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A variety of fire extinguishers exist to chosen from. Choosing the correct one for a home can seem overwhelming. Each home should have at least one fire extinguisher but, having the correct one is also very important. Experts in fire protection advise having one for the workshop, garage and kitchen. Dry chemical extinguishers have a benefit over c02 extinguishers because they use a non flammable material that decreases the chance of the fire reigniting.
Fire extinguishers are broken up into four different types. To know how much fire an extinguisher can handle, number ratings are used. The higher the rating, the more it can handle. A list to help you select the right extinguisher for your needs is below.
Cardboard, paper, types of plastic and wood require a class A extinguisher. Look at the number rating to know the amount of fire it can put out and how much water is in the extinguisher.
Kerosene, gasoline, oil and grease need a class B extinguisher. To know how much square footage can be controlled with this extinguisher, pay attention to the rating on the canister.
Wiring, appliances, outlets and circuit breakers are electrical fires that call for class C extinguishers. Using water to put these fires out is not recommended because of the risk of electrocution. Non conductive material is used in these extinguishers so there is no number rating.
Chemical labs use class D extinguishers. This extinguisher is for certain metals like magnesium, sodium, potassium and titanium. They are not used for multiple purposes and do not have a number rating.
Because a combination of materials may be involved in a fire, it is wise to select an extinguisher with multiple ratings like ABC.
The most common types of extinguishers are:
APW or water extinguishers are pressurized by water and meant for class A fires. Do Not use water on class D, electrical or grease fires. If you do, the fire will spread. Use these extinguishers for fighting fires that have normal flammable items only.
Dry chemical extinguishers are available in several varieties. They are used for class A, B and C fires. A foam or powder is used in these extinguishers and is pressurized by nitrogen.
BC extinguishers are a normal type of dry chemical extinguisher. It contains potassium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate. The residue left behind is slightly corrosive so it must be cleaned up immediately to halt any potential damage to items.
ABC extinguishers contain monoammonium phosphate that is a yellow powdery substance with a sticky residue. It is used for many purposes but can harm electrical appliances.
CO2, or carbon dioxide, extinguishers are used for class B and C fires. These extinguishers contain carbon dioxide which is a non-flammable gas. The pressure is so high in these extinguishers that pieces of dry ice may come out of the nozzle. They are not recommended for A fires because they might not displace enough oxygen to put it out, which can result in the fire reigniting.
The advantage to CO2 extinguishers versus the others is that the residue left behind is not corrosive. They are good for putting out electrical fires.
A dangerous situation can occur if the wrong type is used.
These are only the common types of fire extinguishers. There are many others to choose from. Base your selection on the classification and the extinguisher's compatibility with the items you wish to protect.
Fire extinguishers are broken up into four different types. To know how much fire an extinguisher can handle, number ratings are used. The higher the rating, the more it can handle. A list to help you select the right extinguisher for your needs is below.
Cardboard, paper, types of plastic and wood require a class A extinguisher. Look at the number rating to know the amount of fire it can put out and how much water is in the extinguisher.
Kerosene, gasoline, oil and grease need a class B extinguisher. To know how much square footage can be controlled with this extinguisher, pay attention to the rating on the canister.
Wiring, appliances, outlets and circuit breakers are electrical fires that call for class C extinguishers. Using water to put these fires out is not recommended because of the risk of electrocution. Non conductive material is used in these extinguishers so there is no number rating.
Chemical labs use class D extinguishers. This extinguisher is for certain metals like magnesium, sodium, potassium and titanium. They are not used for multiple purposes and do not have a number rating.
Because a combination of materials may be involved in a fire, it is wise to select an extinguisher with multiple ratings like ABC.
The most common types of extinguishers are:
APW or water extinguishers are pressurized by water and meant for class A fires. Do Not use water on class D, electrical or grease fires. If you do, the fire will spread. Use these extinguishers for fighting fires that have normal flammable items only.
Dry chemical extinguishers are available in several varieties. They are used for class A, B and C fires. A foam or powder is used in these extinguishers and is pressurized by nitrogen.
BC extinguishers are a normal type of dry chemical extinguisher. It contains potassium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate. The residue left behind is slightly corrosive so it must be cleaned up immediately to halt any potential damage to items.
ABC extinguishers contain monoammonium phosphate that is a yellow powdery substance with a sticky residue. It is used for many purposes but can harm electrical appliances.
CO2, or carbon dioxide, extinguishers are used for class B and C fires. These extinguishers contain carbon dioxide which is a non-flammable gas. The pressure is so high in these extinguishers that pieces of dry ice may come out of the nozzle. They are not recommended for A fires because they might not displace enough oxygen to put it out, which can result in the fire reigniting.
The advantage to CO2 extinguishers versus the others is that the residue left behind is not corrosive. They are good for putting out electrical fires.
A dangerous situation can occur if the wrong type is used.
These are only the common types of fire extinguishers. There are many others to choose from. Base your selection on the classification and the extinguisher's compatibility with the items you wish to protect.
About the Author:
Matthew Kerridge is an expert in home alarms. If you would like more information about CO2 extinguishers or are looking for a trusted security company please visit http://www.adt.co.uk
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