When it comes to fire
fighting systems, one gets to see various types of fire extinguishers, which include dry powder, wet
chemical, co2, foam, and water. All these extinguishers can douse different
classes of fires.
The
Need of Fire Extinguishers
Well, the need for different types of fire extinguishers arises from the fact that different types
of materials can cause a fire. So, to prevent fire accidents, it’s important to
have the right type of fire extinguisher in place, be it your home or office or
hospital, or school.
Classes
of Fire
Before learning about the extinguisher types, it’s important
to have a detailed understanding of the various types of fire.
● Class A - Fires caused by ignitable materials including paper, texture, wood, and other combustible solids.
● Class B - Fires are brought about by combustible fluids like paint, petrol, or turpentine.
● Class C - It is brought about by combustible gases including methane, hydrogen, or butane.
● Class D - It is brought about by ignitable metals including aluminum, potassium, magnesium among others.
● Class F - It’s brought about by cooking oils.
● Electrical Fires - Fires are caused due to faulty electrical hardware; however, upon the evacuation of the electrical thing, the fire class is changed.
So, to deal with all these kinds of fires, one should
pick the fire extinguishers carefully. After all, a foam fire extinguisher might not work on all classes of fire.
Similarly,
CO2
Fire Extinguisher
Dealing with Class B fires and electrical fire is very
easy with a co2 fire extinguisher.
Well, this kind of fire extinguisher can easily cut down the oxygen supply
because of the carbon dioxide. The co2 present in the extinguisher can reduce
the heat very easily and suppress the fire. It must be kept in mind that this
kind of fire extinguisher is suitable for small fires, especially kitchen
fires.
Location
The location of the co2
fire extinguisher should be always near the fire source or near the fire
exits in offices, server rooms, kitchen, and places with many electrical
appliances.
Foam
Fire Extinguisher
Dealing with Class B fire is very easy for any foam fire extinguisher. They also come
in handy for dousing Class A fire. The foam content is responsible for creating
a protective layer over the flammable material. It cools down the fuel that
causes the fire. Thereby creating a barrier between the flame and the fuel and
eventually dousing the fire.
Location
The location of a foam
fire extinguisher should be always near the exit doorways on each floor of
a building.
ABC
Fire Extinguisher
Well, a dry powder extinguisher is also known as an ABC fire extinguisher. They are ideal
for suppressing class A, B, and C fire. However, care must be taken to not use
this type of extinguisher within enclosed spaces.
Location
An ABC Fire extinguisher should be installed near the source of the fire. This would eventually help in dousing the fire. These are some of the most popular types of fire fighting systems, i.e. extinguishers in the market. Each of them that can douse any Class of fire triggered by any material, such as paper, wood, chemical, or liquids. So before placing an order for any fire extinguisher, it’s important to do some research. With in-depth research, finding out the right extinguisher that fulfills the requirements is very easy.
Reviewed by Kanex Fire
on
April 13, 2022
Rating:
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