Fires are a common hazard both in the home and in many places of business. Having the best type of fire extinguisher for the types of fires you may encounter is an important part of staying safe. There are many different fire extinguishers because not all fires are the same, and what works on one type of fire may not work on another. Here is a brief overview of the different types of fire extinguishers and the types of situations where they should be used.
The Different Types of Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are rated for the types of fires they are designed to fight.
- Class A: These are the types of fires that make use of common contestable materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and other such flammable materials. Class A fires can be extinguished effectively by water, water mist, foam, powder, CO2, and sometimes wet chemical extinguishers.
- Class B: These types of fires are distinctive because they involve flammable liquids such as combustibles, petroleum greases, oils, tar, solvents, alcohol, and other types of combustible gases. Class B fires should not be extinguished with water, and you should make use of water mist or powder extinguishers to put out these types of fires.
- Class C: A class C fire is an electrical fire a common concern in many homes and businesses. Due to the electrical component, any foam or water used on these fires should be DI-eclectically tested. Powder, CO2, and mist can also be used to put out electrical fires.
- Class D: A class D fire uses combustible metals as the fire source, such as titanium, sodium, lithium, magnesium, and other such materials. Class D fires can be hard to put out and require dry powder to effectively put out.
- Class K: A class K fire is a kitchen fire, a common hazard in the resultant industry. Cooking fires involve industry-specific combustibles such as animal oils, animal fats, and vegetable oils. Due to the organic components of these fire sources, wet chemical solutions should be used to put them out.
Final Thoughts
Fries are quite destructive and can cause damage to homes and businesses that require a great deal of time and effort to repair. Also, many situations, such as the type of work a business does or the local environment, can make fires a more common danger. Having the right type of fire extinguisher can help keep you and your property safe.