Any place including home, office, corporate places, or any other place can catch fire at any time due to any default in the electric circuit or any other reason. Therefore, having a reliable fire extinguisher is crucial for keeping yourself and others safe. Notably, fire extinguishers are the most crucial equipment when it comes to fire safety precautions.

Choosing a suitable extinguisher for your home, workplace, or any other place is a crucial task that needs proper analysis of the fire class and your place’s requirements. It is because each fire class needs a special agent, which means every fire extinguisher cannot extinguish all types of fires.

Therefore, selecting fire extinguisher types for a particular fire class needs in-depth knowledge or a fire safety expert’s advice. If you are looking for a fire safety guide to help you select the correct type of fire extinguisher, this article is for you.

The article is an ultimate guide for choosing the suitable fire extinguisher as it includes 10 types of fire extinguishers that cover all types of fires. So, dig into this ultimate fire safety guide and choose the most suitable fire extinguisher confidently.

1.   ABE Fire Extinguishers

ABE fire extinguishers are one of the most common types of fire extinguishers worldwide. Due to their multi-purpose, the type of fire extinguishers is known as the standard or specialist fire extinguishers, especially in Australia and New Zealand.

The ABE fire extinguishers are effective for small to moderate fires and can be used in various settings, such as homes, offices, and industrial facilities.

Precisely, it is preferably used for mainly three types of fires, such as the acronym ABE stands for three types of fires, e.g.,

  1. Class A – Paper, textiles, wood, most plastics, and rubber
  2. Class B – Flammable liquids like petrol, solvents, or oil
  3. Class E – Electrically energized equipment or electrical fires

FireFX ABE extinguishers cover C class too.

Danger

ABE fire extinguishers are only used for some particular types of fires, which we have mentioned above. Besides these fire types, the extinguisher might cause problems with fires involving combustible gasses, such as LPG, Natural gas, and acetylene.

Also, it can be dangerous for combustible metals such as aluminum shaving or magnesium.

How to Use

The extinguisher comes with a detailed guide and instructions for the users. In addition, fire safety training and regular maintenance of fire extinguishers can help ensure that they are ready to use in an emergency.

How It Works  

ABE fire extinguishers are mainly filled with a dry chemical powder of mono ammonium phosphate. The particles of this dry powder smother the fire molecules by creating a barrier between the fuel and oxygen.

Moreover, they typically have a discharge range of about 2-4 meters and can be operated by pulling the safety pin and squeezing the handle.

2.   Class D Metal Extinguishers

As their name suggests, class D fire extinguishers are mainly used for extinguishing fires involving combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium.

Danger

There is no server danger linked to these extinguishers. However, it is ideally best to take precautionary measures while using these extinguishers, as the agents used in them can cause short breathing and eye irritation.

How to Use

The application of this extinguisher is pretty simple. All you need to do is direct the nozzle towards the inflamed combustible metal alloys and spread the agent over that area. Also, it is vital to mention that the cylinder nozzle should target the site upward.

How it Works

These extinguishers contain a particular blended Sodium Chloride-based dry powder, a remarkable extinguishing agent. The agent effectively smothers the fire and removes the element of heat.

3.   CO2 Extinguishers

CO2 or Carbon Dioxide extinguishers are used for Class B fires, including electrical fires, such as fires ignited by large computer equipment.

Danger

Using these extinguishers on-chip or fat pan fires is strictly prohibited, as they can further add fuel to the fire. Also, the fire extinguished through these extinguishers can re-ignite. Therefore, you need to be extra vigilant while using these extinguishers.

Additionally, CO2 can be poisonous in small rooms as it can kill a person at just 8% concentration.

How to Use

CO2 fire extinguishers are easy to use. However, they need proper training as CO2 can be poisonous. Overall, you need to spit the discharge over the base of the fire flames from all around the area.

How it Works

These extinguishers contain only carbon dioxide gas, so they suffocate the fire as soon as the gas is discharged over the flames, leaving no remains. Also, it works by smothering the fire molecules, preventing the risk of short-circuit.

Please note that the CO2 quickly dissolves into the air and enhances the fire’s chances to re-ignite. That is the biggest downside of these types of fire extinguishers.

4.   Air Foam Fire Extinguishers

Air foam fire extinguishers are mainly used for extinguishing fires caused by burning solids such as wood and liquid fires such as burning petrol.

The benefit of foam extinguishers is their ability to creep over the inflamed place immediately to soak into burning materials and extinguish the fire.

Danger

The most eminent downside for foam extinguishers is their insensitivity to flammable gases that can cause destructive results.

How to Use

The best practice for using foam extinguishers is to direct the cylinder’s hose with one hand at the base of the fire. Keep pulling the lever from the other hand to discharge the foam.

How it Works

Air foam fire extinguishers contain some special foaming agents that work well on combustible materials.

Also, these agents are non-toxic and immediately spread over the inflamed place by forming a blanket on the surface. It will cool and smother the fire by removing the oxygen.

5.   Halotron Extinguishers

This particular type of extinguisher is typically used for fighting class B (Flammable Liquids) and class C (Electrical) fires. Also, they are used mainly in data centers, military electronics, laboratories, warehouses, and manufacturing.

Danger

They may cause allergic reactions to the user or people in the inflamed area. Also, the biggest downside of these extinguishers is their high cost.

How to Use

Halotron extinguishers contain a rapidly-evaporating liquid that ejects from the cylinder when you pull the lever. Notably, it has a relatively high boiling point compared to other extinguishing agents, adding to its comparatively good performance.

How it Works

Halotrons are electrically non-conducting liquids known as the most effective universal extinguishing agent for aircraft use. Also, it is an easy-to-clean agent as it is residue-free.

6.   Lithium-ion Extinguishers

Lithium-ion fire extinguishers are ideal for Class A, B, and F fires. These extinguishers are water-type fire extinguishers with the F-500 Encapsulator agent.

Danger

It is recommended not to use this extinguisher on 100V AC or higher voltage Electrical Fires.

How to Use

The usage of this particular type of extinguisher is no different from others. However, getting proper training before using it is ideally best.

How it Works

These extinguishers contain a special F-500 Multi-Purpose Encapsulator Agent that is the only agent to extinguish lithium-ion batteries without reignition.

7.   Mobile Extinguishers

Mobile fire extinguishers are a type of portable fire extinguisher, which is their most eminent plus point. Due to their portability, you can easily move them from one location to another.

Moreover, you can use mobile fire extinguishers for small fires caused by flammable liquids, electrical equipment, and Class A materials such as wood, paper, and plastic.

Danger

Luckily, mobile extinguishers can be considered the safest type of extinguisher with the least dangerous risks. The maximum risks they can cause are mild respiratory, skin, or eye irritation.

How to Use

You can use these extinguishers by pulling their lever right above the handle and throwing the discharge at the base of fire flames.

How it Works

They generally come with a carrying handle and a discharge nozzle, making them the handiest extinguishers. Also, they are made of steel or aluminum and are mounted on walls or placed in strategic locations throughout the building for easy access in an emergency.

However, proper maintenance and regular inspection by a qualified technician are crucial factors that contribute to their work efficiency.

8.   MRI Fire Extinguishers

MRI, aka Magnetic Resonance Imaging, fire extinguishers are specifically designed to handle fires that may occur in the unique environment of an MRI room. These rooms contain high-strength magnets that can create special hazards in the event of a fire.

Precisely, they are designed for safe use in strong magnetic fields and are usually made of non-ferrous materials such as aluminum or stainless steel.

Danger

There is no specific danger associated with the use of these fire extinguishers. However, it is advised that MRI fire extinguishers can only be used by trained personnel familiar with an MRI environment’s unique hazards.

How to Use

Just like any other extinguisher, the application is simple. Put the discharge direction towards the base of the fire flames for quick and safe results.

Also, in the event of a fire, the priority should always be to evacuate all personnel and patients from the area safely and to contact emergency services.

How it Works

MRI fire extinguishers are typically located in the MRI control room, so they only use a non-magnetic, non-conductive extinguishing agent, such as carbon dioxide or clean agent, to extinguish fires.

Also, it is noteworthy that MRI fire extinguishers must comply with specific regulations and standards, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 99, which sets standards for fire safety in healthcare facilities, and the American College of Radiology (ACR) guidance on MRI safety.

9.   Air Water Extinguishers

Another common type of fire extinguisher is the water extinguisher which is the safest type. Also, due to their high performance, they are customers’ preferred choice.

Danger

Water extinguishers are not recommended for extinguishing fires inflamed by flammable liquids or live electrical equipment. It is because they can cause unfavorable results for applying them on fire that involves a deep fat fryer or cooking oil.

It can worsen the situation by splattering the oil and spreading the fire.

How to Use

You can use water extinguishers by simply spraying a stream of water onto the fire. It will immediately cool down the temperature of the burning material and smother the fire flames.

How it Works

Water extinguishers are made of steel or aluminum. They are typically filled with water pressurized with nitrogen for safe and quick results.

10.   Wet Chemical Extinguishers

Wet chemical fire extinguishers are designed to handle fires caused by cooking oils and fats. Notably, these fires are classified as Class F fires.

Additionally, they are also effective against Class A fires, which are fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth.

Ideally, it is best to prevent using these fire extinguishers for class B fires such as petrol.

Danger

These extinguishers can produce toxic enzymes which can cause health hazards.

How to Use

These extinguishers come with a special lance applicator nozzle that helps in an effective application. The slow circular movements of the nozzle are ideally the best practice. Moreover, keep doing the spray until the fire molecules turn into a soap substance.

How It works

Wet chemical extinguishers spray a mist of potassium acetate, potassium citrate, or potassium bicarbonate, which reacts with the hot oil or fat, forming a layer of soap-like foam on the surface. This foam layer separates the oil or grease from the oxygen, effectively extinguishing the fire and preventing reignition.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, it is essential to be mindful of the location and fire sensitivity while buying a fire extinguisher. It is because each fire extinguisher cannot help extinguish all types of fires. Therefore, you need a special extinguisher mainly designed for specific fire types.

The article has already discussed 10 types of fire extinguishers, including their best usage, possible downsides or dangers associated with them, how to use and how they work, so you will not be left with any ambiguity while choosing the best fire extinguisher.

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