Different Types of Fire Extinguishers

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

Different Types of Fire Extinguishers

There are different types of fire extinguishers which are meant for a different type of fire. These have been classified as:

• Class A: freely burning, combustible solid materials such as wood or paper
• Class B: flammable liquid or gas
• Class C: energized electrical fire (energized electrical source serves as the ignitor of a class A or B fire – if electrical source is removed, it is no longer a class C fire)
• Class D: metallic fire (titanium, zirconium, magnesium, sodium)
• Class K: cooking fires – animal or vegetable oils or fats

Regardless of the type of fire, there are 4 elements that are always involved; fuel, heat, oxygen, and chain reaction. The purpose of a conventional fire extinguisher is to stop at least one of the elements from being part of the mix and stopping the fire from igniting any longer. 

Let’s take a look at these six types of fire extinguishers. With every type of fire there is a different safety concern you should take into consideration when attempting to smother it. Therefore a specific type of extinguisher is necessary and here is why:

1. ABC Powder Fire Extinguisher

• An ABC powder fire extinguisher has numerous advantages as it is a multi-purpose extinguisher and is therefore one of the most common extinguishers to have on hand.
• A powder extinguisher sprays a very fine chemical powder composed most commonly of monoammonium phosphate. This acts to blanket the fire and suffocate it.
• Powder extinguishers are effective for class A, B and C fires, since it is not an electrical conductor and since it can effectively break the chain reaction in a liquid or gas fire, something a water extinguisher cannot do.

2. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher

• A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher (CO2) is one of the cleanest types of extinguishers to use as it leaves no residue and requires no cleanup.
• The CO2 extinguisher does exactly that – extinguishes CO2. By doing so, it removes oxygen from the fire, effectively suffocating it of oxygen. It is perfect for use on class B fires that involve flammable liquids and on electrical fires.

3. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher

• The wet chemical extinguisher is a specialized type primarily focused on class K fires, those involving cooking media such as animal and vegetable fats or oils.
• These extinguishers contain a solution composed of potassium that effectively launches a two-pronged assault on fires.
• First, the liquid mist it sprays acts to cool the fire. Second, due to the chemical reaction of the solution with the cooking medium, a thick soap-like substance forms, sealing the surface of the liquid to prevent re-ignition.
• The wet chemical extinguisher, then, is ideal for a kitchen setting and class K fires. However, it can also be effective for class A fires where a material such as wood or paper has caught fire.

4. Water Mist Fire Extinguisher

• 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). As a result, it can actually be used on electrical fires, as the de-ionized water will not act as a conductor, as well as on burning liquids/gases that a standard water extinguisher could not be applied to.
• Thus, a water mist extinguisher is safe and effective for use on classes A, B, C and K fires.

5. Foam Fire Extinguisher

• 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.

6. Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher

• 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. Because it is non-conductive and so clean, it is ideal for rooms or businesses filled with electrical and computer equipment. They are most commonly used for class B and C fires.

Now that you are familiar with the types of fires and their respective extinguishers, take a look into the sorts of activities and projects you do on your property and get the fire extinguisher, or extinguishers needed to protect yourself and others in case of an emergency. Like any other tool, this won’t help much if you don’t know how to properly use it. Take the time to train everyone in the building, and make sure the equipment is maintained properly as well.

If you are ever in need of fire restoration services, you know you can count on SERVPRO of Alexandria. We are here and ready to help 24/7. Call us at (318) 427-7511. Stay safe Central Louisiana!

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