Fire Extinguishers

SYDNEY’S BEST FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES

The Five Main Types of Fire Extinguishers

Each is designed to combat different types of fires. These types are:

Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguishers (Type A, B, C, and E)

Dry chemical powder extinguishers are used to extinguish fires involving Class A, B, C, and E. They work by smothering the fire and preventing oxygen from reaching it. Dry chemical powder extinguishers contain a fine powder that is discharged under pressure.

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers (Type E)

Carbon dioxide extinguishers are used to extinguish electrical fires and fires involving flammable liquids. They work by displacing the oxygen in the area of the fire, thus suffocating the flames. They are also suitable for use on Class B and Class C fires.

Water Fire Extinguishers (Type A)

Water extinguishers are used to extinguish Class A fires, which are fires that involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth. These extinguishers contain water under pressure and work by cooling the fire and removing heat.

Foam Fire Extinguishers (Type A and B)

Foam extinguishers are used to extinguish Class A and B fires. Class B fires involve flammable liquids, such as petrol, diesel, and oil. Foam extinguishers work by smothering the fire, preventing oxygen from reaching it and thus extinguishing the flames.

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers (Type F)

Wet chemical extinguishers are designed to combat fires involving cooking oils and fats, such as those that might occur in a kitchen. They work by creating a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen, preventing the fire from spreading. Wet chemical extinguishers contain a solution of potassium acetate, which reacts with the oil to form a soapy layer that extinguishes the fire.

Fire Classification System:

Here are the types of fires as classified by Australian standards:

Class A fires

These are fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth.

Class B fires

These are fires involving flammable or combustible liquids such as petrol, diesel, and alcohol, as well as flammable gases such as propane and butane.

Class C fires

These are fires involving gas fires, such as natural gas and LPG.

Class D fires

These are fires involving combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium.

Class E fires

These are fires involving electrical equipment such as appliances, tools, and other devices that are plugged in.

Class F fires

These are fires involving cooking oils and fats, which are commonly found in commercial kitchens and restaurants.

It is essential to have the right type of fire extinguisher for the specific fire hazard and to have proper training on how to use it safely and effectively. Using the wrong type of extinguisher can make a fire worse.

It is important to note that different types of fire extinguishers are suitable for different classes of fires. For example, water-based extinguishers are not suitable for Class B fires, as they can spread the flames, while carbon dioxide extinguishers are not recommended for Class F fires, as they may not effectively extinguish the fire.

The team at Hands On Fire Protection can assist with ensuring your fire extinguishers are properly maintained, are inspected regularly, and remain in good working order.