Fire Extinguishers

When a fire breaks out, choosing the right fire extinguisher can make all the difference between controlling the situation safely and making it worse. Different types of fires require different extinguishers, and using the wrong one can be dangerous. This guide explains the six main fire classes, the most common extinguisher types, and how to identify them by their colour codes, helping you select the right equipment to stay safe.

Choosing the appropriate fire extinguisher

CLASS A

SOLIDS

such as paper, wood, plastic, etc

CLASS B

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

such as paraffin, petrol, oil, etc

CLASS C

FLAMMABLE GASES

such as propane, butane, methane, etc

CLASS D

METALS

such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium, etc

CLASS E

ELECTRICAL

Fires involving electrical equipment

CLASS F

COOKING

Oil & Fat etc

Fire Extinguisher Types

Water Fire Extinguishers

The water extinguisher is the cheapest and most used fire extinguisher. This is used for Class A fires. It is not suitable for use for Class B (Liquid) fires, or fires involving electricity.

Foam Fire Extinguishers

The foam extinguisher is more versatile but more expensive than the water extinguisher. This is used for Classes A & B fires. The foam extinguisher is not recommended for fires involving electricity but is safer than water if inadvertently sprayed onto live electrical equipment.

Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

The dry powder extinguisher can be used on Classes A, B & C fires. This extinguisher is best for Class B (liquid) fires and also Class C (Gas) fires but ensure that the gas supply has been isolated first. Also available are special powders for Class D (Metal) fires. When these are being used indoors the powder can damage machinery and also obscure vision.

C02 Fire Extinguishers

Carbon Dioxide is ideal for fires involving electrical equipment, and can also be used to extinguish Class B (Liquid) fires, but has no post-fire security and the fire could re-ignite.

Wet Chemical

Specialist extinguisher for Class F fires.

For Metal Fires

A specialist fire extinguisher for use on Class D fires- metal fires such as lithium, Sodium, Aluminium, and Manganese when in the form of swart or turnings.