Understanding Fire Classes and Related Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are an important firefighting tool. They are little, but they play a significant function in the home security scheme. You must keep them nearby where the fire is likely to spread and understand the function of the fire extinguisher.

Fire preparation for business owners and facility managers should involve a complete risk assessment to ensure the correct suppression equipment is in place and in working order. For this, a better understanding of fire extinguishers is necessary. 

Here in the blog, we will describe the different classes of fire and the types of fire extinguishers related to that.

Understanding Fire Classes and Related Fire Extinguishers

Classes of Fire:

Fires are classified into four types:

Class A: Ordinary solid combustibles such as paper, wood, cloth, and some polymers are classified as Class A.

Class B: Flammable liquids such as alcohol, ether, oil, gasoline, and grease should be smothered.

Class C: Electrical equipment, appliances, and wiring in which the use of a nonconductive extinguishing chemical prevents electrical shock harm. Use no water.

Class D: Certain flammable metallic compounds, such as sodium and potassium, are classified as Class D. These items are not generally found in the Medical Center.

Fire Extinguishers:

Types of fire extinguishers are A, ABC, BC, or K. To avoid personal harm or property damage, it is critical to use the appropriate type of extinguisher on the specific class of fire. The incorrect type of extinguisher could result in electrical shock, an explosion, or the spread of the fire.

Portable extinguishers are useful for extinguishing small fires, but they are ineffective against large, spreading fires. Doors should be closed in these cases to keep the flames at bay.

Fire Extinguisher Types:

Below are the different types of fire extinguishers.

Type A: Pressurized water is only to be used on Class A fires. Do not use on Class B or C fires; it may spread the fire or cause electrical shock.

Type ABC: A dry chemical that is effective on all types of fires.

Type BC: Carbon dioxide used to extinguish chemical or electrical fires.

Type K: For grease fires in kitchens.

The coloured band surrounding the extinguisher indicates the type of suppression employed:

  • Red (water) is only suitable for Class A fires and is not suitable for other fire classes.
  • Blue (foam) is only appropriate for Class A and B flames.
  • White (dry powder) is suitable for Class B, electrical fires (E), and Class A fires (ABE)
  • Carbon dioxide black is suited for (E) and Class B flames. The discharge of this extinguisher is noisy and cold, and users should be cautious of the discharge pressure.
  • Yellow (vaporising liquids) is appropriate for (E), Class A fires.
  • Wet chemical oatmeal appropriate for Class A and F flames.
Kanex offers a range of portable fire equipment and fire extinguishers to suit all types of fire classes. For further information, contact our team.
Understanding Fire Classes and Related Fire Extinguishers Understanding Fire Classes and Related Fire Extinguishers Reviewed by Kanex Fire on December 15, 2022 Rating: 5

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