How Do Fire Extinguishers Work?
Do you have a fire extinguisher in your workplace or home? If not, you might want to consider investing in one. And if you answered yes, then it might be helpful to learn a little bit more about how they work.
As a leading provider of fire protection equipment in Lawrenceville, GA, we know that while many people consider it important to have a fire extinguisher, not everyone knows how they work, or why different types of extinguishers exist.
Read on to learn more about how fire extinguishers work, how to understand which extinguishers work in which cases and how a fire protection service can help you.
Three different types of fire extinguishers
How do fire extinguishers work? Well, the answer actually depends on which type of extinguisher you’re talking about.
The first type of extinguisher is a water extinguisher. Water extinguishers emit water and tightly compressed air, which is cold enough to take away the fire’s heat and extinguish it.
Next, we have the dry chemical extinguisher. This type works by emitting a dry foam or powder, usually using compressed nitrogen to propel it at the fire. This foam cuts off the oxygen to a fire, quickly putting it out.
Finally, there are carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. Just as the name suggests, these extinguishers contain carbon dioxide, stored at a high enough pressure to become liquid. When released, it becomes a large, thick white gas, and works to compress the fire and cut it off from air, just like the dry chemical extinguisher does.
Different types of extinguishers work better in different environments. Ask your fire safety resource supplier which fire protection equipment in Lawrenceville, GA will work for you.
Understanding color classification
Now you know how the three different types of fire extinguishers work, but that is only one piece of the puzzle. Most fire extinguishers come in one of five colors: green, blue, red, orange or black. Each color indicates a different use.
Green extinguishers work on fires caused by wood, paper and cloth. Blue indicates that an extinguisher can put out a blaze started by electrical equipment. If your extinguisher is red—by far the most common color—it is most well suited to oil and gas fires.
Orange fire extinguishers work on flammable metals, and black ones put out fires caused by animal or vegetable oils and cooking fats.
Obviously, different colors might be needed for different workplaces—a paper plant, for example, might want to have some green extinguishers on hand, while a professional chef might need both red and orange extinguishers.
Ask the experts
Not sure which type of fire extinguisher would be best for your home, school or workplace? Don’t worry! The team at AAA Fire Protection Resources, Inc. is here to help find the best fire protection equipment in Lawrenceville, GA that suits you and your unique needs.
Get in touch with our team of friendly professionals today to learn more about your fire extinguisher options, and hear what we have to recommend.
Categorised in: Fire Protection Equipment
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