Difference between Powder and Water Based Fire Extinguishers

Whenever we think about managing a fire, the image of the firefighters with huge tanks and big fire trucks pops in our minds. While most of us are conditioned to think that the firefighters only use fire hydrant systems to control fire, they use different Fire Extinguishers to handle the fire.

While most people do not know about it, there are different types of Fire Extinguishers available in the market. Among all of that, the water-based ones and the powder extinguishers are more popular. However, each of the extinguishing systems has its pros and cons.

So, before choosing any Fire Sprinkler System, you should know about the differences between them. Keep on reading the following points to know your fire extinguishing systems better.

Powder Extinguishers:

These extinguishing systems are only able to fight class A and B fires. However, the firefighters sometimes use them to control the class C fires that are caused by the combustion of natural gas, hydrogen or propane.

One of the advantages of using this type of Hydrant System Extinguisher is that it does not soak the burning elements and thus, does not evaporate and lowers the temperature of the fire. Instead, this type of extinguishing system creates a blanket on the raging fire. This crust-like blanket knocks out the fire by starving it of the oxygen.

However, the disadvantage of using this type of Water Mist Extinguishing System is the mess that it creates. Also, while using this type of Fire Extinguishing System, the firefighters can inhale the powder. So, they need to be very cautious while handling it.

As this extinguisher leaves a lot of residues even after stopping the fire, it should not be used in the areas where food is prepared. The fire hydrant system also ruins the soft furnishings, like curtains, carpets, and sofa settees if they are not removed at the right time.

Water-Based Extinguisher:

The Water-Based Extinguishers are the least expensive ones. You can find this type of extinguishing system almost everywhere. They are easy to use, and unlike the Powder Extinguishers, these can be refilled quite easily. There are some water-based extinguishing systems that contain water with additives. These additives enhance the ability of water extinguishers.

The trouble of using the Fire Sprinkler System is that it works only on class A Fire. The water content of the extinguishing system soaks the burning materials and lowers that temperature of the fire. As it absorbs the heat of the fire, the flame gets extinguished slowly.

Unlike the powdered version, these Water Mist Extinguishers are less hazardous as they only contain water. However, just like the powder version, this extinguishing system also makes quite a big mess.

Now that you know the differences between these two Hydrant System Extinguishers, it would be easier for you to decide which one to use for which type of fire. Still, you should contact professionals to understand which extinguisher is more suitable to address your fire requirements.