Different Types of Fire Extinguishers and How They’re Used

Employers who are concerned about fire safety often provide their employees with access to fire extinguishers. However, you may be wondering about fire extinguisher types and applications. There are five basic types of fire extinguishers that are used for different classes of fire in Longview, TX settings. Read on to find out more about each fire extinguisher and how it’s used.

Classes of fire

Each fire extinguisher is designed to deal with different classes of fire. The following are the fire classes for which you might need to be prepared:

• Class A: Fires that involve solid or organic materials like coal, plastic, wood, paper, etc.
• Class B: Fires that involve flammable liquids like gasoline
• Class C: Fires that involve flammable gases such as butane or methane
• Class D: Fires that involve combustible metals like aluminum or titanium
• Class E: Fires that involve electrical systems
• Class F/K: Fires that involve cooking oils

Types of fire extinguishers

Each type of fire extinguisher includes a different substance that is made specifically to put out certain kinds of fire. The fire extinguishers must be discharged properly and in the right situation to work effectively. The five types of fire extinguishers commonly available are as follows:

• Powder: These dry powder fire extinguishers are good for fighting class A, B and C fires. They’re also usable for electrical fires. These extinguishers leave a powder residue that’s difficult to clean up.
• Water: This type is used for class A fires that involve solid or organic materials. They discharge water at high pressure in order to extinguish flames from fires that include wood, cloth, plastic, paper, etc.
• CO2: Carbon dioxide-based fire extinguishers are designed to fight class B and class E fires. They do not leave a residue behind like many other fire extinguishers, so they may be particularly useful in offices and other spaces with expensive technological equipment.
• Wet chemical: These are specifically for fighting class F fires. That’s because they are capable of extinguishing blazes at extreme temperatures, such as those resulting from cooking grease and hot oils. The best method to use with this fire extinguisher is to go in slow circular motions and empty the entire contents of the fire extinguisher.
• Foam: These use a water-based foam, which results in quick knocking down of flames, smothering the blaze so reignition doesn’t happen. These are best suited for class A and B fires. They’re less hazardous to electrical equipment, but their usage is somewhat less straightforward.

We hope this guide to fire extinguisher types and applications in Longview, TX has proved helpful. Whenever you need fire safety expertise, trust the team at Anchor Safety Inc. Our staff specializes in consultation, service, sales and installation of fire protection systems for homes, offices, restaurants, computer server rooms and document rooms. We have more than five decades of combined experience and have become the leader in the region when it comes to your fire safety. Get in touch with us today to learn more and receive a free estimate.

Categorised in: Fire Extinguishers

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