Types of extinguishers

Standard water extinguishers Water extinguishers are only suitable for class A fires, which means they can fight fires that involve wood, cardboard, paper, plastics, fabric and textiles, and other solid materials.

Pool chemicals are typically stored in pool equipment rooms. The only fire extinguisher that is allowed in areas containing oxidizers, such as pool chemicals, is a water-type fire extinguisher. Multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguishers shall not be installed in areas containing oxidizers.

• Water extinguishers. Water extinguishers are one of the most cost-effective ways to fight Class A fires, those fuelled by solid materials such as paper, wood and textiles.
• Foam extinguishers.
• Powder extinguishers.
• Carbon dioxide extinguishers (CO2)
• Wet chemical extinguishers.
• Fire blankets.

A Class K fire extinguisher is used on fires involving cooking media (fats, grease, and oils) in commercial cooking sites such as restaurants. These fire extinguishers work on the principle of saponification. These extinguishers are identified by the letter K.

ABC Fire Extinguishers use monoammonium phosphate, a dry chemical with the ability to quickly put out many different types of fires by smothering the flames. This pale, yellow powder can put out all three classes of fire: Class A is for trash, wood, and paper. Class B is for liquids and gases.

What kinds of fires is a B:C extinguisher not good for? Wood, paper and cloth. The B:C type fire extinguisher is designed to work on electrical fires and burning liquids.

An extinguisher with an ABC rating is suitable for use with fires involving ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids and energized electrical equipment. An extinguisher that is rated for use with multiple hazards should include a symbol for each hazard type.

ABC Powder is a multi-purpose extinguisher medium suitable for all classes of fire, however although effective, a Powder Extinguisher will leave a residue that can damage sensitive electrical equipment. If this is a concern it may be wise to use a CO2 Extinguisher.

3. Do NOT pour water on the fire! Since oil and water do not mix, pouring water can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire even worse. In fact, the vaporizing water can also carry grease particles in it, which can also spread the fire.

If you add water to your alcohol stove, the fire will go out. In fact, this is a good way to simmer on an alky stove: add a capful of water at a time until desired flame height is reached. The water will boil off and you have to keep adding more so it is tedious, but it works.

Use a CO2, halon, or dry chemical extinguisher that is marked B, C, BC, or ABC. An alcohol-type or alcohol-resistant (ARF) foam may be used to effectively combat fuel ethanol fires.

Why does water put out fire? The primary role water plays in putting out a bushfire is cooling it down so there’s no longer enough heat to sustain the fire. When you pour water onto a fire, the heat of the fire causes the water to heat up and turn into steam.

CORRECT WAYS TO PUT OUT AN ELECTRICAL FIRE

1. Use a fire extinguisher. You should use a multipurpose fire extinguisher with C in its label.
2. Use baking soda. Is there anything baking soda can’t fix?
3. Use a heavy blanket. Without oxygen, the fire can’t burn.

Salt will smother the fire almost as well as covering it with a lid, while baking soda chemically extinguishes it. But you’ll need a lot of each–toss on handfuls with abandon until the flame subsides. Avoid using flour or baking powder, which can explode in the flames instead of snuffing them out.

Warning Signs of Electrical Hazards

1. Circuit breakers trip or fuses blow continuously.
2. Touching appliances plugged into the wall gives you a slight electric shock.
3. A persistent burning smell comes from a specific appliance or room in your home.
4. Plugs easily fall out of outlets.
5. The lights flicker.

6 Appliances that Cause the Most Fires

1. Refrigerator. A refrigerator is cold, making it unthinkable that the appliance can catch fire.
2. Dishwasher. A dishwasher is built with heating elements that dry clean dishes.
3. Dryer.
4. Stove.
5. Microwave.
6. Toaster.