Fire Extinguisher Types

Water is among the most efficient fire extinguisher varieties. They really should only be utilized on Class A fires like Paper, wood, fabrics, furniture, and so on.

A water fire extinguisher is strong red in colour with a hose and nozzle attached, so you are able to direct a stream of water in the bottom with the fire. As water conducts electrical energy, water fire extinguishers shouldn't be utilized close to exposed to live electrical energy cables. Water extinguishers are best kept alongside a CO2 extinguisher so the risk of electrical fires is covered inside your creating. Water extinguishers perform by extinguishing the flames and soaking (cooling) the materials within the fire.

As with water, AFFF foam operates on Class A fires but may also extinguish class B / flammable liquid fires. When sprayed onto a fire, AFFF foam extinguishes and smothers the flames, then seals in any risky vapours below the surface of foam. Foam also penetrates porous supplies and cools the fire because the water inside the foam evaporates. As the foam extinguisher is non-conductive and tested for the BS EN3 35,000V dielectric test, they may be utilized close to but not on live electrical equipment. Foam fire extinguishers can be distinguished by their cream colour coded panel.

Carbon dioxide or Co2 fire extinguishers are secure to work with on electrical fires. The Co2 gas is non-conductive and will not leave a residue behind that should impact the future efficiency of electrical gear in contrast to foam or powder extinguishers. These fire extinguisher types are also helpful on Class B fires (flammable liquids). Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are distinguished by a black panel on the extinguisher body and by their horn that is to become pointed in the fire but not held in case of a freeze burn. Some newer co2 fire extinguisher sorts have frost absolutely free horns as an added security function. Probably the most frequent extinguisher mix for effective fire fighting can be a water or foam alongside a CO2 extinguisher.

Dry powder fire extinguishers are the most versatile fire extinguisher kinds and are capable to extinguish Flammable solids, liquids, gasses and electrical fires. These are normally encouraged for use on vehicles and in the house, but though they are multi objective, powder fire extinguishers are certainly not encouraged for use in enclosed spaces, or on sensitive electrical gear if other much more appropriate forms of extinguisher are readily available. Powder fire extinguishers is usually distinguished by their blue panel, and perform by smothering the fire and preventing re-ignition

Wet chemical fire extinguishers happen to be developed specifically for extinguishing deep fat cooking fires. (Class F fires). Ahead of the creation of wet chemical extinguishers, most industrial kitchens had foam or powder extinguishers, nonetheless regular fire extinguisher types including these can aggravate a cooking fat fire as they can not reduce the temperature of oil risking re-ignition, and can make hot oil splash up on speak to with the extinguishing agent.

When operated, a wet chemical extinguisher cools the flames and fat, and smothers the hot fat to stop re-ignition. A wet chemical fire extinguisher has a yellow panel on its body in addition to a extended lance used to safely distribute the extinguishing agent at a distance. This specialist fire extinguisher will not be intended for use on electrical gear, but has passed the BSi 35kv conductivity test in case inadvertently made use of.

With all fire extinguisher kinds, it's essential to make sure that all prospective fire extinguisher users are educated on the best way to operate them safely and know which forms of fire an extinguisher can and can't be safely employed on.