Types of Fire Extinguishers

Views: 7     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2023-09-04      Origin: Site

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The fact that fire outbreaks are standing at close to 2 million every year only emphasizes the importance of fire extinguishers as integral parts of any fire protection system. These invaluable devices come in different types, specifically designed to put out certain categories of fires effectively. And so, we take a tour into the enchanting land of fire extinguishers and explore five key different types.


Class A Fire Extinguishers

The first line of firefighting at such spaces is by Class A fire extinguishers, which will contain and control the combustion caused mainly due to wood, paper, fabrics, rubber, and plastics - essentially the most commonly found combustible materials in offices, shops, as well as residential spaces. Their secret weapon? CO2 or a dry chemical agent called mono ammonium phosphate.

Water-based ones cool down burning material quite effectively, keeping spread of fire at bay. Dry agents are like anti-heroes - They keep oxygen away from combustion by creating a barrier around the fire which prevents oxygen from accessing the combustion cycle.


Class B Fire Extinguishers

Class B fire extinguishers are the brave warriors of fires kept alive by flammable liquids such as gasoline, oils, grease, and solvents. These flames will be most prevalent within garages, kitchens, laboratories, and industrial facilities. Class B makes use of two heavy artillery pieces: carbon dioxide (CO2) and dry chemical powders.

CO2 extinguishers act like oxygen snatchers who remove that critical element from the vicinity a fire is trying to reach to incapacitate it.

Dry chemical powders, like sodium or potassium bicarbonate, step in as the fire's arch-nemesis, disrupting the chemical reactions that fuel the flames.


Class C Fire Extinguishers

Class C fire extinguishers are specially designed to tame the fiery beasts that arise from appliances, wiring, circuit breakers, and various electrical equipment assemblies. These sparks can ignite anywhere, from offices and homes to server rooms.

But here's the catch: you can't use just any extinguisher. Class C extinguishers are armed with non-conductive agents to ensure that they won't become an unintended conductor for electricity. When it's showtime, carbon dioxide (CO2) and dry powder agents come to the rescue by smothering the fire and cutting off its oxygen supply.

Electrical fires are notorious for their rapid escalation, posing a significant threat to both property and lives. Shockingly, statistics reveal that about 30,000 electrical fires occur annually in the United States alone. Thus, strategically placing Class C fire extinguishers near electrical equipment is a smart move.


Class D Fire Extinguishers

Class D fire extinguishers are the unsung heroes dedicated to extinguishing fires arising from combustible metals like magnesium, titanium, lithium, and potassium. These incendiary situations are prevalent in industrial settings, laboratories, shops, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities where people work with metals and flammable substances.

Class D extinguishers work their magic by using dry powders specially formulated to tackle metal fires. For instance, sodium chloride, graphite powder, and powdered copper devices are excellent at consuming oxygen at the metal's surface, interrupting the chemical reaction that sustains the fire.


Class K Fire Extinguishers

Last but not least, we have Class K fire extinguishers, the saviors of kitchens and restaurants. They specialize in dealing with fires that start from cooking oils, fats and greases. These types of fires can be extremely dangerous because they spread rapidly.


Their extinguishers use a chemical agent that is activated by frying oil. When triggered, it quickly puts out the flames by reacting with the hot cooking oil and creating a barrier. This not only prevents the fire from reigniting but also cools down the heated surfaces to reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Surprisingly, around 170,000 fires and 3,000 fire related injuries originate from kitchen areas every year. This emphasizes how important it is to have Class K fire extinguishers easily accessible, in kitchens.

In conclusion, fire extinguishers are categorized into five classes, each designed to tackle types of fires. It's crucial to choose the one for your needs, as using just any type can be ineffective or even hazardous.

Never underestimate the importance of fire safety. Always remain vigilant in anticipating and combating fires. Remember to equip your spaces with fire extinguishers that match the fires that are most likely to occur.

If you're looking for high quality fire extinguishers and dry chemicals, consider checking out Guangdong Macro Fire. We are an ISO certified company endorsed by SGS.

Our main focus is to offer high quality fire safety solutions that ensure the safety of you, your loved ones and your property, from the dangers of fires. It's crucial to stay safe and be prepared, as having the appropriate fire extinguisher can truly make an impact during critical moments.