Fire is one such component of life that brings mass destruction if not controlled timely. Fire extinguishers come in handy when small controllable fires break out. They are hand-operated cylindrical vessels that contain a pressurized fire suppressing agent that can be released when a fire breaks out. You find these in most public, commercial, and residential complexes as part of the safety measures.
When installing fire safety measures in your office building, it is necessary to be aware of the few classes that might come in hand. For the ones who are a newbie in the firefight game, the following are few fire extinguisher types based on the class that one must be aware of:
- Class A fire extinguishers suppress fires from the burning of solid materials.
- Class B ones inhibit the burning of inflammable liquids like alcohol, glycerine, etc.
- Class C extinguisher is used to suppress the fire breakouts from combustible gases like ethane, acetylene, etc.
- Class D is used when fire breakouts are with metals like Magnesium, Lithium, etc.
- Class E fire extinguisher tackles the fires on electronic equipment.
- Class F deals with fire breakouts caused by cooking oils and fats.
A combined class of A, B, C, or B, C certified extinguishers are in industries that are prone to high levels of fire. Likewise, residential buildings equip themselves with a Class that befits their specifications.
The above differentiation has its basis on the source of fire they suppress. Following are the fire extinguishers types identified based on the suppression agent used.
- Water-based extinguishers are the best to counteract the fire breakouts of the Class A category, also being cost-effective at the same time.
- Foam-based extinguishers are better at handling fires than water-based ones because they can suppress Class A and Class B category fires. It helps to attain better control over fires.
- Powder-based extinguishers can suppress fires of Class A, B, and C category, which makes them a multi-purpose option.
- Carbon Dioxide-based extinguishers do not leave any residue post usage when used. Carbon dioxide is often used as a fire suppressant.
