What Type of Fire Extinguisher Do I Need?

Fire safety is an essential aspect of protecting your factory or workplace, and having the correct fire extinguisher for the job can prevent a minor incident from becoming a disaster. But with so many different types of extinguishers available, how do you know which one is right for your needs?

At PLT Training, we specialise in fire safety training to help you understand exactly what type of fire extinguisher you need, whether it’s a warehouse, office, or on-site. In this blog, we’ll break down the various types of fire extinguishers and which one is best suited for different kinds of fires.

Understanding Fire Extinguisher Types

Fire extinguishers are designed to tackle specific types of fires, classified into different groups. Using the wrong extinguisher on the wrong fire can be not only ineffective but dangerous. So, before you decide, it’s crucial to understand the type of fire you’re likely to face.

Classifications of Fires

• Class A: Fires involving solid materials like wood, paper, and textiles.
• Class B: Fires caused by flammable liquids, such as petrol, oil, or paint.
• Class C: Fires involving flammable gases like butane or propane.
• Class D: Fires involving metals.
• Class F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats (often found in kitchens).
• Electrical Fires: Not technically a class but often grouped as “Electrical” fires, which require special extinguishers that do not conduct electricity.

Now, let’s explore the different types of fire extinguishers and the kinds of fires they’re designed to tackle.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

1. Water Fire Extinguishers (Class A)

Water extinguishers are the most common and are designed for use on fires involving organic materials such as paper, wood, and fabrics. They are often found in offices, schools, and public buildings.

Important Note: Water extinguishers must never be used on electrical fires, as water conducts electricity and can cause electrocution.

2. Foam Fire Extinguishers (Class A & B)

Foam extinguishers are versatile, and designed to fight both Class A and Class B fires (those involving flammable liquids). They work by cooling the fire and sealing the liquid surface to prevent re-ignition.

However, like water extinguishers, foam is not suitable for electrical fires unless specified as safe for use on live equipment.

3. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishers (Class B & Electrical Fires)

CO2 extinguishers are ideal for fires involving electrical equipment, as they do not conduct electricity. They work by displacing the oxygen around the fire, effectively suffocating it.

If you’re asking, “What type of fire extinguisher is used on electrical fires?” the answer is CO2. These extinguishers are also useful for Class B fires but are less effective against solid materials like wood or textiles.

4. Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers (Class A, B, C & Electrical Fires)

Dry powder extinguishers are multi-purpose, and suitable for a range of fire types, including flammable gases (Class C), liquids (Class B), and solids (Class A). They can also be used on electrical fires, making them highly versatile.

However, dry powder extinguishers leave a residue that can damage delicate equipment and surfaces, making them less desirable for indoor environments like offices with lots of electronics.

5. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers (Class F)

Specifically designed for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats, wet chemical extinguishers are essential in environments where deep-fat fryers are used. They cool the fire and create a chemical barrier, preventing it from reigniting.

Wet chemical extinguishers are typically not used for other fire classes but are a must-have in commercial kitchens with large cooking operations.

What Type of Fire Extinguisher Do I Need for Electrical Fires?

Electrical fires present a unique challenge, as using the wrong type of extinguisher could be hazardous. Both water and foam extinguishers conduct electricity, increasing the risk of electrocution.

For electrical fires, your safest options are:

• CO2 Fire Extinguishers: These are specifically designed to safely extinguish electrical fires without damaging the equipment.
• Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers: Though versatile and effective on electrical fires, they can leave a mess that may harm sensitive electronics, so they’re best suited for industrial environments or workshops rather than offices.

How to Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Environment

Selecting the right extinguisher depends on the environment and the types of fire risks present. Here’s a brief guide:

• Factories or Office Spaces: In general, having both a water extinguisher for materials and a CO2 extinguisher for electrical fires is a solid strategy. If you’re worried about flammable liquids, adding a foam extinguisher may also be wise.
• Workshops and Garages: Dry powder extinguishers are the most versatile for environments where flammable gases, oils, and electrical tools are common. However, make sure to balance protection with practicality, especially around sensitive electronics.
• Kitchens: Every kitchen, whether at a warehouse or in a restaurant, should have a wet chemical extinguisher to deal with Class F fires involving cooking oils. This is crucial for safety in case of a chip pan or deep fat fryer fire.

Why Regular Training is Key

Even the best fire extinguisher won’t help if you don’t know how to use it correctly. Fire safety training ensures that you and your team can act quickly and confidently during an emergency. At PLT Training, we offer fire marshal training and fire safety training tailored to your environment, ensuring that everyone knows how to prevent and manage fires.

Stay Safe with PLT Training

Knowing what type of fire extinguisher you need is essential for keeping your property and people safe. But it’s only part of the equation. Proper training ensures that your team can act quickly and effectively when needed.

At PLT Training, we provide expert fire safety training to equip you with the knowledge and skills to use fire extinguishers properly and efficiently. Whether it’s ensuring you have the correct fire extinguishers or training your staff on fire prevention and response, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to learn more about our fire marshal training and fire safety training. Let’s make your environment as safe as possible.