Fire Extinguisher Types and Uses | A Fire Extinguisher Guide

http://www.Fire-Ready.com/fire-exting... - In this fire extinguisher guide we will discuss common fire extinguisher types and uses. Understanding classes, ratings and uses is the first step in selecting the best fire extinguisher for your home, car or place of business.

Understanding How Fire Starts

Before we talk about the different types of fire extinguishers though, it's important that you understand how fire actually works. In order for a fire to occur, there must be 3 elements present. These elements include Oxygen, heat and fuel. When all 3 of these elements come together it creates a chemical reaction which causes fire. In order to put out a fire, you need to remove one or more of these elements.

Different Fire Extinguisher Types and Uses

As you review the fire extinguisher guide below, it's important to understand two things. First, different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight a different classes or ratings of fire. Second, each fire extinguisher type works by removing a particular element from the fire equation.

1. Water fire extinguishers work by attacking the heat element of the fire equation. Water extinguishers should only be used on class "A" fires that involve ordinary materials like paper, wood and most plastics.

2. Foam fire extinguishers work by removing the heat and oxygen elements of the fire equation. This type of fire extinguisher should only be used on class "A and B" fires and should never be used on class "C" electrical fires due to electrocution hazard.

3. CO2 or Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers work by attacking the oxygen in a fire. They also work to remove heat due to a very cold discharge. CO2 fire extinguishers should only be used on class "C" electrical fires and class "B" combustible liquid fires.

4. Dry chemical fire extinguishers primarily work by interrupting the chemical reaction of a fire. A very versatile fire extinguisher, these are rated to be effective on class "A, B and C" fires. Since A-B-C fires are the most common, dry chemical fire extinguishers are the most widely used in home fire situations.

5. Wet chemical fire extinguishers work by first removing the heat element of a fire and then preventing re-ignition by creating a barrier between the oxygen and fuel elements. This classification of fire extinguisher was specifically developed for class "K" fires that involve cooking oils and fats. Most often these fires occur in commercial restaurants and cafeteria settings.

6. Clean agent or Halogenated fire extinguishers work by interrupting the chemical reaction of a fire. The clean agent fire extinguisher is primarily for class "B" combustible liquid fires & class "C" electrical fires.

7. Dry powder fire extinguishers work by separating the fuel from the oxygen of a fire. These are only for use in class "D" fires that involve combustible metals like magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium.

Which fire extinguisher classification is right for you?

As you can see, each class of fire requires a certain type of fire extinguisher to fight it. For most people, a dry chemical A-B-C rated fire extinguisher is going to be the best unit to have around the home, car or workplace. For others in a more specialized environment, a different type of fire extinguisher will be needed for effective firefighting.

To get more information on different fire extinguisher types and uses as well as read up to date fire extinguisher reviews, check out our website at:

http://www.Fire-Ready.com/fire-exting...