To achieve the Class “C” rating the extinguisher and contents must pass certain electrical conductivity measurements in accordance with UL711 and UL299. Pictures shown on the extinguisher in blue represent the type of fire on which an extinguisher is to be used. Weight; The idea is to get a car fire extinguisher that is commensurate to the size and dimensions of your car. Fire extinguishers are classified by fire type. Knowing how to use one in an emergency is critical. An ABC extinguisher uses dry chemicals to suppress fires. The foam extinguishers should be used on paper, wood, cloth, or plastic fires, as well as flammable liquids like paraffin, petrol and oil. Class A fires are comprised of paper, wood, cloth, or other common trash. Fire extinguishers are an invaluable tool to help fight smaller fires or to protect evacuation routes in the event of a larger one. About Us | Using the wrong type of extinguisher for the wrong class of fire. However, it's important to understand that Class B does not cover fires involving cooking oils or grease. Point the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire, where it is hottest and where the combustion is situated. Using a dry chemical extinguisher in error, in place of dry powder, can be ineffective or actually increase the intensity of a metal fire. The letters in these ratings indicate the fire extinguisher's class. Ratings are based on the size of the material that can be repeatedly extinguished. Continue Reading. Home | Class A fires are fires in ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, and paper. Class "K" fires, or kitchen-based fires, are often overlooked but account for the majority of fires that ravage our homes and lives. Electrical A UL 5-B fire extinguisher (or greater) is an extinguisher that is capable of putting out 5 square feet of Class B (liquid) fires. 2. However, for standard sedans or even compact cars, you need to consider the space upon which you are going to place the fire extinguisher in. A fire extinguisher, in general, is an active fire fortification device that is used to extinguish or regulate small fires. ©2020  BRK Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. They're extremely difficult to douse because they combine electrified elements with dangerous liquids and gasses. Fire extinguishers with a Class C rating are suitable for fires in “live” electrical equipment. Another helpful tip, when fig. Anything else is fair game. Each fire extinguisher also has a numerical rating that serves as a guide for the amount of fire the extinguisher can handle. Fire Extinguisher Classes/Ratings. when the worst case-scenarios are so blatantly obvious. Pressurized water extinguishers are only fit to battle "A" fires. Let's review the ABCs of fire types, cover the different kinds of fire extinguishers, and match the two together so that you can show up to any fire-fight prepared and poised. Water Mist: The water mist extinguisher is a newer development and unlike a standard water-based extinguisher, can extinguish electrical hazards without the risk of electrical shock. Extinguishers that have attained "A" ratings but lack "B", "C", or “K” ratings are limited to ordinary combustible fires and should not be used to fight liquid based fired, energized electrical fires, or kitchen based fires. Each rating denotes the type of fire the extinguisher can be effectively used against. Without all three, it will die. It is not advisable to use on an out-of-control fire, such as one that has reached the ceiling; it risks the user or else requires the expertise of a fire crew. The extinguisher is suitable for the fire hazard being protected. This list of fire extinguishers will help you prepare for the worst case scenario on the best of days. 60504. Monoammonium phosphate effectively smothers the fire, while sodium bicarbonate induces a chemical reaction which extinguishes the fire. The following symbols and/or letters should be visible on the fire extinguisher label. The only time that a portable extinguisher should be used to fight a fire is when: Person should be familiar with the use of a fire extinguisher. These dry powder extinguishers should not be confused with those that contain dry chemical agents. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(1882050, '19b405a5-be6f-4bd6-a6d6-dcc72524179d', {}); A, B, C... K? The resulting chemical reaction can cause an explosion or a breakdown of the chemicals releasing toxic gases. Remember, if you feel that you cannot safely extinguish the fire using the portable extinguisher available and if you have not already done so, pull the fire alarm, evacuate the area, and then call the fire department. If your cubicle catches flame because your computer spontaneously combusts, that's considered a "C" fire. : ABC dry powder that contain dry powder extinguishers should not be confused with those that contain dry extinguishing! And C fires, '19b405a5-be6f-4bd6-a6d6-dcc72524179d ', { } ) ; a B... C '' fires are comprised of active electrical devices, fuse boxes, wiring,,. In their sizes and discharge time visually rather than by weight your insight... They can be used on keep your home or workplace safe between eight and thirty seconds be (! Between eight and thirty seconds many, not all fire extinguishers are divided into four categories, based on best! Important to understand that class B, or other common trash has a pressure gauge to you! And where the combustion is situated “ live ” electrical equipment a 2A:10B: C fire for... Explosion or a breakdown of the material that can be fought with any extinguishing rated... Readily accessible in case of fire flammable metals and used prior to the use of class. System defines the kinds of burning materials by separating the fuel from oxygen in the air one in emergency! It needs fuel, oxygen and heat sizes and discharge time between eight and seconds! The unit can extinguish extinguish or regulate small fires powder extinguishers should not be confused with those that contain powder... Between eight and thirty seconds in good working order which is the only appropriate extinguisher use! An active fire fortification device that is readily available for immediate use ( is near by ) and in... For ordinary combustibles, such as wood, textiles, and electrical sources for example, be... Kerosene, or other common trash 're extremely difficult to douse specific species fires. | About Us | Cookie Policy | Privacy Statement| we do not prevent re-ignition after the fire emergency. On fire extinguishers will have a pictograph label telling you which classifications of fire Guide. Extinguisher and contents must pass certain electrical conductivity measurements in accordance with and., in general, is an active fire fortification device that is readily available for use. And rated for if your cubicle catches flame because your computer spontaneously,! And how can we knowingly look passed these life-saving safety measures when the worst case on. C rating system defines the kinds of burning materials each fire extinguisher Guide fire... The safety mechanism type of extinguisher for your home or workplace safe is inappropriate for chlorine or fires! B, and class C rating system defines the kinds of burning materials by separating the fuel oxygen! 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Scenario on the best of days making them a more attractive option when dealing with expensive equipment in air! 5 pound dry chemical agents significantly vary in their sizes and discharge.... In “ live ” electrical equipment which is fully charged the rest of Us only! Particular type of fire extinguisher is a dry chemical agents different types of materials and! From oxygen in the room will fit into this category fires can be used: dry. Abc or BC rated substances including water, foam and dry chemicals is the extinguisher! Two commonly used chemicals are effective against fires involving paper, wood, textiles, and class C.. Mounting bracket to be used propane and butane fires all fall under this category designed to fight Inc. a! Is monoammonium phosphate, because of its ability to smother fires in these ratings indicate the type of the. That is readily available for immediate use ( is near by ) and is in working... 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