Types of Fire Extinguisher

At B9 Fire & Safety, we understand that fire safety is something that should never be overlooked. Whether it’s in a domestic or a commercial property, adhering to proper fire safety processes and procedures can save lives.

Fire safety goes beyond mere prevention. It is critical that you understand the different fire extinguisher types and the situations each type is used for. When a fire breaks out, fire extinguishers can help save lives and stop further damage from occurring. They also ensure safety compliance, making them essential for businesses.

Let’s take a look at the most common types of fire extinguisher and fire extinguisher uses:

Aqua Spray Fire Extinguisher

Aqua spray fire extinguishers are commonly referred to as water fire extinguishers. These contain water with special additives and are used to tackle fires that have combustible materials, such as wood, coal or textiles.

Time is of the essence in a fire, and aqua spray fire extinguishers can put out fires quickly due to the rapid-cooling characteristics of the water mixture. Another benefit is that water fire extinguishers are environmentally friendly and contain no harmful chemicals.

However, aqua spray fire extinguishers only work on fires involving combustible materials. They can make matters worse and be extremely dangerous if used on an electrical fire.

Foam Extinguishers

As you can probably guess, foam fire extinguishers spray foam instead of water. This has two benefits. Firstly, the foam serves as a kind of blanket, covering the fire to prevent it from growing and releasing flammable fumes. Secondly, the foam acts as a cooling agent to help put out the fire.

Like aqua spray fire extinguishers, foam extinguishers can be used to tackle fires involving combustible materials. However, their real strength is when used when fighting fires involving flammable liquids like petrol or solvents.

CO₂ Extinguishers

Rather than liquid or foam, CO₂ fire extinguishers release gas – carbon dioxide to be precise. The gas is actually stored within the unit as a liquid, but is converted into a gas and expelled at speed through the pressure of the handle being squeezed. Instead of cooling or covering the fire, CO₂ fire extinguishers replace oxygen surrounding a fire with carbon dioxide, cutting off the fuel the fire needs to keep burning.

CO₂ fire extinguishers are used to tackle electrical fires. They should not be used for combustible material or chip pan fires, as the speed at which the gas is expelled can actually spread the fire. Furthermore, care should be taken when using CO₂ fire extinguishers to avoid cold burns from the gas, and they should not be used in tight spaces due to the risk of asphyxiation.

Powder Extinguishers

Powder fire extinguishers are for fires involving a range of flammable solids, liquids and gases. There are also special powder extinguishers that can be used on flammable metals like aluminium and magnesium. Like foam extinguishers, the powder from powder extinguishers coats the fire to prevent further growth and spread.

Powder extinguishers are particularly useful for their versatility and ability to work on a range of different types of fire. However, the powder itself covers a large area and can create a lot of mess. Furthermore, as powder extinguishers do not cool, there is a risk of fire reignition.

Under UK fire regulations, fires are categorised into five distinct categories. Let’s find out what these are and how these categories impact fire safety procedures.

Class A

The Class A category is for fires involving combustible materials such as wood, paper or textiles. Given how common these materials are, Class A fires can occur in almost every type of premises, and regulations stipulate regular inspections and an adequate supply of appropriate fire fighting equipment.

Type of extinguisher to use for Class A fires: Aqua Spray Fire Extinguisher

Class B

Class B fires are for fires that have flammable liquids like petrol, paint or spirits. These fires often occur in commercial settings, such as bars, restaurants and garages. Under fire safety UK laws, premises at risk of Class B fires must have suitable extinguishers on site and signage that explains fire safety procedures.

Type of extinguisher to use for Class B fires: Foam Extinguisher

Class C

Class C fires are those that involve flammable gases, including butane and propane. Premises at risk include manufacturing plants and warehouses, or any location where these gases are stored. There are regulations in place regarding the safe storage and management of these gases to prevent fires from breaking out.

Type of extinguisher to use for Class C fires: Powder Extinguisher

Class D

Fires involving flammable metals like aluminium or magnesium are referred to as Class D fires. These commonly occur in manufacturing plants, warehouses and laboratories. Only specialised extinguishers can be used to safely tackle Class D fires.

Type of extinguisher to use for Class D fires: Powder Extinguisher

Class F

Finally, Class F fires are those involving fats and cooking oils. Class F fires can occur in both commercial and residential kitchens and restaurants. Regulations require that suitable extinguishers be on hand in locations where Class F fires are likely to occur.

Type of extinguisher to use for Class F fires: Wet Chemical Extinguishers