersal of their agent, causing rapid dispersal of their agent within seconds!
If you need one for your business, don’t hesitate to get in touch – these units come kitemarked, fully charged and ready to mount, with all required wall brackets included.
