Fire extinguisher types for the relevant class of fire play the most important role and could be the difference between life and death. So here’s an article to describe about what are the different types of Fire Extinguishers and their uses and how do you choose the right fire extinguisher for the appropriate scenario, like color codes, fire classes, and uses.
Only a single fire extinguisher cannot tackle every fire type of fire because each type of fire extinguisher has different classes of fire which is useful, choosing can be a minefield.
Analyzing everything in the location that has to be kept fire-safe is the first step. These are divided into six fire classifications, each of which includes a different substance:
- Class A fire induced by flammable carbon-based solids like paper, wood or textiles
- Class B fire induced by flammable liquids like paraffin, petrol, diesel or oil (but not cooking oil)
- Class C fire is induced by flammable gases, like butane, propane or methane
- Class D fire is induced by burning metals, as aluminium, lithium, or magnesium
- Fires induced by electrical equipment (determined by an electric spark symbol and not the letter E)
- Class F fire is induced by fats and cooking oils.
A small colored round denotes the type of fire extinguisher red for water, white and red for water mist, cream for foam, blue for dry powder, yellow-coded extinguishers are utilized for wet chemicals, green for clean agents, and black color for CO2 extinguishers.
Why Are Fire Extinguishers Important?
Fire extinguishers play an important role in any fire safety plan because they help prevent loss of life and property damage. They can be utilized to:
- Put out little fires: An appropriately trained someone can control a small fire using a fire extinguisher quickly.
- Suppress fires: Fire extinguishers can control a fire until the fire brigade reaches.
- Control damage: Fire extinguishers can help control catastrophic property damage.
What Are the Different Fire Classes?
The different fire classes extinguishers are listed below for use on each class of fire:
Class A – Just for paper, wood & textiles.
Type of fire extinguisher – Water, Foam, Dry Powder, Wet Chemical
Class B – Just for flammable liquids.
Type of fire extinguisher – Dry Powder, Foam, Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Class C – Just for flammable gasses.
Type of fire extinguisher – Dry Powder
Class F – Just for cooking oil and fat.
What Are the Types of Fire Extinguishers & Their Uses?
There are different types of extinguishers:
- Water extinguishers
- Foam extinguishers
- Powder extinguishers
- Carbon dioxide extinguishers
- Wet chemical extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses
When putting out a fire, an appropriate fire extinguisher must be used to prevent the situation from becoming worse. It is easy to avoid this mistake because all fire extinguishers have the mentioned symbols displayed to show what type of fire they are appropriate for.
1. Water Extinguishers
Standard water extinguishers and water mist extinguishers are the two main types of water fire extinguishers. Standard water extinguishers are just designed to put out class-A fires; they can be identified by a red label on top.
Water mist extinguishers, on the other hand, have a white band and can be used on fires caused by electricity and also for class A and F fires provided the water used is non-conductive.
Use: For fighting Class A flames, including those including organic solid materials like wood, cloth, fabric, paper, and plastics, water fire extinguishers perform properly.
Dangers: Never use on fires including electrical appliances or on burning fat or oil.
How it works: The fire is completely extinguished when the extinguisher releases water that soaks the combustible materials and cools them down.
2. Foam Extinguishers
Mostly made of water, foam fire extinguishers use a foaming ingredient to put out the fire. They can be used for fighting class A and B fires and have a cream band on top.
Use: Foam extinguishers are effective against both Class A and Class B fires, and they can protect areas that are susceptible to material fires involving solids like wood and paper as well as fires containing flammable liquids.
Risks: Avoid using on home fires triggered by lard pans or chips.
How it operates: In addition to smothering the fire, the foam cools the burning material or things by sealing their surface. Additionally, it keeps wayward materials from spreading and igniting flames in other places.
3. Powder Extinguishers
One of three powders—ABC, M28, or L2—is found in powder fire extinguishers, also known as dry powder extinguishers, which have a dark blue band on top.
- Class A, B, and C fires—those including the burning of materials, liquids, and gases—can benefit from the cooling impact of ABC powder.
- The main difference between M28 and L2 powders, which are both made specifically for class D fires, is that M28 powder is unsuitable with lithium-based fires.
Many types of flames can be put out with powder fire extinguishers, which are quite successful. These extinguishers might not be suitable in some locations, though, because the powder can be harmful to breathe in and might harm carpets and electrical equipment when used.
Use: Powder extinguishers perform well to put out Class A, B, and C fires and are great for situations with many risks. This means that they can be applied to electrical equipment, solid materials, and combustible liquids and gasses.
Risks: Avoid utilizing powder fire extinguishers on flames that include fats or cooking oils.
How it works: A compressed gas releases the powder, which acts as an extinguishing agent to form an efficient blanket over the flames, burying their source and so cooling and keeping them from spreading.
4. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers that use carbon dioxide (CO2) have a huge, distinctive conical hose with a black band on top. They put out the fire by displacing the oxygen in the air. They can be used for electrical and class B flames. They
Due to their lack of substance and minimal damage while in use, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are perfect for industries with high risk of electrical fire.
Use: Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are most suitable for areas where electrical appliances (Class E) and flammable liquid fires (Class B) might happen.
Risks: CO2 extinguishers are not suitable for use on flammable gasses and should not be used on flames including solid objects like paper, wood, or cloth.
How it works: The carbon dioxide works by cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply. This then extinguishes it and, as it does so, extinguishes the flames.
5. Wet Chemical Extinguishers
Wet chemical fire extinguishers generally have a long hose and a yellow band on top. In order to avoid the burning fat or oil from reigniting, they cool it and form a seal over its surface.
Although they are designed to put out class F flames, wet chemical extinguishers can also be used to put out class A and class A fires.
Use: Wet chemical extinguishers are ideal for both commercial and domestic kitchens because they are made for use with Class F fires, which are fires containing cooking oils and fats.
Risks: They are not ideal for fighting fires involving metals, electrical equipment, or flammable liquids or gasses, and they should never be used to do so.
How it works: A thin spray of the wet chemical is released, which then Simultaneously, the chemical element responds with the fuel of the fire to make a film, sealing the surface and fully extinguishing it.
How Do You Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher?
You require a fire extinguisher that is suitable for what you’re facing. Remember the fire extinguisher’s ABCs.Wood, paper, and fabric fires are put out with a Class A extinguisher; flammable liquids and gases are put out with a Class B extinguisher; and electrical fires are put out with a Class C extinguisher.
How Should Fire Extinguishers Be Used and Maintained?
To use a fire extinguisher with the PASS method:
- Pull: Pull the pin to release the locking instrument
- Aim: Point the nozzle at the bottom of the fire from a safe space
- Squeeze: Press the lever and release the extinguisher
- Sweep: Clean the nozzle from side to side until the fire is out
If the fire doesn’t go out immediately, leave the area and contact the fire department.
To maintain a fire extinguisher, you can:
Visually check: Review for dents, leaks, rust, or other symptoms of wear. clean any dust, oil, or corrosive chemicals.
Shake: Once a month, shake the extinguisher or press it with a mallet made of rubber to keep the powder from settling.
Hydrostatic test: To be sure the extinguisher will hold pressure without leaking or bursting, have it checked every five to twelve years.
When Should You Avoid Using a Fire Extinguisher?
You should avoid using a fire extinguisher in the following situations:
- If the fire is large or spreading should not use a fire extinguisher.
- If you don’t know what’s burning won’t understand which type of fire extinguisher to use.
- Should not enter an enclosed zone, blocked area, or corner to extinguish a fire.
- Should not use a fire extinguisher if it’s injured, the lock pin is tampered with, or the pressure gauge is in the “RECHARGE” area.
- Should not utilize a fire extinguisher if you’re not trained and confident about utilizing it.
- Should not use a fire extinguisher if you inhale toxic smoke.
- Should not utilize a fire extinguisher if you don’t have an open escape path.
- Should not utilize a fire extinguisher if it’s not rated for the type of fire fighting.
- Should not utilize a water spray extinguisher on an electrical fire cause water is a conductor of electricity and can cause the situation worse.
Conclusion
To make sure your property has the right fire extinguishers, it’s important to assess your needs and confirm you have the appropriate classes for various areas of your facility. However, having the correct equipment is just the first step. Regular maintenance and proper employee training are essential to ensure your extinguishers work effectively in an emergency. For expert assistance in selecting, inspecting, and training on the best fire extinguishers for your needs, contact Damia Global Services Pvt. ltd..
