Classification Of Fire Extinguishers Explained

Fire-Ready.com/fire-extinguishers – Understanding the classification of fire extinguishers is an important step in educating yourself about fire safety. In this short slide show you will learn about how fire works as well as the 7 most common types of fire extinguishers and uses.

First off, a fire breaks out when a chemical reaction takes place between oxygen, heat and fuel. Oxygen sustains combustion, heat raises the material in question to its ignition temperature and fuel supports the combustion. The only way a fire can be extinguished is by removing one or more elements from the equation.

Different classifications of fire extinguishers are designed for different ratings of fire. There are five classes of fires known as A, B, C, D & K. A fire class is based on what material is fueling the fire and not all fire extinguisher types are suitable for all fires.

Water fire extinguishers

Water fire extinguishers are only for Class A fires that involve combustible materials like wood and paper. A water fire extinguisher works by attacking the “heat” element of a fire.

Foam fire extinguishers

Foam fire extinguishers are to be used on Class A and Class B fires only. Class B fires involve flammable liquids like gas and oils. This classification of fire extinguisher works by separating the oxygen from other fire elements.

(co2) Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers

Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers should only be used on Class B and Class C fires. Class C fires involve electrical equipment. This class of fire extinguisher works by attacking the oxygen and heat fire elements.

Dry chemical fire extinguishers

Dry chemical fire extinguishers can be used on Class ABC fires. This type of fire extinguisher works by messing up the chemical reaction fire element.

Wet chemical fire extinguishers

Water chemical fire extinguishers are specially designed to fight Class K fires. Class K fires involve cooking oils, fats and grease. This classification of fire extinguishers works by removing heat and separating the heat and oxygen elements.

Clean agent or Halogenated fire extinguishers

Clean agent fire extinguishers are for Class C and Class B fires only. They work by attacking the chemical reaction element of a fire.

Dry powder fire extinguishers

Dry powder fire extinguishers are specially designed to fight Class D fires. Class D fires involve combustible metals (sodium, magnesium, titanium, potassium). This fire extinguisher type works separating the fuel and oxygen fire elements.

As you can see, fire extinguisher classifications determine what type of fire they can fight. Most homeowners should look into getting a ABC rated dry chemical fire extinguisher while certain businesses might need a Class K or Class D unit.

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1. Fire Extinguishers

A simple guide on
fire extinguisher
types and uses

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2. How Fire Works...

There are three elements that must be
present for fire to exist:

® Oxygen to sustain combustion.

@ Heat to raise the material to its
ignition temperature.

0 Fuel to support the combustion.
When these elements combine it creates a chemical reaction

which causes fire.

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3. Water Fire Extinguishers

@ Work by removing the heat element
of a fire.

% Should only be used on Class A
fires.

0 Class A fires include common
combustible materials like wood,
paper and most plastics.

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4. Foam Fire Extinguishers

Work by removing the heat element
of a fire and also separating the
oxygen from other elements.

Should only be used on Class A &
B fires.

Class A fires include common
combustible materials like wood,
paper and most plastics.

Class B fires involve flammable or
combustible liquids such as
gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil.

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5. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers

@ Work by removing the oxygen element
of a fire and also helping remove heat
due to a very cold discharge.

Should only be used on Class B &
Class C Fires.

Class B fires involve flammable or
combustible liquids such as
gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil.

Class C fires involve electrical
equipment, such as appliances,
wiring, circuit breakers and outlets.

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6. - Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers

0 Primarily work by interrupting the
chemical reaction of a fire.

A very versatile fire extinguisher,
these are rated to be effective on
Class A, B & C fires.

Since Class A, B & C fires are the
most common, dry chemical fire
extinguishers are the most widely
used in home fire situations.

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7. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

® Work by first removing the heat
element of a fire and then preventing
re-ignition by creating a barrier
between the oxygen and fuel
elements.

This type of fire extinguisher was
specifically developed for Class K fires
that involve cooking oils and fats.

Most often Class K fires occur in
commercial restaurants and
cafeteria settings.

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8. Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers

0 Also known as halogenated fire
extinguishers they work by interrupting
the chemical reaction of a fire.

Clean agent extinguishers are primarily
for Class B & C fires.

Class C fires involve electrical
equipment, such as appliances, wiring,
circuit breakers and outlets.

Class B fires involve flammable or
combustible liquids such as gasoline,
kerosene, grease and oil.

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9. Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

® Work by separating the fuel from the
oxygen of a fire.

@ Dry powder extinguishers are only
for use in Class D fires. Powder

Class D fires involve combustible
metals like magnesium, titanium,
potassium and sodium. This type
of fire might occur in a chemical
laboratory.

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10. What Type Of Fire Extinguisher
Is Right For You?

8 If you are simply looking for a
great all around fire extinguisher
to keep around your house than Ordinary Flammable Electrical
you are going to want to get a dry coe ra malay

chemical fire unit that is rated for (a) ee] [es]
Class A, B & C fires.

If you have a more specialized situation where a Class D or
Class K fire could occur than you are going to want to
choose accordingly.

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11. All Brands Of Fire Extinguishers
AREN'T Created Equal...

DON'T take a chance on your family's safety...

Visit our website for up-to-date fire extinguisher
reviews, resources and information.

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