Different Fire Extinguisher Classes & How to Use Them

Knowing about fire extinguisher classes can be helpful when you need to put out a fire. Fires can occur at any time in your home and outside. You should know what’s causing a fire and what you can do to remove it in any situation. However, regardless of how hard you try to avoid fires, you may still encounter them, which is why you should always be prepared. One of the easiest ways to stop a fire is to use a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers are tools that are present all over the world. All companies and employers are required to give you the training to deal with all fire extinguishers.

There are different fire extinguishers for different fire classes. In the article, we’ll be talking about different fire extinguisher classes and how you can use them.

If you’re choosing to keep house fire extinguishers in your home, you should first decide the rooms you want to install the fire extinguishers. 

Different Fires and Fire Extinguisher Classes 

There are four classes of fire extinguishers that you can choose from. The different classes are for different types of fires. Companies must keep all sorts of fire extinguishers depending on the fires that can occur. The four classes extend from class A to class D. 

1. Class A extinguishers are used to put out fires in regular combustibles. Ordinary things like wood and paper. 
2. Class B extinguishers are ones that you can use for more liquid combustibles. The liquid combustibles can be things like grease, gasoline, and oil. Thus, you would want to keep this class of fire extinguishers in a place like a kitchen or where there’s greater use of oil, grease, and gasoline. 
3. Class C extinguishers are generally used for fires with electrical origins. So, electrically-charged fires can be extinguished using class C extinguishers. 
4. Class D are manufactured to be used on only flammable metals, so you can use them whenever you see a metal that’s on fire. 
5. Class K is for cooking fires and animal or vegetable oils and fats.

The type of fire doesn’t matter, but all of them arise due to the same sets of reasons:

1. Heat
2. Fuel
3. Chain Reaction
4. Oxygen 

For any fire class, two of these four elements will vary. However, you will understand what you need to do to put off the fire once you understand its origin. You can’t use the same extinguisher for different classes of fire, which is why you need to have various extinguishers with you at all times.

6 Types of Fire Extinguishers 

1. ABC Powder Fire Extinguisher 

The ABC fire powder fire extinguisher is a multi-purpose fire extinguisher. You can use it for the three different classes of fires, and thus it’s necessary to have it on hand. A powder extinguisher is generally a good thing to have with you as it can release a fine powder on the fire and act as a blanket to asphyxiate the fire. 

Powder extinguishers are great and can help you extinguish fires from class A to class C.  Powder is not an electrical conductor, which is why it can even work on class C as it breaks the chain of the fire. 

2. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher 

The Carbon Dioxide extinguisher is one of the best and cleanest fire extinguishers. You don’t have to worry about any residue or cleaning up after a fire extinguisher. 

It releases carbon dioxide, meaning it can put out the fire by effectively removing all oxygen from the air. This extinguisher is often used for class B and class C fires where there’s grease and electricity involved. 

3. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers 

This type of fire extinguisher is best suited for class K fires, which means that you can keep this in your kitchen. The extinguishers have a solution made from potassium that can extinguish fires in one go. It has a liquid mist that cools the fire and a soap-like substance that glazes over the fire and stops any idea of reigniting. Thus, this fire extinguisher is perfect for all the fires that may occur in your kitchen when you’re cooking with hot oil.

However, you can also use this extinguisher for class A fires when a material such as wood or paper is on fire. 

4. Water Mist Fire Extinguisher 

It’s one of the most versatile fire extinguishers and works on all kinds of fire. It can release microscopic water molecules everywhere. Since it manages to release water vapor in a minute form, it can also remove the oxygen from the air. Thus, any fire can’t manage to exist due to a lack of oxygen. The water this uses doesn’t have ions, so you can easily use it for classes A, B, C, and K in fires. 

5. Foam Fire Extinguisher 

This fire extinguisher can release a foam that blankets the entire fire and restricts it from growing and expanding. You can use it for fires in Class A and B. 

6. Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher 

This fire extinguisher suppresses the fire. The extinguisher container holds liquid. As soon as it’s expelled and hits the air, it vaporizes. It is safe, non-conductive, and non-toxic, so you can use it around humans. You use it on Class B and Class C fires to extinguish them. 

Let 911 Restoration of Metro Detroit North Help 

If you are affected by fire damage or want to learn more about fire extinguishers, call 911 Restoration of Metro Detroit North. Our experts will arrive within 45 minutes of your call. Our professionals are licensed, insured, bonded, and certified by IICRC. They will deal with the fire damage and work with your insurance company, so you get the coverage you need. Visit our website www.911restorationmetrodetroitnorth.com or call (586) 232-0172.