There is a need to have a fire extinguisher in every home and workplace. However, a single fire extinguisher cannot put off all types of fire. That is because there are different classes or types of fires. Thus, you need to have the right class f fire extinguishers. These are the main classes of fire:
- Class A: combustible solid materials
- Class B: flammable gas or liquid
- Class C: electric fires
- Class D: metal fires
- Class K: cooking gas
No matter the type of fire, these elements must be present to generate fire: fuel, oxygen, and heat. A fire extinguisher works by removing any of the three elements. For instance, you can extinguish class A fire with water, but you cannot use water to extinguish class C. These are the common types of fire extinguishers.
ABC Fire Extinguisher
This type of fire extinguisher is multipurpose. As a result, it is the most common fire extinguisher. The powder fire extinguisher sprays phosphate powder that blankets the fire. Thus, it uses a technique known as suffocation to put off the fire. The truth is that powder extinguishers are designed for extinguishing ABC fires.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher
This is a cleanest type of fire extinguisher. That is because it does not leave residue behind and does not require cleanup. It uses carbon dioxide to extinguish the fire. The CO2 removes oxygen from the fire and hence it suffocates it. You will find it effective for extinguishing class B fires, which involve flammable liquids. Moreover, it is effective in extinguishing electrical fires.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher
This type of fire extinguisher is meant to extinguish class K fires. These fires involve cooking media like vegetable and animal fats. The extinguishers contain potassium that assaults the fire. The liquid mist helps to cool the fire. Also, the chemical reaction creates a soap-like substance that coats the surface to prevent re-ignition. Other than using it to extinguish kitchen fires, it is effective in putting off class A fires.
Water Mist Fire Extinguisher
This type of fire extinguisher is a modern one and it is effective in putting off most fires. It works by releasing water molecules. Since a lot of water is dispersed, it helps reduce the oxygen level. This helps suffocate the fire. Also, the water particles cool the water. Since the water is de-ionized, it can be used to distinguish electrical fires.