Fire extinguishers come in various types, sizes, and designs, and they also vary in their effectiveness at putting out fires. The type of fire determines the type of extinguisher you should use, and it is important to understand which extinguisher works for each type of fire; for example, a grease fire requires a grease fire extinguisher, whereas a kitchen fire requires a kitchen fire extinguisher.

 

Types of fire extinguisher

 

There are three main types of fire extinguishers: dry powder, wet chemical, and CO2. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Dry powder extinguishers are effective against grease fires, electrical fires, and some flammable liquids. Wet chemical extinguishers are effective against gas fires, liquid propane tanks, and some flammables. CO2 extinguishers are effective against both gas and liquid fires. It is best to have two different types of extinguishers available, one for each type of fire.

 

  • Dry powder fire extinguisher

A dry powder fire extinguisher contains an inert powder that can be activated by water or steam. This type of extinguisher is most useful when fighting grease fires because it does not damage the surrounding area. However, this type of extinguisher will not work if there is no water nearby.

 

  • Wet chemical fire extinguisher

A wet chemical fire extinguisher uses a combination of chemicals and water to put out fires. These extinguishers are used on all kinds of fires, including those caused by gasoline, oil, and other flammable liquids. They require water to activate them, so make sure to keep a supply handy.

 

  • CO2 fire extinguisher

This type of extinguisher puts out all types of fires using carbon dioxide (CO2) as the active ingredient. A CO2 fire extinguisher needs air to function properly, so make sure to open doors and windows before activating the extinguisher.

 

Other key types of fire extinguisher include:

 

  • Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher

This is primarily used on fires involving combustible gases, such as natural gas, propane, butane, and methane. They can also be perfect for locations with a great deal of electrical equipment, as they do not cause any damage to the wiring.

 

  • Halon fire extinguisher

These extinguishers contain halon, a highly toxic gas that is used to fight fires in enclosed spaces. Halon is typically only used in commercial applications.

 

How do I know which fire extinguisher to use?

 

Knowing which fire extinguisher to use is an important element of proper use – and having the right knowledge could just save your life. There are many factors to consider when choosing a fire extinguisher, such as size, safety features, and how easy it is to operate.

Always keep in mind that fire extinguishers should be serviced regularly, if you are in need of this contact us for Fire Extinguisher Services in Essex

 

  • Size

The first thing to think about is the size of the room where you plan to use the fire extinguisher. If you’re going to use it in a large space, then you’ll need a larger-sized fire extinguisher than if you were to use it in a small room. You may want to get a fire extinguisher that’s slightly bigger than what you normally carry around.

 

  • Safety features

Safety features are another consideration. For example, some manufacturers offer self-contained systems that automatically shut off after the fire is extinguished. Others provide manual controls that allow you to turn the extinguisher on and off at will.

 

  • Ease of operation

Finally, you must decide whether you would prefer a simple system that requires little training or a complex system that takes more time to learn. The former option is easier to use, while the latter offers greater protection, as these tend to be more powerful.

 

Fire extinguishers come in different sizes, shapes, and colours. But knowing which one to use depends on several factors, including the location of the fire and the materials involved.

 

Types of fires and their properties

 

There are three main categories of fires: Class 1, 2, and 3. Each category has its own properties and characteristics. Knowing the difference between each kind of fire will help you choose the best fire extinguisher to use.

 

  • Class 1 fires

Class 1 fires are the most common variety. They involve flammable liquid fuels like gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, and heating oil. They burn very hot and have high temperatures.

 

  • Class 2 fires

Class 2 fires are similar to class 1 fires, except that they don’t involve liquid fuels. Instead, they involve solid or gaseous substances. These include wood, paper, plastics, rubber, and other organic compounds.

 

  • Class 3 fires

Class 3 fires are the least common type of fire. They usually occur due to electrical sparks or static electricity. They are also known as electrical fires.

 

When deciding which fire extinguisher to buy, keep these differences in mind, and make sure that you are prepared for the most likely fire in your surroundings and environment.

 

Final thoughts

 

Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher is an important life skill, and it is crucial that you know how to use the one you decide to purchase; this could just save your life someday. If you are in any doubt, simply contact our experts for quality fire extinguisher installation in London to give you added peace of mind.