Classification Of Fire Extinguishers Explained

Fire-Ready.com/fire-extinguishers – Understanding the classification of fire extinguishers is an important step in educating yourself about fire safety. In this short slide show you will learn about how fire works as well as the 7 most common types of fire extinguishers and uses. First off, a fire breaks out when a chemical reaction takes place between oxygen, heat and fuel. Oxygen sustains combustion, heat raises the material in question to its ignition temperature and fuel supports the combustion. The only way a fire can be extinguished is by removing one or more elements from the equation. Different classifications of fire extinguishers are designed for different ratings of fire. There are five classes of fires known as A, B, C, D & K. A fire class is based on what material is fueling the fire and not all fire extinguisher types are suitable for all fires. Water fire extinguishers Water fire extinguishers are only for Class A fires that involve combustible materials like wood and paper. A water fire extinguisher works by attacking the “heat” element of a fire. Foam fire extinguishers Foam fire extinguishers are to be used on Class A and Class B fires only. Class B fires involve flammable liquids like gas and oils. This classification of fire extinguisher works by separating the oxygen from other fire elements. (co2) Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers should only be used on Class B and Class C fires. Class C fires involve electrical equipment. This class of fire extinguisher works by attacking the oxygen and heat fire elements. Dry chemical fire extinguishers Dry chemical fire extinguishers can be used on Class ABC fires. This type of fire extinguisher works by messing up the chemical reaction fire element. Wet chemical fire extinguishers Water chemical fire extinguishers are specially designed to fight Class K fires. Class K fires involve cooking oils, fats and grease. This classification of fire extinguishers works by removing heat and separating the heat and oxygen elements. Clean agent or Halogenated fire extinguishers Clean agent fire extinguishers are for Class C and Class B fires only. They work by attacking the chemical reaction element of a fire. Dry powder fire extinguishers Dry powder fire extinguishers are specially designed to fight Class D fires. Class D fires involve combustible metals (sodium, magnesium, titanium, potassium). This fire extinguisher type works separating the fuel and oxygen fire elements. As you can see, fire extinguisher classifications determine what type of fire they can fight. Most homeowners should look into getting a ABC rated dry chemical fire extinguisher while certain businesses might need a Class K or Class D unit. To get more information on the classification of fire extinguishers PLUS read brands and models reviews, check out our website at: www.Fire-Ready.com/fire-extinguishers