Five Types of Fire Extinguishers and How They Are Used

Understanding the different types of fire extinguishers is important in the case of an emergency and in making sure that you and others around you are properly prepared in the event of a fire. Read on for the lowdown on the different types of fire extinguishers and when and how they should be used.

Water Extinguishers

These are the most common types of fire extinguisher. They use pressurised water as a means of putting out fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as textiles, paper and wood. These are known as Class A fires.

Water extinguishers cool fires and soak burning materials. They are a versatile choice, although they are not suitable for some fires, such as those involving electrical items or hot oils.

Foam Extinguishers

P50 foam extinguishers, available from specialist suppliers such as LS Fire Solutions, use a mixture of foam concentrate and water to tackle fires.

Foam extinguishers are useful for tackling the same blazes as water extinguishers and also fires involving flammable liquids, including paint, oil and petrol, which are known as Class B fires. The foam effectively produces a blanket to smother the fire and prevent re-ignition.

Powder Extinguishers

These may also be called dry powder extinguishers in a fire extinguisher buying guide and use a fine powder to smother flames.

Powder extinguishers can be used for Class A and Class B fires and also for Class C blazes, which involve flammable gases. There are also specialist powder extinguishers that can be used for Class D fires where combustible metals are involved.

CO2 Extinguishers

CO2 extinguishers use non-flammable, pressurised carbon dioxide gas to put out Class 2 fires and electrical fires. They work by starving fires of oxygen.

Wet Chemical Extinguishers

These are designed to put out Class F fires involving fats and cooking oils. They use a solution to react with hot oil, creating a soapy foam that will suppress a fire. These fire extinguishers are common in commercial kitchens, where cooking oils can cause fires.