How to Choose the Right Class of Fire Extinguisher
Having a fire extinguisher handy is an essential part of home safety, especially in the kitchen, garage or workshop, where fires are common. But it’s important to note that not all fire extinguishers are created equal. A model that can put out a fire in the kitchen might not be as effective on a fire that breaks out in the garage.
This post from your fire extinguisher service in Lawrenceville, GA will cover all of the different types of fire extinguishers and teach you how to purchase the right one for your property.
Fire extinguisher classes
There are five different classes of fires. Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles; Class B fires deal with flammable liquids; Class C fires involve electrical equipment; Class D fires occur when combustible metals ignite; Class K fires break out in kitchens when hot grease catches fire. Each fire extinguisher is assigned a rating that indicates what type of flame the model can put out.
Class A fires can be put out with an air-pressurized water extinguisher. These models might include a detergent in the canister that makes the water foam up and be more effective at smothering the flame. Water won’t help Class B and C fires, which is why you’ll need a carbon dioxide or dry chemical extinguisher for these flames. The carbon dioxide in the canister displaces the oxygen in the flame, so the fire is unable to spread when you use these models.
The most common fire extinguisher on the market is the multipurpose or ABC extinguisher. These models utilize a dry chemical that coats the flame and chokes it out. As the name suggests, they’re able to treat Class A, B and C fires.
Fire extinguisher size
Although bigger fire extinguishers can put out larger flames, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to fire extinguishers. For example, carrying a 10-pound fire extinguisher around in your car won’t be very helpful. After all, those big extinguishers can be difficult to maneuver, which poses problems when a fire breaks out in a small space. Your fire equipment professional can recommend the right size units for different areas or circumstances in your home.
Ensure your extinguishers are still good
Although extinguishers can last for a decade or more before they’re no longer usable, it’s vital that you keep an eye on your extinguishers’ expiration dates. Each fire extinguisher should have an expiration date stamped somewhere on the body or label. If your extinguisher is nearing its expiration date, bring it to a fire extinguisher service in Lawrenceville, GA to have it recharged or replaced.
Being proactive and speaking to a professional sooner rather than later can be the difference between life and death in the event a fire breaks out.
Talk to our team today!
Whether you need a small two-gallon extinguisher for your car or a larger model for your garage, buy it from our team at AAA Fire Protection Resources, Inc. As a premier fire extinguisher service in Lawrenceville, GA, we carry every size and type of extinguisher you could need, and our rates are some of the most competitive in the area. Give us a call today to learn more about our products or to schedule a fire protection consultation.
Categorised in: Fire Extinguisher Service
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