Fire Extinguishers: Your First Line of Defense Against Fire Hazards
The purpose of the various fire protection systems available today is to help reduce property damage and save lives by putting out fires quickly and effectively. No fire protection system is complete without portable fire extinguishers. These are some of the most important tools to have in your building because they put firefighting power in the hands of your attentive employees. To stay safe and compliant, it’s critical to understand the classes of fire and fire extinguisher types available — and choose the correct one for each fire hazard that exists in your facility.
Fire Classifications
Fire extinguishers are classified based on the class of fire they are designed to put out. Here’s a look at each fire type and the recommended fire extinguisher for each.
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Class A Fires
These involve ordinary combustible materials such as cloth, paper, cardboard, wood, and plastic. Class A fires are the most common and can occur in any home, office building, or commercial setting. ABC dry chemical extinguishers, or water and foam extinguishers, are effective against this type of fire.
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Class B Fires
Class B fires occur when flammable liquids ignite. Gasoline, oil, propane, and kerosene burn readily, making these fires very dangerous and quick-spreading. If you’re wondering what class of fire extinguisher is used for flammable liquids, look for one rated for Class B, such as CO₂ (carbon dioxide) extinguishers, foam extinguishers, or dry chemical extinguishers.
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Class C Fires
Class C fires are electrical in nature, meaning there’s a risk of electrocution. These fires can start when an overloaded circuit, overheated extension cord, or spark from a malfunctioning appliance ignites surrounding materials. What type of fire extinguisher is used for electrical fires? Always use a fire extinguisher for electrical fire that is non-conductive, such as a CO₂ or dry chemical unit.
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Class D Fires
These fires occur when combustible metals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and titanium ignite. Highly reactive and difficult to control, Class D fires typically begin in industrial facilities or laboratories. Specialized dry powder extinguishers work best in these settings.
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Class K Fires
Class K fires break out in commercial kitchens. They involve cooking oil and grease which burn at a higher temperature than other flammable liquids. A Class K fire extinguisher used for restaurant or food-service environments deploys a wet chemical agent to cool and coat the burning substance through a process known as saponification.
Fire Extinguishing Agents
Several firefighting agents are effective against specific types of fires. Here’s a closer look at how different extinguishers work and where they are used.
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Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers contain monoammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate, effective against Class A, B, and C fires. They’re often called multi-purpose ABC fire extinguishers and are ideal for general fire protection.
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Purple K Fire Extinguishers are rated for Class B and C fires and are often used by the oil, gas, chemical, and utility industries.
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Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers use halocarbons. Some models are effective for Class A, B, and C fires; others only work on B and C fires. Because they leave no residue, they’re perfect for facilities with sensitive electronics.
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Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Fire Extinguishers contain sodium bicarbonate and sulfuric acid, which combine to release CO₂ “snow” when discharged. This cuts off the oxygen supply to the fire, making CO₂ ideal for Class B and C fires — including chemical spills and electrical fire situations.
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AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) extinguishers protect against Class A and B fires, forming a vapor barrier over flammable liquids.
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Water Mist Fire Extinguishers are effective for Class A and C fires and safe to use around electrical equipment up to 100,000 volts because they generate a fine, non-conductive spray.
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Water Fire Extinguishers fight Class A fires only and should never be used on oil or electrical fires.
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Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers are specifically designed to combat Class D metal fires.
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Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers are used for Class K kitchen fires and are also effective against some Class A and B fires. They use agents like potassium acetate to smother high-temperature grease fires and prevent re-ignition.
Find the Right Fire Extinguishers for Your Mid-South Building
If it’s time to buy new fire extinguishers for your business in Tennessee, Arkansas, or Mississippi, State Systems can help you make the proper selection. We offer a full range of brand-name extinguishers in various weights and sizes. In addition to sales, we provide fire extinguisher training, professional installation, inspections, and support for every fire hazard.
Ready to protect your team and property?
Call 901-531-6550 or contact State Systems online today for a fire extinguisher quote or to schedule fire protection services for your Mid-South business.
