Different types of fire extinguishers and their uses

Fire Extinguisher Types

For many people, a fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher; a device that you use to put out fires. Aside from this basic fact, our knowledge of fire extinguishers can be somewhat limited – particularly in regards to the different types of fire extinguishers.

There have to be different types of fire extinguishers because there are different types of fire. In the UK, fires are organised into the following categories: 

• Class A: Combustible materials fires, such as fires involving textiles, straw, or paper.
• Class B: Flammable liquid fires, such as fires involving petrol, fats, or tar.
• Class C: Flammable gas fires, such as fires involving methane, propane, or natural gas.
• Class D: Flammable metal fires, such as fires involving aluminium, metal, and potassium.
• Class F: Cooking-related fires, such as fires involving deep-fat fryers or domestic pans.
  Electrical Fires: Fires involving electrical appliances and components.

Fire Extinguisher Guide

As proud fire extinguisher manufacturers in the UK, we want to ensure that you are always able to select the right fire extinguisher for the job. That’s why we have put together a guide to the different types of fire extinguishers and their uses below. 

Extinguisher Type: Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Carbon dioxide extinguishers are Class B (flammable liquids) rated. They seek to prevent a supply of oxygen from reaching the fire, which should lead to the fire being extinguished relatively quickly. Carbon dioxide extinguishers can also be used on Class C (flammable gas) and are extremely effective on electrical fires, but are largely ineffective on Class A (combustible materials) fires.

While carbon dioxide extinguishers are extremely effective, it is worth noting that they can cause hypercapnia (CO2 poisoning) if used in small spaces without adequate ventilation. Users should be extremely cautious of this risk when using a CO2 extinguisher.

Extinguisher type: Wet chemical

This type of extinguisher was purposefully created for Class F fires; fires that involve combustible cooking materials such as fats and oils, though many wet chemical extinguishers can also be used on Class A (combustible materials) fires also. Wet chemical fire extinguishers use a special lance applicator nozzle which disperses the contents to create a barrier between the oxygen source and the fire’s fuel.

Wet chemical extinguishers are usually especially distinctive thanks to the bright yellow label on the container.

Ready to buy your Fire Extinguisher?

Having read through our fire extinguisher guide, you should have a better idea of the types of extinguishers that are available and the fires they can be used on. While fire extinguishers may seem complex, finding the right extinguisher for your needs doesn’t have to be. Simply:

• Think of the types of fire the area you are purchasing an extinguisher for is most likely to experience.
  For example, a kitchen space is likely to experience Class F (cooking-related fats and oils) fires, while a barn would be more likely to experience Class A (combustible materials) fires.
• Look for a fire extinguisher that matches the most likely type of fire the area will experience.
  So for a kitchen, you would opt for extinguishers that can tackle Class F fires – for example, water mist or wet chemical extinguishers. For a barn, you could opt for a water, AFFF foam, water mist, or ABC powder extinguisher.

If in doubt regarding your fire extinguisher requirements, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us for further advice regarding your purchase!

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