Types of Fire Extinguishers – Which One is Right For You?

There are several classifications of fire extinguisher. In order for you to select the best fire extinguisher for your home, business, or other location, it is important to know what they are and how they work. Each classification has its own practical use. To better understand fire extinguisher classification, consider the three most common types of extinguishers:

Types of Fire Extinguishers

These are the most common fire extinguisher classifications because they are used widely and effectively in many different firefighting applications. The majority of them are designed to dry fuel quickly and easily. The dry powder design is especially good for emergency situations where a fire may spread rapidly. Typically, fire extinguishers must be mounted in an elevated position above the ground to prevent them from accidentally coming in contact with ground water or other liquids.

These are the most diverse and least used of all the fire extinguisher classifications. Available in different types, these extinguishers can be mounted in a variety of ways and in different positions. They do not pose a liquid threat, but dry powder and carbon dioxide fires are still dangerous.

The next classification is based on the type of liquid or gas fuel used in the extinguisher. The most popular is a round metal body that requires a cap to be attached Fire Extinguisher. This is the most appropriate shape for domestic and commercial uses. The cap attaches to a central mechanism and channels gas or liquid into channels lined with small rubber Dinges. These channels prevent the liquid or gas from spreading beyond the confines of the extinguisher itself.

Classifications that fall between the above two categories are based on whether the liquid or gas fuel is in a gaseous form or in a liquid form. Some of these extinguishers are referred to as green products, because they use natural chemicals to extinguish fires. Other names are red products, because they utilize acids to extinguish fires. This type of fire extinguisher is recommended for small contained fires such as those that occur in day-to-day kitchen accidents.

For purposes of fire extinguisher classifications, a square foot of material is equal to 0.75 grams of liquid or gas. A five-inch square foot of material has the same firefighting power as a teaspoon of powder and is, therefore, the best choice for small fires. A five-gallon container has the same powder load as a cup of tea, making this the safest choice for home and family use.