An Overview of the Different Types of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are crucial pieces of safety equipment that you should have in any type of building, whether commercial or residential. However, not every fire extinguisher is designed to fight every type of fire. There are different categories and types of fire extinguishers in Lawrenceville, GA that are designed to handle fires burning from different materials or sources.

The kind of fire extinguisher you use will depend on the class of fire you face. Fire classes are divided into A, B, C, D and K. Class A fires include common combustibles like wood, paper and cloth. Class B fires feature flammable liquids and gases like propane, solvents and gasoline. Class C fires are caused by live electrical equipment. Class D fires burn combustible metals like lithium, titanium and magnesium. Class K fires are cooking fires caused by cooking oils and fats.

Here’s a quick overview of the different types of fire extinguishers and the class(es) of fires they’re designed to fight:

• Water extinguishers: Water extinguishers are primarily used for Class A fires. You’ll most likely find these extinguishers in office spaces, because they’re going to have a lot of Class A fire sources around, including wooden furniture, paper recycling bins and carpets.
• Foam extinguishers: Foam fire extinguishers are made for Class A fires, but can also be used for Class B fires, which involve flammable gases and liquids. These sources can also be found in office spaces in cleaners and polishes.
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers: CO2 fire extinguishers are designed for fighting electrical fires (Class C), but can also be used for Class B fires caused by flammable liquids. Electrical fires are a risk in a variety of office and industrial spaces where electrical equipment is used.
• Powder fire extinguishers: This is the most versatile type of fire extinguisher. Extinguishers that emit powder can be used for fires in the A, B or C classes, which makes them a good all-purpose fire extinguisher to have around the home or workplace. Any environment that has risks for any of those three types of fires should have powder fire extinguishers on hand around the building.
• Wet chemical extinguishers: Any fires caused by cooking oils and fat (Class K fires) should use wet chemical fire extinguishers. This is why these types of extinguishers are most recommended for both commercial and residential kitchens, as grease fires are the most likely type of fire risk in those areas.

The number of extinguishers you will need to purchase for your building depends on the size of the building and your designated level of fire risk. Make sure to follow all OSHA regulations and building codes so you can fully protect your building and lower your fire risk as much as possible. It is also important to make sure employees are trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers and know where those extinguishers are located throughout the premises.

For more information about the various types of fire extinguishers in Lawrenceville, GA, or to schedule fire extinguisher service, contact AAA Fire Protection Resources, Inc. with any questions.

Categorised in: Fire Extinguisher Service

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