Portable Fire Extinguisher

Description

Types of portable fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are classified by the types of fires they are designed to extinguish. Using the wrong extinguisher can be ineffective or even dangerous.

Class A (Ordinary Combustibles): For fires involving common materials like wood, paper, cloth, and plastics.
- Agent: Water or foam.
Class B (Flammable Liquids): For fires involving flammable liquids and gases such as gasoline, oil, paint, and propane.
- Agent: Foam, dry chemical, or CO2.
Class C (Electrical Equipment): For fires involving energized electrical equipment like appliances and wiring.
- Agent: CO2 or dry chemical powder, as these are non-conductive.
Class D (Combustible Metals): For fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium.
- Agent: Specialized dry powder.
Class K or F (Cooking Oils): For fires involving cooking oils and fats, typically in commercial kitchens.
- Agent: Wet chemical, which cools and creates a soapy layer to prevent re-ignition.
Multi-Purpose: Many extinguishers are rated for multiple classes, such as an “ABC” dry chemical unit, which is the most common for home use.