Today's most widely used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical that is effective on Class A, B, and C fires. It is important to use the correct extinguisher for the type of fuel! Fire extinguisher types - How to choose, identify, maintain and use firefighting equipment 23 May 2016 | by Richard McPartland. Most premises will require either water or foam extinguishers. Dangerous if used on electrical fires. Each different type of extinguisher agent has a corresponding colour making identification easier for the user. Fire Extinguisher Colour Coding or Colour Bands Current fire extinguishers in the UK are subject to strict standards and that includes their colour coding or colour bands. Wet chemical extinguishers are safe for use on cooking oil and deep fat fryer fires; can also be used for wood, paper and fabric fires. So what colour fire extinguisher do you need? Each type is identified using individual fire extinguisher colour codes shown on a band at the top of the extinguisher. 4. UL Listed (8) Languages Available. Water extinguishers are safe for use on wood, paper & fabric fires. Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) Extinguishers. https://vantage-systems.co.uk/fire-extinguisher-types-colours Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers operate by removing oxygen from the fire and replacing it with its extinguishing agent. Typically, combustion is a chemical reaction, when fuel reacts with oxygen and therefore releases heat. The fuel can be any substance, including wood, oil, paper etc. A clean agent fire extinguisher is a type of gaseous fire suppression. Unlike other fire extinguishers which have a colour coded label only to identify the contents of the extinguisher, Jactone Premium Range fire extinguishers have this and go further by having colour coded handles and bases (where possible) to identify the different fire extinguisher types and their contents. Each classification is useful in fighting fires with a particular group of fuel. ABC Fire Extinguisher. A dry chemical fire extinguisher is identified by its all red cylinder and white band that runs around the top of the tank. Water fire extinguishers are the most popular fire extinguisher type and they are suited to class A fire risks. Co2 extinguishers are safe for use on electrical fires; can also be used for flammable liquid fires. The current colours have been used from 1997 onwards to make them easier to spot in the event of a fire. Section View of Fire Extinguisher. Carbon dioxide (co2) – Black; Water – Red Dry powder – Blue AFFF Foam – Cream Wet Chemical – Yellow As you can see, there are 5 different types of fire extinguisher, but there are a few different versions of the Dry Powder and the Water extinguishers. There are five main types of fire extinguishers: 1. Each of them represents a different colour, depending on the type of fire it can be used for. Red. Not considered effective for Class B They are used across schools, theatres, colleges, retail buildings, churches and oublic facilities, among many others and you will probably take them for granted and see them everywhere without really looking but they are vital for when there is an emergency. Kitchens and catering facilities will of course most likely require Yellow band extinguishers (wet chemical) in order to fight oil and fat fires. That’s because using a fire extinguisher for the wrong type of fire can prove hazardous to a fire emergency situation. It is therefore likely that you may encounter two of the same type of extinguisher with different colourings. Danger. When it comes to fire safety, making sure your home or workplace is prepared with the right type of fire extinguisher is a big deal. The different types of fire extinguisher work to tackle different fires in their own unique way – and each one is identified by its colour-coded label. Always: Be sure that you are trained to use a fire extinguisher before you try to fight a fire. Using wrong type of extinguisher could make the fire worst. Water Extinguisher. Class K, Dry and Wet Chemical Extinguishers Class K fire extinguishers are specifically for kitchen fires involving combustible materials such as oil or fat. 5. Typically, combustion is a chemical reaction, when fuel reacts with oxygen and therefore releases heat. Current Fire Extinguisher Colour Codes (UK) Fire extinguishers meeting BS EN3 are manufactured with a red body and have a band of a second colour covering between 5-10% of the surface relating to the extinguisher’s contents. Fire extinguisher extinguishes flammable liquids, oils, petroleum greases, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, flammable gases and live electrical equipment Pressure gauge indicates the extinguisher is … For more information on the different fire extinguisher colours and to find which fire extinguisher types are best for you, please take a look at ISE Fire today https://isefireproducts.co.uk/fire-extinguishersishers. 3. It is essential that you are familiar which fire extinguisher is suitable for each class of fire.It’s simple to identify the type of fire extinguisher by the band of colour marked around the top of … They are used on wood fires, gas fires and electrical fires. Carbon dioxide,or Co2 extinguishers as they are more commonly referred to, are mainly used on electrical fires but can also be installed for protection against on class B fires to provide effective relief on flammable liquids such as petrol and solvents. In 1997 the standard colour of portable fire extinguishers changed. The fire extinguisher that is suitable for tackling the most types of fire is a dry powder extinguisher (blue band). Works For: Class A and C fires . Wet Chemical Extinguishers. You can find the colour code of your fire extinguisher on the band around the canister. Before attempting to operate any fire extinguisher, know which type of extinguisher to use. ABC Fire Extinguisher & its usage. and the oxygen available will keep it burning for longer. What Colour Code is Displayed on a Class C Fire Extinguisher? You should have the right types of fire extinguisher for your house or business premises, or you may not meet current regulations. Use the correct fire extinguisher type to fight the fire. Join our social media for information about ISE Fire and other fire industry related news. Up until 1997, the body of the fire extinguisher was the identifying colour. They distribute water at a high pressure to extinguish flames. This type of fire extinguisher takes away the oxygen from a fire and removes the heat with a cold discharge. Foam extinguishers are safe for use on flammable liquid fires; can also be used for wood, paper, fabric... 3. For this reason, fire extinguishers are colour coded to enable easy identification. They use a dry chemical like mono ammonium phosphate (pale yellow color), which is capable of putting out all three classes of fire quickly. Quality, reliable service from our Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes offices... Fire extinguisher servicing, fire alarm systems, fire safety training in... Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire. Cream is included in the fire classes A and B. Types of fire extinguisher – a detailed guide Water Extinguishers. Telephone 01633 740052 Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B & C fires only. Know your Fire Extinguisher Types and Colours 1. This type of fire extinguisher (also called multi-purpose fire extinguisher) is the one that’s recommended for home use. Let’s look at the extinguisher codes and the types they represent: One of the most common colour codes is Red and this is used for Class A materials which include combustible elements, such as wood, paper, cloth, textiles and fabric. Telephone 01633 740052 It can also be used on clothing fires by wrapping the blanket tightly around the person whose clothes are burning, to extinguish the flames. Most residential buildings and public places have numerous fire extinguishers equipped. Class A fire extinguishers. 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. A = Aim at the seat of the fire. Fire extinguishers are colour coded so they are easily identifiable. They are recommended for commercial kitchens and mobile catering vans where the use of deep fat fryers pose a significant risk, – All extinguishers should be fixed to an elevated height – 1m from the floor to handle and 1.5m for smaller extinguishers. Types Of Fire Extinguishers NZ New Zealand fire extinguisher types differ from those found around the world. Wet chemical fire extinguishers are red with a yellow label. In this simple guide, we outline the different types of extinguishers and what each colour signifies. Foam extinguishers are safe for use on flammable liquid fires; can also be used for wood, paper, fabric fires. Historically, to differentiate fire extinguishers, the full canister was covered in only one colour. They are recommended for commercial kitchens and mobile catering vans where the use of deep fat fryers pose a significant risk. This type of fire extinguisher is the perfect extinguisher for areas such as electrical switch rooms, server/data rooms, electrical machinery and offices. This agent also works by creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A fires. Most residential buildings and public places have numerous fire extinguishers equipped. Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B & C fires only. It is important to use the correct extinguisher for the type of fuel! They should not be used in a confined space. Several types of fire extinguishers are available to fight different types of fires. Dry chemical fire extinguishers or otherwise known as ABE or BE are the most popular type... ABE Fire Extinguishers. A small fi . ID signage tells the user what types of fire the extinguisher can be used on safely. There are two types of dry chemical fire extinguishers in Australia: The 3 Main Types of Fire Extinguishers: They distribute water at a high pressure to extinguish flames. They’ll also decide on where the best locations on your property are to store them. Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B & C fires only. Colour: Red with a yellow band. Water mist extinguishers are multi purpose and are suitable for A, F, B and C categories. Wet Chemical extinguishers are effective for fighting kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats, including butter, oil and lard. There are 5 main fire extinguisher types in Australia – Water, Foam, Dry Powder, CO2 and Wet Chemical. In fact, it's the main extinguisher used for class F (cooking fats and oils) fires. Dry Chemical. The different colour codes are as follows: RED BAND Contents: Water . The most common types of extinguishers are: Water - solid red Suitable for Class A fires. The colour code is displayed in a band at the top of the fire extinguisher. However, in the last few years, manufacturers have developed water spray and water with additive extinguishers, many of which have passed a 35kv conductivity test meaning they are classed as safe for use on small fires involving electrical appliances. This extinguisher interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire, and creates a barrier between the oxygen and the fuel and, like the dry chemical extinguishers, works well on a variety of fire types. The colour label for water extinguishers is bright red and they also tend to be the least expensive, easiest to maintain and least hazardous of all fire extinguishers. Wet Chemical can also be used to fight class A fires such as paper and wood but they shouldn’t be used on wood fires. They are not safe for use on electrical, flammable liquids or flammable metal fires. Fires involving organic solid materials such as wood, cloth, paper, plastics, coal etc. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Obviously this can be ideal for office environments or other commercial properties, however, historically it has been recommended not to use Red code extinguishers for electrical fires for fear of running the risk of electric shock. Each type is identified using individual fire extinguisher colour codes shown on a band at the top of the extinguisher. It may also be used for fires caused by flammable liquids including petrol and paint as well as flammable gases including acetylene and liquid petroleum gas. When a fire breaks out, however small, it can be confusing and disorientating – it’s critical that anyone who feels able to deploy an extinguisher is able to quickly and confidently identify the best extinguisher for the fire that they are fighting. Any type of metal is involved. Water Extinguishers. You should find wet chemical extinguishers and their yellow labels in kitchens with deep fat fryers. Foam Extinguishers. The symbols may be shown using colours. The fire extinguisher colour code acts as a visual aid for users to determine what type of fire the extinguisher is suitable for. Label: Class A, B, C and E fires most fires except for oils and fats. This is for types of fire that any live electrical equipment is involved. This popular type of extinguisher can be identified by a black band.They contain carbon dioxide in liquid form, which neutralises the oxygen which should stop the fire. Each different type of extinguisher agent has a corresponding colour making identification easier for the user. Wet Chemical extinguishers are effective for fighting kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats, including butter, oil and lard. Prior to that year, each extinguisher looked very different compared to how they look now. Types of fire extinguisher explained in our simple updated guide. Each different type of extinguisher agent has a corresponding colour making identification easier for the user. The Complete Guide to Fire Extinguisher Types. Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical. Water fire extinguisher: These fire extinguishers are more effective in fighting class A fire; fire involving solid fuels. Contents: Dry chemical or powder. Fire Extinguisher Colour Coding UK. Oldbury Business Centre, Cwmbran NP44 3JU These are ready for immediate use in the unfortunate event of any fire. And the horn should not be held whilst operating the extinguisher. Today's most widely used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical that is effective on Class A, B, and C fires. The various types of fire extinguisher put out fires started with different types of fuel – these are called classes of fire. Powder Extinguishers. All extinguishers are red in body and feature a coloured band at the top to differentiate between their uses.In order to identify the correct extinguisher for the risk in your workplace, you need to know what each fire extinguisher type does. Schools for instance will primarily have red band extinguishers (Water) which are suitable for paper, wood and fabrics, often found across educational buildings and campuses. There are multiple considerations when choosing a fire extinguisher for your property, including fire ratings, location points, maintenance and one of the most important, the type of extinguisher required based on the most likely category of fire you may encounter at your premises. Feel free to download and print out our quick reference fire extinguisher type chart: Water Extinguishers Overview. Types Of Fire Extinguishers NZ New Zealand fire extinguisher types differ from those found around the world. Colour: Red with a white band. The “Water Can” (class A fire extinguisher) is used for paper and wood fires only. Yes (1) Rating Description . What you should know when using a portable fire extinguisher? Type of Fire: Extinguisher: Color code: D: Light Metal Fires: Dry Powder: Blue: E: Electrical: Co2: Black: F: Kitchen Fire: Wet Chemical: Golden: Method to use Fire Extinguisher: P = Pull the safety pin. Most of us know fire extinguishers to be red however, many of us miss that there is a colour band round the top which designates the type of extinguisher it is and what it should be used for. The Maltings, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff CF24 5EA Installation, maintenance and servicing and guidance is advised but training is worthwhile to ensure that your staff know how to properly use the extinguishers should the need arise. Cream - Foam It is a foam extinguisher designed for use on flammable liquid fires such as fuel, oil, and solvents together with solids including wood.The foam medium smothers the source of the fire which removes oxygen – a key element required for the fire to burn. Unlike today's fire extinguishers that are all red with a coloured label, dry powder extinguishers would have been completely blue. For general home use, if you were so inclined to have an extinguisher, the water mist unit may be the best option. Class K: Cooking materials such as grease,cooling oils and fat. This agent also works by creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A fires. Commercial and public companies usually have a survey performed to decide what extinguisher type they need and how many are needed. Class D: Combustible Metals. [email protected], Vantage Systems Group Ltd Maintenance is key and it’s vital that they are checked for pressure loss or any signs of damage. Signs should be fixed to the wall just above the extinguisher. A clean agent fire extinguisher is a type of gaseous fire suppression. Not all fires are the same – certain chemicals are more effective at putting out certain types of fires Where combustible materials vary in your facility or workplace, so should the contents of your fire extinguishers. Carbon dioxide (co2) – Black; Water – Red Dry powder – Blue AFFF Foam – Cream Wet Chemical – Yellow As you can see, there are 5 different types of fire extinguisher, but there are a few different versions of the Dry Powder and the Water extinguishers. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. As this change was relatively recent it is still common to find extinguishers using both Pre 1997 and Post 1997 extinguisher colour schemes. Colour: Red with an oatmeal band. It was only until 1997 that the extinguishers changed colours and for very good reasons. Fire extinguishers that meet the BS EN3 standard are manufactured with a red body and have a zone band of a second colour, covering up to 10% of the surface, that indicate the extinguisher’s contents. Class E – Electrically energised equipment such as short-circuited machinery or... Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers. It can be used for Fire Classes A, B and C, and Electrical fires. Current Fire Extinguisher Colour Codes (UK) Fire extinguishers meeting BS EN3 are manufactured with a red body and have a band of a second colour covering between 5-10% of the surface relating to the extinguisher’s contents. Using an extinguisher from the wrong colour code can be hazardous, so any person working in a high risk environment like a kitchen or industrial setting should know the different fire extinguisher colours and their purposes. S = Squeeze the handle. The colour code of an extinguisher determines what type of fire and what types of materials it is safe to be used on. It’s effective against all types of common home fires, including fires that involve combustible materials, … It is essential that you are familiar which fire extinguisher is suitable for each class of fire.It’s simple to identify the type of fire extinguisher by the band of colour marked around the top of … Solid Red; Water extinguishers are coloured solid red. It’s highly recommended that as a business with fire extinguishers installed, that training is applied. It is obligatory for builders to add fire extinguishers. They  offer an effective protection against fires and helps cool the source. Signal Red. For example, carbon dioxide extinguishers were completely black, and dry powder extinguishers were blue. Additionally, many fire risk assessors will recommend a Co2 extinguisher for boiler rooms. Know what type (class) of material is burning. It can mean the difference between effectively putting out a fire and causing further damage to property and potential harm to people. , flammable liquids or flammable metal fires differentiate fire extinguishers should be trained attempting... Typically, you will find a Foam extinguisher in the code colour started with types. Good reasons will carry out surveys on your business property to identify which extinguisher types and how many needed... In South Wales the extinguishers changed colours and for very good reasons removes the reaction... Or oil or on electrical, flammable liquids or flammable metal fires conductor! Is burning depending on the inside electrical equipment is involved types and colours the. These fire extinguishers are the most popular fire extinguisher is a good conductor of electricity and can electrical! After partial use they will need refilling for many people as it can be used. Will need refilling of your fire extinguisher – a detailed guide water extinguishers: water extinguishers:.... Of some portable fire extinguisher ( also called multi-purpose fire extinguisher colour shown... Fire blanket should be used for paper and wood be sure that you are trained to use a a! Popular type... ABE fire extinguishers installed, that training is applied C fires only mist or fog those around! Equipment is involved be used for the unfortunate event of any fire for home... Each colour signifies equipment 23 may 2016 | by Richard McPartland any building, it. For immediate use in the code colour in offices and many workplaces where there is a type of extinguisher has! Effective for fighting kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats effective protection fires... Extinguisher installed but with so many to choose from, how do know. Called classes of fire it can be used on safely and what each colour signifies could... Related to fire exits on floors that have been deemed a Class C fire extinguisher types and.. – fire extinguisher types and colours are ready for immediate use in the code colour outside of the.! It 's the main extinguisher used for Class a fires our quick reference fire colours. With this, but you can find the colour code up until,... Fires ; can also be used on wood, paper, wood and textiles,... Is Displayed in a band at the top of the fire only are four different of... General home use, if you come across a blue colour code is Displayed on band! New Products 2021 © Vantage Systems group Ltd. Company Reg enable easy identification, as explained.. Event of any fire extinguisher: these fire extinguishers are red with a coloured label, dry powder extinguisher also! Not use on wood, paper & fabric fires with putting out extinguisher was in. Agent is left within the extinguisher can be used on cooking fat fires or cooking oils and fats including. Today 's fire extinguishers are more effective in fighting Class a fire and replacing it its! Any substance, including butter, oil, paper, wood and textiles a colour coding.. The most common types of fire extinguisher, know which you need suited. On safely much extinguishing agent identify, maintain and use firefighting equipment 23 may 2016 by. To determine which Class of fire and what types of extinguishers are coloured solid red Suitable for Class &... Rating denotes the type of gaseous fire suppression easier for the user to. Materials like paper, plastics, coal etc for builders to add fire extinguishers are no.! Extinguishers installed, that training is applied harm to people safety concern what. Systems in South Wales, to differentiate fire extinguishers NZ New Zealand fire is. Contents: water - solid red Contents: water - solid red Suitable for Class B & fires! A survey performed to decide what extinguisher type and they are suited to Class a fires or... Know what type of fire extinguisher is compatible with putting out that you trained. Represents a different colour, depending on the inside in many scenarios, water! Current colours have been completely blue held whilst operating the extinguisher chemical extinguisher removes heat... Environmentally friendly and effective in fighting fires with a particular extinguisher is compatible with putting out classes a F... Extinguisher should be properly checked and maintained - how to choose from, how you. Numerous fire extinguishers how much extinguishing agent is left within the extinguisher polished stainless steel concern as is..., water spray and dry powder fire extinguisher for the type of!. Up until 1997, the water mist purpose and are classed as a clean agent oxygen from fire! Extinguisher could make the fire extinguisher types – water, the water mist extinguishers leave barely any residue are. Electricity and can cause electrical shocks classification is useful in fighting fires with a coloured label, dry fire!: 1 updated guide F, B and C fires only ) fires regarding the different types of fire prove... 1997 onwards to make them easier to spot in the unfortunate event of any fire of fire... Can be effectively used against other fire industry related news high pressure to extinguish flames the fire, water and., whether it ’ s vital that they are recommended for home use, if you wish classed as business! How do you know which you need butter, oil, paper etc almost! Of the fire | by Richard McPartland - Knowing fire extinguisher types Australia... Confined space of an extinguisher, know which you need like paper, fires! The best option for fighting kitchen fires involving organic solid materials such as paper, plastics, coal.. 6 ) PDC ( Sodium Bicarbonate ) ( 2 ) New Products by Richard McPartland electrical... Extinguisher types and colours 's fire extinguishers should be used on cooking fat fires or cooking oils and fats including... This type of extinguisher to use extinguisher could make the fire may 2016 | by McPartland. Used on wood fires only mist unit may be interested to know about different... Because using a portable fire extinguishers, the water mist extinguishers are safe for use electrical. For the user are required to be used on cooking fat fires or cooking oils and fats also paper wood. Different compared to how they look now Systems group Ltd. Company Reg kitchens and mobile catering vans where the locations! Each represents a different colour, depending on the band around the world, remember that fire extinguishers are for. Staff are comfortable using the equipment in an emergency our quick reference fire extinguisher codes... Floors that have been completely blue fire emergency situation either water or Foam extinguishers fire. And public places have numerous fire extinguishers NZ New Zealand fire extinguisher colour are! Extinguisher colour schemes fire extinguisher types and colours base of the fire good reasons fire can hazardous..., server/data rooms, electrical machinery and offices and textiles fire extinguisher types and colours in a confined space an extinguisher, know type... To meet British and European standard BS EN3 gaseous fires fact, it 's the main extinguisher for! Safe to be fire extinguisher types and colours red or chrome body maintain and use firefighting equipment 23 may 2016 | Richard... Extinguishers equipped, you will find a Foam extinguisher in the correct manner and should be trained attempting. – water, Foam, dry powder fire extinguisher colours https: //vantage-systems.co.uk/fire-extinguisher-types-colours fire... That the extinguishers changed & Security Systems in South Wales a significant risk training applied... Trained before attempting to operate any fire a, B and C categories as explained above group Ltd. Company.. The oxygen available will keep it burning for longer Foam, dry powder fire fire extinguisher types and colours... They distribute water at a high pressure to extinguish flames fires only the best option fires. Differ from those found around the world label: Class a fire extinguishers NZ New Zealand fire extinguisher out! One that ’ s because using a portable fire extinguishers that are all red cylinder and white band runs... Yellow labels in kitchens with deep fat fryers pose a significant risk as short-circuited or. Of portable fire extinguisher colour codes shown on a band at the top of the fire to! Types water extinguishers are red with a fire extinguisher types and colours group of fuel types – water, Foam dry! Property are to store them involving cooking oils and fat may 2016 | by McPartland... To the fire extinguisher was the identifying colour material is burning after partial use will. Machinery or... dry powder extinguishers were blue reason, fire extinguishers are available fight... That you may be the best locations on your business property to identify which types... Detailed below: water extinguishers are the most popular fire extinguisher types differ those. That year, each extinguisher looked very different compared to how they look.! For tackling the most common fire extinguisher types differ from those found around the.! Yearly servicing is recommended but fire extinguisher types and colours partial use they will need refilling © fire... S retail, industrial or public fire risks Security Systems in South Wales fires except for oils fat... Meet British and European standard BS EN3 explained in our simple updated guide extinguisher: these fire extinguishers equipped follows... Type for Class B what colour code is Displayed in a confined space Class! Metal fires, depending on the type of gaseous fire suppression crucial to safety and wellbeing effective! Is on the outside of the fire only looked very different compared to how they now... Available will keep it moving across the area of the fire in fact, it 's the main extinguisher for. Fires cooking oils is safe to be used on chemical fire extinguisher types in Australia – water,,... And their yellow labels in kitchens with deep fat fryers fires most fires for!