Understanding Fire Extinguisher Types: Which One’s Right for You?
You must know the fire types first and then focus on the Fire Extinguisher Types. This is because the fire types are themselves different.
Different Classes of Fire
You must know the different classes of fire before buying the right kind from the different Fire Extinguisher Types.
- Class A fire involves flammable solid materials like paper and cardboard, wood and plastic, textiles and fabric. It also includes grain or flour dust.
- Class B typically includes inflammable liquids like diesel, petroleum oil, paint, and others.
- Class C involves flammable gases like propane, methane, or butane.
- Class D involves combustible metals like magnesium, potassium, lithium, and others.
- Class F involves kitchen fires caused by different types of cooking oils, fat, or butter.
- Electrical fire is considered as a distinct class of fire apart from Europe, involving fire caused by short circuits in electrical sources or live equipment.
Different Types of Fire Extinguishers
Typically, Fire Extinguisher Service Ft Worth Tx uses the following types of equipment that are often distinguishable by their different color, names, and hoses.
Water:
These types of fire extinguishers can emit water at a high pressure but those having chemical additives are typically 300% better in performance. These extinguishers usually come in two distinct types, namely:
- Standard water spray type – The word ‘aqua spray’ or ‘water’ is printed on the body of these fire extinguishers and is suitable for Class A fire type. These are normally solid red in color. You can identify these classic fire extinguishers with a red band with a white border.
- Dry water mist type – They are also solid red in color. A white color rectangle has the words ‘water mist’ printed on these extinguishers, which can even put off Class F fire.
Powder:
Powder fire extinguishers contain three types of powders, which differentiates them further. These are:
- ABC powder extinguishers usually have a blue rectangle with ‘powder’ written on it. Just below the rectangle, ‘ABC powder’ is written, indicating that these are suitable for putting off Class A, B, and C fire types.
- M28 powder extinguishers come with a unique hose, and the word ‘powder’ is written in white on a violet rectangle. They are suitable for Class D fire, but they are not suitable for lithium.
- L2 powder extinguishers are similar to M28 variants but can be used for all types of fires caused by metals.
Foam:
The word ‘foam’ is written on a cream rectangle in these extinguishers. They contain a foaming agent in water and can take off Call A and B fires.
Carbon Dioxide:
These extinguishers typically have a black rectangle with carbon dioxide or CO2 written in white on it. The hose is also unique in these specific types of fire extinguishers that you can use to put off electrical fires and Class B fires.
Wet Chemical:
These special fire extinguishers with a long hose have ‘wet chemical’ written on a yellow rectangle and can combat Class F fires.
Choosing the Right Type
Typically, and most importantly, you must always choose a reliable brand for Fire Extinguisher Service Ft Worth Tx. In addition, you must look at three basic aspects while choosing a fire extinguisher and fire protection service for you.
First, consider the type of fire that you may encounter. Based on the class of fire, you must choose between:
- Water
- Powder
- Foam
- Wet chemical and
- Carbon Dioxide.
Secondly, check the rating of the fire extinguisher. You will find this on the equipment label. It indicates the safety, performance, and reliability aspects of the equipment.
Finally, consider the weight and size of the equipment you want for you. It must be big enough to combat a large fire. However,
Conclusion
Such knowledge also helps in ensuring safety within the premises and proper functionality of the equipment during an emergency. In short, such knowledge helps in taking the right steps to minimize, if not eliminate, the risks and consequences of a fire breakout.
