Fire extinguishers: Type of fire and Fire extinguishers

Posted by ErNarendra Kumar
6
Apr 2, 2015
1073 Views

Fires are very complicated situation, chaos and confusion filled moments of panics demand quick measures to control spreading of the fire. Many times small fires that could have been easily controlled burst into devastating flames. Fire extinguishers are a very important part of our day to day life. It's always better to use them and not having them to used and than not having one while need. These metal canisters are capable of controlling and extinguishing of small fires and fire suppression systems. Even in case of big fires they are significantly helpful. This first line of defense are mandatory in most of the places and we daily come across them in public transports, hospitals, schools. Offices, etc. they are easy to use, “how to use” guidelines are printed on the body. Like there are different types of fires similarly there are different extinguishers. So, to understand fire extinguisher it is important to understand the Fire. Fires are classified into different classes based on their materials, Class A fire is that caused by normal household combustible materials like plastic, paper, wood , etc. Class B is for flammable liquids like oil, petrol, gasoline, etc. Class C is associated with electrical fires and Class D with fires from combustible metals, Class K is associated with kitchen fires caused by cooking oils and stuff.


Types of fire extinguishers.

  • Water fire extinguisher are canisters filled with air pressurized water, they are effective in Class A fires. These are inexpensive and environment friendly. However, they are not to be used in class B and C.

  • Carbon dioxide extinguishers are an effective solution against Class B and class C fire. Carbon dioxide cuts the oxygen supply and prevents the fire from spreading while it extinguishes it.

  • Wet Chemical extinguisher canisters are packed with Potassium Acetate, citrate or carbonate. They are usually used for Class A and Class K fires. The chemicals cools down the burning oil below the ignition level by forming a blanket of soapy foam over it.

  • Dry Chemical Extinguishers ammonium phosphate and is effective on Class A, B and C fire. It is also known as multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher. Popular in schools, hospitals, etc. Another type of dry chemical extinguisher is Sodium bicarbonate extinguisher, efficient in class B and C, sodium bicarbonate is easy to clean while ammonium phosphate need efforts to clean as it is a corrosive substance.

  • Foam Fire extinguishers are effective solution in case of fire from fuels.


Maintenance and servicing of the extinguishers are essential, in all the States of America yearly maintenance of the fire extinguishers is mandatory. All establishments (excluding homes) must have a yearly fire extinguisher service. It helps in ensuring that the extinguisher is in proper working condition and doesn't malfunction at the time of need. The professional service providers make sure that all the aspects of the extinguisher are working properly and there is no defect that might cause a future problem.


Conclusion: prevention is better than cure, accidents don't wear watches. So it's important that we take all the precautionary measure to ensure safety of our life and property. Fire extinguishers are a very important part of our daily life and keeping them in top notch is as much important as having one. Find fire extinguisher solution at Qlook.bz. 

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