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There are four basic types of fire extinguishers. The most common type is known as a Class A fire extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is able to put out fires that involve ordinary items such as wood, simple plastic combustibles, paper and cardboard. These extinguishers contain high-pressure water.
Class B extinguishers are able to put out fires that involve combustible items such as gasoline, grease and oil. The difference between this and the Class A extinguisher is that the Class B is filled with chemicals that will put out the fire, because water will actually cause fires involving these combustibles to grow larger.
A Class C extinguisher is the third type and is made for putting out electrical fires. These extinguishers are filled with flame retardants that are not conducive. A Class A extinguisher cannot be used on an electrical fire, as it can cause life-threatening shocks. A Class C extinguisher would be best used in areas that have electrical equipment.
A Class D fire extinguisher is not as common but is used for putting out fires that contain flammable metals. This type of fire is generally seen in a manufacturing setting and is filled with a powdery substance. - The function of a fire extinguisher is to deplete the fire of the oxygen that will continue to fuel it. Each type of fire extinguisher works to safely suffocate the fire by depleting the oxygen source without causing the fire to grow or spread. It's important to be sure that you are using the right type of fire extinguisher on a fire, and this is why there are combination extinguishers such as Class ABC or BC, so you can put out a variety of fires with the same extinguisher.
- Having a fire extinguisher or two in your home can mean the difference between a rush of adrenaline and damage or total loss of your home or office. Having a fire extinguisher on hand and knowing how to use it will allow the average person to put out or gain control of the spread of a fire until authorities can arrive.
- Risks associated with fire extinguisher use can generally be limited if everyone in a home or workspace knows how to use it properly. Generally there are directions on the extinguisher, but these should be reviewed in a non-emergency situation to so response time will be shorter if there is a fire. Also, having the wrong type of fire extinguisher can be hazardous, as a Class A would simply spread a grease fire in the kitchen. Take care to buy the right type of extinguisher for each area.
- The size of fire extinguishers varies, depending on what you buy and how much space you may need to treat with the contents. When purchasing a fire extinguisher, look at the label to verify how many square feet the contents will treat, and buy the size that matches your specific needs.
