What Kind of Fire Extinguisher Do I Need?

 

Have you ever dumped water on a kitchen fire only to see the flames grow even larger? This is because water actually causes flames from oil, fat, and grease to spread and grow. Since all fires are not created equally, there are a variety of extinguishers that are effective against different types of fire. So, how do you know which type of fire extinguisher you should use in the case of a fire? Many people don't realize that each fire extinguisher has a class which indicates the type of fire it's intended for. Here is a breakdown of each class and which type of fire it's effective against:

 

Class A extinguishers are effective against ordinary combustible materials such as cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and plastics.

 

Fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, and oil-based paints should be combated using a Class B extinguisher.

 

Class C extinguishers are designed to be used on appliances, tools, and other equipment that is electrically energized or plugged in.

 

Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals. There are different types of Class D extinguishers that are specific to certain types of metals. These are usually only found in factories or other places where these types of metals are used.

 

These fire extinguishers are intended for use on fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats. They are usually found in commercial kitchens, such as restaurants and cafeterias, although they are becoming more common in residential kitchens.

 

If you're not looking forward to stocking up on four or five different fire extinguishers in order to cover all your bases, don't worry! Most fire extinguishers fit into multiple classes. For example, it's common to see a fire extinguisher labeled as Class A:B, meaning it is effective against combustible material, as well as flammable liquids.

 

It's important to know which type of fire extinguisher to use in any given situation, but it's just as important to ensure that your fire extinguishers are properly maintained and easily accessible. You should also have an alarm system that is regularly inspected in order to detect fires before it's too late for your extinguisher to be effective.

 

Fire Extinguisher Sales and Service has been the leading provider of fire prevention and extinguishing equipment in Metro Detroit. Services include maintenance, installation, and inspection of a wide range of fire detection and extinguishing equipment for commercial, industrial, and residential properties. Contact Fire Extinguisher Sales and Service today for your customized fire prevention solution!