All About ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Ideally, none of us would ever need to operate a fire extinguisher, but it’s smart to be prepared for any circumstance. You probably walk by fire extinguishers every day, but you might not be aware that there are different types of extinguishers for different classes of fires—or how to use one when the unexpected happens.

For most buildings and fires, ABC dry chemical extinguishers are a classic choice in Longview, TX. They can handle three different types of fire, are easy to operate and are easily recognizable. Read on for an overview of what you should consider when getting and operating a fire extinguisher.

Classes of fires

What kind of fire you’re most likely to experience in your building will dictate which kind of extinguisher is right for you:

• Class A: Class A fires are “ordinary” fires that use combustible material like paper, cloth, wood and plastics as fuel. These are probably the most common type of residential and office fire.
• Class B: Class B fires are fueled by flammable liquid, like gasoline. They’re common in industrial settings that deal with lubricants, paints and fuels.
• Class C: Class C fires are electrical fires—those that use electricity or electrical components as their fuel source. They’re possible in any building that uses electricity.
• Class D: Class D fires use combustible metals like titanium or aluminum as their fuel, and are common in laboratory environments.
• Class K: Class K fires are cooking fires—different enough from Class B to have their own separate category. They require a special extinguisher.

You might have guessed that ABC dry chemical extinguishers are designed to tackle Class A, B and C fires. This is because their dry powdered chemical, monoammonium phosphate, can work in three different ways to put out those types of fires.

How to operate a fire extinguisher

If you have to use an extinguisher, chances are it will be an ABC model. All you need to do is remember the acronym PASS:

• Pull the pin from the handle
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the lever
• Sweep back and forth, from side to side

Your safety is most important, however—if the fire is taller than you are, you’re not sure what caused the fire or if the tank isn’t pressurized (the gauge needle is not in the green), drop the extinguisher, run and call 911.

ABC dry chemical extinguishers in Longview, TX

If you need your own ABC dry chemical extinguisher, look no further. Since 1990, Anchor Safety Inc. has provided fire safety consultations and products to the Longview area. We’re dedicated to keeping you and your buildings safe with our extinguishers, fire suppression systems, clean agent systems, fire and exit signs and more. In addition to our high-quality products, we offer consultation services. Our team will identify and devise solutions for the fire safety needs of everything from homes and offices to restaurants and industrial facilities. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Categorised in: Fire Extinguishers

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