Fire extinguisher how many types

They can also be used on Class A fires wood, paper and fabrics and Class B fires flammable liquids. Fire blankets are primarily for use on hot oil fires such as frying pans or small deep fat fryers. They can also be used on someone whose clothing has caught fire.

They work by smothering the fire, stopping access to the oxygen fuelling it and extinguishing it. Browse range. Classes of fire Class A - fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper or textiles.

Class B - fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or oils. Class C - fires involving gases. Class D - fires involving metals. Class E - fires involving live electrical apparatus. Types of extinguishers Water extinguishers Water extinguishers are one of the most cost-effective ways to fight Class A fires, those fuelled by solid materials such as paper, wood and textiles. Water jet extinguishers work by spraying a jet of water at the burning materials, cooling them and preventing re-ignition.

However, it can also be effective for class A fires where a material such as wood or paper has caught fire. The most versatile of the set, the water mist extinguisher, uses a newer technology that works across most classes of fire. This type of extinguisher releases microscopic water molecules that fight the fire on a variety of levels. First, because so much water is dispersed in such a microscopic fog-like form, the level of oxygen in the air is decreased, which helps to suffocate the fire.

Second, the water particles are drawn to the fire and, as water always does, acts to cool it, reducing the temperature. Finally, and perhaps what is most unique about the water mist extinguishers, is that the water has been de-ionized the minerals have been removed.

Foam fire extinguishers are suitable for class A and the flammable liquids of class B, though not effective for gaseous fires. They spray a type of foam that expands when it hits the air and blankets the fire. This blanket prevents the vapors from rising off the liquid to feed the fire, thus starving it of fuel. Also, because the foam is mixed with water, it has a cooling effect as well. Foam extinguishers are some of the best for liquid fires, such as gasoline fires, but can also be used on Class A fires involving solid combustibles like wood.

A clean agent fire extinguisher is a type of gaseous fire suppression. Stored in its liquid form, when it is sprayed and hits the air, it converts to its gas form which is non-conductive, safe for use while humans are present, leaves no residue, and has a very short atmospheric lifetime, making it eco-friendly.

The gas, often composed of Halon, extinguishes fire by reducing the oxygen levels and impeding the chain reaction. The fire risk from the different classes of fire in your business premises will determine which fire extinguisher types you need.

Whilst there are 5 main types of fire extinguisher, there are different versions of both the Water and Dry Powder extinguishers, meaning there are a total of 8 fire extinguisher types to choose from. The 8 types of fire extinguisher are: —. Below is a summary of the classes of fire, and a quick reference chart showing which types of extinguisher should be used on each. We then provide a detailed explanation of each type of fire extinguisher below.

Overview: Water fire extinguishers are the most common extinguisher type for class A fire risk. Most premises will require either water or foam extinguishers. Use for: — Organic materials such as: o Paper and cardboard o Fabrics and textiles o Wood and coal.

Do not use for: — Fires involving electrical equipment — Kitchen fires — Flammable gas and liquids. How water extinguishers work: The water has a cooling effect on the fuel, causing it to burn much more slowly until the flames are eventually extinguished. Where to locate water extinguishers: — By the exits on a floor where a Class A fire risk has been identified.

Overview: Foam fire extinguishers are most common type of extinguisher for Class B fires, but also work on Class A fires as they are water-based. Understanding fire extinguisher classes There are four classes of fire extinguishers — A, B, C and D — and each class can put out a different type of fire.

Class A extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper Class B extinguishers are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil Class C extinguishers are suitable for use only on electrically energized fires Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals Multipurpose extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than one class, like A-B, B-C or A-B-C. Purchasing your fire extinguisher Now that you know how many extinguishers you need and what types to get, you can head to the hardware store.

Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher in order to break the tamper seal. Aim the fire extinguisher low, with the nozzle pointed at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle of the fire extinguisher to release the extinguishing agent.

Sweep the nozzle from side to side while pointed at the base of the fire until it is extinguished. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the last 3 steps. Homeowners Coverages Discounts Claims. Get a quote.