Generally speaking, everyone should know how to use a fire extinguisher. However, many people may not know the Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses for each kind of emergency.
Thus, it is good for you to know that there are different types of fire and extinguishers; you can help your family with this information.
This blog post will tell you about what a fire extinguisher is and how to use it. Although, we will also teach you how to recognize the different types of extinguishers and their uses on the market and in which situations you can use them. Moreover, stay with us and pay close attention to what we have brought for you.
What Is A Fire Extinguisher, And How Does It work? Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses
In simplified terms, an extinguisher is an emergency tool that you can use to fight small fires. For example, some fires might occur spontaneously or suddenly, so fire extinguishers help control a small fire’s flames.
Fire Triangle
For this point, it is essential to remember that fire has three components named fire triangle, and it is how it works with the fourth element, the chemical reaction.
In fact, the vital thing to recognize is that if we take any of these four things away. Thus, it is the key to how the different types of extinguishers work, suffocating the fire.
Likewise, you can extinguish the majority of fires by separating the fuel from the oxygen in that way the fire won’t spread.
Each Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses Fulfill the Same Function
While it is true that there are different varieties on the market, each extinguisher will fulfill the same function due to its engineering process. However, we need to know that there are different types of extinguishers for the different types of fire.
This knowledge will help us to make the right decision during a contingency. Understanding that not all fires are the same, some types of fire extinguishers can worsen the problem with a specific fire.
Therefore, it is vital to learn about the different types of fire first; in that way, it will be easier to recognize the adequate kind of fire extinguisher for your environment and foresee every eventuality.
Types of Fire
There are five types of fire that are divided mainly into the types of fuel that are burning. Each of the types of extinguishers has a specific class of fire to combat.
Class A fires
In this type of fire, the fuels carry solid wood or paper.
Class B fires
In this type of fire, the fuels carry liquid primarily with oil-based like paint or gasoline.
Class C fires
In this type of fire, the fuels carry flammable gases like propane or butane.
Class D fires
In this type of fire, the fuels carry combustible metals like sodium or lithium.
Class K fires
In this type of fire, the fuels carry vegetal oils, involve cooking oils or fats.
Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses
Some of the types of fire extinguishers and their uses work through chemical powders, others through the foam, others extinguish the fire’s flames through the water.
Chemical Powder Extinguisher (ABC Powder)
This kind of extinguisher is the most popular and is the one we usually see almost everywhere in the world. Furthermore, you can fight fires with a solid, liquid, or gaseous component as fuel (Class A, B, and C). Besides that, it’s essential to understand that you can provoke an explosion or spread the fire if you use this type of extinguisher with fire classes D and K.
Wet Chemical
It is made of a solution of potassium. This type of extinguisher is for fires type K and A. Using for high temperatures. Hence, this type of extinguisher is the best choice to put in your kitchen because the other types of extinguishers can cause massive problems extending the fire class k due to their components.
Foam Extinguisher
These types of fire extinguishers and their uses are designed to fight type A and B fires; that means fires caused by solid and liquid fuels. As well, it’s not toxic, and the foaming agent works, creating an outer cover that removes the fire’s oxygen.
However, using this type of extinguisher to snuff out fires in electrical infrastructures is not recommended because it can fan the flames.
Water Extinguisher
Water fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish the flames of type A fires or fires caused by liquid fuels. For that reason. experts do not recommend using this kind of extinguisher in electrical fires.
With the other classifications of fire, the water extinguisher can help to extend the fire.
CO2 Extinguishers
Not flammable carbon dioxide is the base of this type of extinguisher.
CO2 Extinguishers are very complex and designed to fight type A and B fires. Also, CO2 extinguishers are very efficient in fighting electrical fires.
However, they can be very dangerous because they suppress all oxygen in and around the affected area.
Water Spray Extinguishers
Unlike standard water extinguishers, water spreads in mist or fine water droplets help fight the fire more efficiently. This kind of extinguisher can control type A and B fires.
Special Extinguishers for Metals
They fight electrical and type D fires, which its origin comes from metallic fuels. Dry Powder Extinguishers combat this type of fire; the powder agent separates the metal (fuel) from the oxygen.
Specific Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses for You
The specific type of fire extinguisher for you will depend on the kind of space that you have and the elements there. Besides that, it’s mainly important to know the possible class of fire that you might have in your house or company.
Now you know how the different types of fire extinguishers and their uses for various emergency scenarios. It is always advisable to have a fire extinguisher nearby, as they can make the difference between life and death. Also, if you want a fire extinguisher inspection in Queens NY, you can call us now.
If you have any doubt about the types of extinguishers that you need, please contact us. We have the perfect solution for you.