Fire Extinguishers Types And Uses

Introduction:

There are so many fire extinguisher types and uses but, in the event of a fire, having the right type of fire extinguisher is necessary for ensuring safety and preventing damage. Fire extinguishers are essential safety tools that everyone should know how to use, but all fire extinguishers are not the same. They come in different types, each designed to tackle specific classes of fires. Understanding the different types of fire extinguishers and their uses is mandatory for effectively responding to fire emergencies and can make the difference between a minor incident and a major accident.

Understanding Fire Classes:

Before learning about the fire extinguishers types and uses, it’s important to understand the different classes of fires. Fires are classified based on the materials involved in their combustion:

Class A:

These Fires involve common combusting materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics.

Class B:

The fires are caught by flammable liquids like gasoline, petroleum oil, paint, and grease, but not cooking oils or fats.

Class C:

The class includes fire in which electrical equipment is involved.

Class D:

The fire in which metals like sodium, potassium, etc burn.

Class K:

The fire caused by the cooking oils and fats is commonly found in commercial kitchens.

Fire extinguishers are divided into different types for extinguishing these classes of fire.

Types of Fire Extinguishers:

After understanding the fire classes, now you can easily understand fire extinguishers types and uses. These fire extinguishers are filled with different fire extinguishing agents, making them suitable for different fire classes. With the help of thorough knowledge of fire extinguisher types, you will be able to select the perfect for keeping at your place.

It is important to keep in mind that using the wrong type of extinguisher on a fire can be ineffective and can even worsen the situation. Therefore, it’s essential to have the correct type of fire extinguisher instantly available and ensure that everyone knows how to use it properly in the event of a fire. Regular training and fire safety education can save lives and property, making it a worthy investment for any home or business.

1-Fire Extinguisher Dry Chemical Powder:

Fire safety is important for both residential and commercial environments. Among the various types of fire extinguishers available, the dry chemical powder fire extinguisher is prominent for its versatility and effectiveness. Having a properly maintained dry chemical fire extinguisher can provide peace of mind and potentially save lives and property.

A dry chemical powder fire extinguisher is one of the most common types of fire extinguishers used across the world. They are known for their effectiveness in fighting different types of fires, making them a useful safety tool in various settings. These extinguishers contain a dry chemical powder as the extinguishing agent, typically consisting of monoammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, or potassium bicarbonate.

The principle of the dry chemical extinguisher is simple but effective: it disturbs the chemical reaction of the fire triangle (heat, fuel, and oxygen) by coating the fuel with a layer of powder, separating the fuel and oxygen, and stopping the combustion process. The powder absorbs heat and helps to cool down the fire.

Uses and Applications of Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher:

Dry chemical powder extinguishers are versatile and can be used on several types of fires. It is used to extinguish:

Class A fire:

Involving ordinary fuel like wood, paper, and cloth. Although not as effective as water-based extinguishers for this class, dry chemical extinguishers can still be used effectively.

Class B fire:

It involves flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and paint. Dry chemical extinguishers are particularly effective for these fires as they can quickly smother the flames.

Class C fire:

Including electrical equipment. Since the dry chemical powder is non-conductive, it is safe and effective for electric fires with an electrical fire extinguisher.

Class D fires:

Certain dry chemical extinguishers are designed specifically for combustible metal fires, although these are less common in everyday environments.

Dry Chemical fire extinguishers can be used in the following environments:

Industrial and manufacturing industries:

These places often contain flammable liquids and electrical equipment, making dry chemical extinguishers a necessity.

Offices and Schools:

Electrical fire extinguisher provide a common fire safety solution suitable for potential electrical fires and other common combustibles.

Automotive and Marine:

Flammable liquids are often carried in vehicles and boats, and they are also equipped with electrical systems, making dry chemical extinguishers ideal for them.

Kitchen and Restaurants:

Although Class K extinguishers are best for kitchen fires, a dry chemical extinguisher can provide additional safety for other classes of fires that may occur.

Safety and Handling:

As dry chemical powder extinguishers are valuable for fire safety, proper handling and usage are also important. Concerned persons should be trained to correctly use the dry chemical extinguishers, including the PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep). Regular checks and maintenance are also necessary to ensure the extinguisher is working. Extinguishers must be visible and easily accessible to get in the event of a fire.

2-CO2 Fire Extinguisher:

CO2 fire extinguisher gas are distinguished by their non-conductive and clean extinguishing agent. They contain pressurised CO2 gas, which is released as a cold, white cloud of fire extinguisher gas upon activation. The mechanism of a fire extinguisher gas is simple, it displaces oxygen in the air around the fire, suffocates the fire, and cools the fuel, which prevents re-ignition.

These extinguishers are typically identified by their hard horn and lack of pressure gauge features that make them prominent among water, foam, or dry chemical extinguishers. Since carbon dioxide is present in them and due to the nature of the gas, they are used in environments where damage from other extinguishing materials (such as water or chemicals) should be avoided.

CO2 Fire extinguisher Uses and Applications:

Fire extinguisher gas are specifically effective for these classes of fires:

Class B Fires:

These involve flammable liquids such as oils, gasoline, and other oils. CO2 is effective in these situations as it can quickly smother the fire and leave no residue behind.

Class C Fires:

It involves electrical equipment. Since carbon dioxide is a non-conductive gas, it is ideal for extinguishing fires in electrical equipment without causing further damage or conducting electricity.

Due to their specific uses, CO2 extinguishers are commonly used in particular environments.

Electrical Control Rooms and Data Servers:

Such areas contain sensitive equipment where water or chemical-based extinguishers can cause great damage or data loss.

Laboratories:

CO2 is suitable for fires involving electrical equipment and flammable liquids, commonly present in laboratories.

Industrial sites:

It is also used for fires caught by electrical machinery and flammable liquids.

Restaurants and Kitchens:

Although kitchens typically require an electrical fire extinguisher for oil fires, CO2 fire extinguishers can be used for electrical fires that might occur.

While CO2 extinguishers are effective and leave no residue, some safety considerations must be kept in mind for using them. When used in confined spaces, the carbon dioxide gas can remove oxygen from the surroundings, creating a suffocation. Proper ventilation is necessary during and after the use of a CO2 extinguisher. The discharge from CO2 extinguishers can be extremely cold and may cause frostbite. Users should not touch the horn or nozzle during discharge. The discharge can reduce visibility, which may be a hurdle in evacuation. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and escape routes when using a CO2 fire extinguisher.

CO2 fire extinguishers play a prominent role in fire safety, especially in environments with electrical equipment and flammable liquids. Their ability to quickly extinguish certain types of fires without leaving residue makes them valuable in protecting sensitive equipment and materials. But, understanding the specific applications, limitations, and safety precautions associated with CO2 extinguishers is essential for their effective and safe use. Proper training and regular maintenance are necessary to ensure these extinguishers are ready when needed.

3-Fire Extinguisher Water Type:

In fire safety, water type fire extinguisher are among the oldest and most widely recognized sources of fighting against certain types of fires. These extinguishers are famous for their simple operations, effectiveness, and environmentally friendly nature.

 

Water type fire extinguishers are designed for extinguishing Class A fires that involve common fuels such as wood, paper, cloth, and some plastics. These extinguishers use the cooling properties of water to extinguish flames, making them essential tools in different areas, from residential to commercial environments.

 

The water extinguishers work on a very simple mechanism, they expel water at a high pressure and allow the user to shower a steady stream on the fire. The water decreases the temperature of the burning material and cools it down, effectively knocking out the fire. Due to the presence of only water, these extinguishers are non-toxic and leave no harmful residues behind, which makes them ideal for use in those areas where it is important to maintain cleanliness.

Fire Extinguisher Water Type Uses and Applications:

It is used in extinguishing mainly the Class A fire. These are fires that involve solid combustible materials such as:

Wood:

It includes firewood, furniture, and infrastructure.

Paper:

Books, documents, and packaging materials serve as fuel in such fires.

Clothes:

Involves curtains, clothes, etc.

Certain Plastics:

Those plastics burn similarly to wood and paper.

These fire extinguishers are suitable for the following environments:

Offices:

Where paper is commonly used.

Schools:

As the schools contain a lot of paper products, wooden furniture, and educational materials.

Residential areas:

Homes are filled with a lot of materials that can catch fire like wood, cloth, and paper products.

Warehouses:

Since these are the storing places for paper goods, wood, and similar combustible materials.

Places where Water Type Fire Extinguishers Should Not Be Used:

The water extinguishers are highly effective against Class A fires, but they are not suitable for all classes of fires and can be hazardous if used improperly. They should not be used on:

Class B Fire:

The fires are caught by flammable liquids like oil, gasoline, and paint.

Class C Fires:

It contains electrical equipment, as water conducts electricity and can result in shocks.

Class D Fires:

These fires involve combustible metals.

Class K Fires:

The cooking oils and fats, typically found in commercial kitchens are fuel for such fires.

Safety and Handling:

Proper handling and knowledge of water type fire extinguishers are beneficial for effective and safe use. Users should be familiar with the operating mechanism of the extinguisher, which includes aiming and controlling the flow of water. Keep checking the extinguishers regularly to ensure the extinguisher is in good working condition and has not expired. Extinguishers should be placed prominently for quick access in case of a fire, and they should be marked for use on Class A fires only.

Water type fire extinguishers are a basic part of fire safety, especially in environments where Class A materials are present. They are convenient to use, effective, and environmentally friendly, making them an essential safety tool. However, understanding the limitations and proper applications of these extinguishers should be kept in mind to ensure they are used safely and effectively. Regular training, maintenance, and awareness can help prevent the devastating impact of fires and ensure a safer environment for all of us.

4-Fire Extinguisher AFFF Foam Type:

AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) fire extinguisher, covers the fire with a layer of foam, instantly smothers it and prevents it from reignition. It is the unique property of form that it can cool down the fire by decreasing the temperature, hence decreasing the chances of re-ignition.

The AFFF fire extinguisher is versatile and helps in extinguishing different classes of fire. Such as:

Class A Fire:

It can easily extinguish the fire caught by solid combustibles like wood, paper, and clothes.

Class B Fire:

Use an AFFF fire extinguisher, if flammable liquids like gasoline and oils catch fire.

Safety and Handling:

Although the AFFF fire extinguisher comes with a design that is easy to operate, by experts and even ordinary people, basic training should still be provided to the staff or the persons who have the potential to operate it.

The device becomes activated quickly and releases the fire extinguishing agent instantly. The discharge rate of the extinguishing agent is quite high which helps in extinguishing the fire just in a few seconds.

In this way, the occupants get time to evacuate. The spread of fire is decreased and the potential damage can be significantly reduced. As a result, the safety of the people as well as assets is assured.

Uses and Application of AFFF fire extinguisher:

The AFFF fire extinguisher is suitable for many settings for example:

Residential areas:

It is suitable to place at homes and quickly be used if a fire incident occurs.

Commercial Areas:

AFFF fire extinguishers can be used in several commercial areas including offices, warehouses, and manufacturing industries.

Ensure to place the fire extinguisher at the points where it is visible for quick use. An easy access will help in a quick response, minimising the potential loss.

Keep the maintenance of your fire extinguisher. Must refill after it is used.

5- Fire Extinguisher Halotron Type:

The Halotron fire extinguisher contains a clean agent as a fire extinguishing agent. It means that it is environmentally friendly and causes no harm to the environment. But the clean agent Halotron is an excellent fire suppressing agent which immediately extinguishes the fire.

This type of fire extinguisher is able to combat several classes of fire. Such as:

Class A:

It is usable if paper, clothes, or wood caught fire.

Class B:

A Halotron fire extinguisher can be used to extinguish the fire of flammable liquids.

Class C:

It is also capable of extinguishing the fire caught by the electrical equipment.

That reason for using it on electrical equipment is that the clean agent used as a fire extinguishing agent is non-conductive and it is safe to use on the electrical equipment. In this way, the chance of electric shock is removed.

Uses and Applications of Halotron (HCFC) Fire Extinguisher:

The Halotron type fire extinguisher is versatile and therefore it can be placed in several settings. Including:

1- Residential areas:

It is able to tackle home fires.

2- Commercial Areas:

Halotron fire extinguishers are suitable for several commercial areas including offices, industries, and manufacturing facilities, etc.

3- Vehicles:

Its versatility also makes it best suited for vehicles.

Classes Of Helotron Fire Extinguisher:

1- Class A:

Use on Class A fires in which solid combustibles like wood, cloth, and paper caught fire.

2- Class B:

Halotron fire extinguishers are effective on combustible liquids.

3- Class C Fire:

This type is also good to go on Class C fires.

A regular maintenance and inspection are necessary to keep the fire extinguisher in a running condition and make it readily available when it is required. Also train your staff or the concerned persons to operate the fire extinguisher in the best manner, so that a quick response can be given for combating the fires.

Safety and Handling:

It has an easy to operate design and is built according to the standards of the regulatory authorities. The fire extinguisher is completely certified. There is no match in the durability and reliability of halotron fire extinguishers. It is strongly built and rigorously extinguishes the fire.

6- Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher K-Type:

Wet Chemical fire extinguishers also known as kitchen fire extinguishers, are mainly designed for commercial kitchens, food processing units, etc. In such premises, cooking fires can take place due to the facts and oils, and here these fire extinguishers are perfect to place.

A solution of potassium serves as the fire extinguishing agent in wet chemicals fire extinguishers. It works in two steps, firstly, the fire cools down and the temperature becomes lower because of the mist. This process stops the spread of fire and also ensures that the oil and fats does not splash. Secondly, the potassium salt starts reacting with the oil forming a coating, this process is known as saponification. The coating itself is non-combustible and it breaks the connection between the environment and oils.

Another amazing feature of the k-type fire extinguisher is that it uses a clean agent as the fire extinguishing agent. The clean agents do not leave any residue behind hence making no mess and keeping the environment and premises clean.

Their design is simple and easy to use at the time of need. It can be used promptly when required.

Uses and Applications of K-Type Wet chemical Fire extinguisher:

The wet chemical fire extinguisher is specifically suitable for:

Class K Fires:

The fire outbreaks that occur in commercial kitchens and manufacturing units can be easily tackled with the K-type fire extinguisher.

Because of their particular use, they are suitable for placing them in:

Commercial kitchens:

Documentary kitchens and manufacturing units contain large cooking ranges and greater amounts of oils and fats in them. Hence, there Is a greater need for the k-type wet chemical fire extinguishers.

Safety and Handling:

Although the handling of such fire extinguishers is easy, training must be given to the kitchen staff who may be required to use them at any moment. Please use the fire extinguisher where it is easily accessible. Both these things, i.e a proper training and easy accessibility will result in a

quick response in case of a fire outbreak, minimizing the spread of fire and potential damage.

Furthermore, upkeep the maintenance of your fire extinguisher to make it readily available when it is required. A regular inspection and maintenance will keep your fire extinguisher in a running condition.

Advantages of Fire Extinguishers:

There are certain advantages/ benefits of the fire extinguishers. Such as:

1- The main benefit of fire extinguishers is that they help in extinguishing the fire and minimize the potential losses and damages.

2- Using the fire extinguishers stops the spread of fire.

3- Fire extinguishers are the ultimate defence against fire and firefighting becomes easier with them.

4- They can save precious human lives.

5- The assets and buildings stay safe and peace of mind is ensured.

Fire Safety Trading Pvt ltd:

Fire Safety Trading Pvt ltd makes efforts to provide high quality and best fire-fighting equipment to our valued customers. We are continuously struggling to hunt the best for our people that can tackle their safety needs. We thoroughly understand the safety needs, hence we keep all the safety equipment in our stores.

As the fire extinguishers are the basic tools used in fire fighting, we supply all types of the fire extinguishers whether it is CO2 Carbon dioxide type fire extinguishers, Water type fire extinguisher, AFFF foam type fire extinguisher, Halotron (HCFC) fire extinguisher type, or K-type Wet Chemical fire extinguisher. We provide all these fire extinguishers in different quantities.

You can purchase new fire extinguishers from us as well as we provide the services of refilling fire extinguishers. Our staff is dedicated to perform their duties efficiently, they are equipped with the accurate tools to carry out the tasks in the best manner. If you are looking for the fire extinguishers at reasonable prices in Pakistan, you can contact us. We are available online and in-stores.