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Which Fire Extinguisher Is Right For Me?
If you are in the process of choosing a fire extinguisher for your home or business it is important to make sure that you choose one that is appropriate for the type of fire it might be used to extinguish.
There are many different types of fire depending on the material that is burning and what is fuelling the fire, and for every type of fire there are different kinds of fire extinguisher. There are six different fire classes and at least one type of fire extinguisher to tackle each class so this summary should help you work out which type will be best for you.
When looking at types of fire safety equipment, it is important to remember that fire extinguishers are designed to tackle small fires soon after they have started and prior to the emergency services arriving. You should only use a fire extinguisher if you know how to operate it, and you should check before using it that it is appropriate for the fire you want to tackle. There would normally be a sign next to the fire extinguisher, or information on the extinguisher itself which will give you this information.
Class A fires involve common combustibles such as cloth, paper, wood or plastic. You can use water, foam wet chemical and dry powder fire extinguishers on this type of fire.
Class B fires are related to flammable liquids such as kerosene, petrol, oil and grease. Water is definitely not suitable for this type of fire, however foam, dry powder and CO2 fire extinguishers will be.
Class C fires are caused by flammable gases. Dry powder fire extinguishers are the only suitable solution here.
Class D fires occur when flammable or combustible metals are involved. Dry powder fire extinguishers should be used with this type of fire as water is likely to make the fire worse.
Class E are electrical fires. Powder and CO2 fire extinguishers are the only safe solution here.
Class F refers to fires caused by cooking fat and oil. Wet chemical fire extinguishers would work with this type of fire.
Along with smoke detectors and fire alarms, the correct type of fire fighting equipment, which has been properly maintained and regularly serviced can play a vital role in minimising the effect of a fire. It is however, important to remember not to attempt to use a fire extinguisher if you don't know what you are doing or it is not safe to do so.
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