Fire Extinguishers - Classes, Types and Use

If you need to purchase a fire extinguisher, you may have questions about the different types that are available. Select Safety
Sales has compiled this FAQ Sheet to help you make the correct choice when making your purchase.
When should a person attempt to put a fire out with a fire extinguisher?

You should ONLY attempt to put out a fire in the early stages when it is small and contained and ONLY when
there is a means of escape behind you that is clear of fire. If the fire has spread beyond the early stages, it is
time to evacuate the building. Be sure that the fire extinguisher is large enough to put out the fire because
many portable types will discharge completely within a matter of seconds. It is important to know the
capabilities of the units that you have in your facility before a fire starts.
What type of extinguisher should I purchase?

There are different types to choose from because there are different types of fires. This FAQ sheet will provide
information regarding extinguishers available to fight various fires. Some can only be used on certain types of
fires. It could be dangerous to use the wrong one.
How can I be sure that the one that I choose is approved for the type of fire that I need to extinguish?

They must be (UL) Underwriters Laboratory approved. Underwriters laboratory is a nationally recognized
testing laboratory that verifies compliance with applicable standards (29.CFR 1910.157(c)(2). The ones that
pass the tests are given an alpha numeric classification based on the type and size of the fire it will extinguish;
ie. 3A:40B:C
What do the letters mean in the alpha numeric classification?

The letter represents the type of fire that can be put out with a particular extinguisher. Fires are given the
following classifications:
(A) ordinary combustibles
(B) flammable liquids
(C) electrical equipment
(D) metals
(K) combustible cooking fluids such as oils and fats.
What do the numbers in the alpha numeric classification mean (ie. 1A:10B:C)?

There is a number rating. For Type A fires, a 1 would have the equivalent of 1 gallons of water, a 2 would be
equivalent to 2 gallons, 3 would be 3 gallons of water, and so forth. For Type B and Type C fires, the
number represents the square footage that the extinguishing agent would cover. For example, a number 2
would cover two square feet and a 5 would extinguish an area five square feet and so forth.
Why do some fire extinguishers have more than one letter and number?

The reason is because they can be made to put out more than one type of fire. If the label reads 2A:5B, then it
would work on Type A fires with a 2 gallon equivalence and for Type B fires with a 5 square feet
equivalency.
Where can I find these classifications?

These classifications are right on the side of the extinguisher. You will also see labels for each type of fire that
it can be used for.
Who makes the determination of how many extinguishers are needed in commercial buildings and the workplace?

Building codes (for buildings) and OSHA Standards (for the workplace) include the requirements of when and
where they are required in building structures. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) writes the
standard for selection, use and maintenance.

Do they require any type of maintenance once they are purchased?

They should be inspected every month to insure that they are in good working order. This is essential to ensure
that they will operate effectively if needed. The pressure gauge should be checked to make sure that the unit is
fully charged. Make sure that the needle on the gauge is in the green zone. Also, check that the pin and tamper
seal (located at the top of the unit) are intact. Inspect each unit to make sure that they are in good physical
condition.
Do they require any special storage space?

They should be mounted on brackets or in wall cabinets. The carrying handle should be placed three and one
half feet to five feet above the floor. Larger units should be mounted at a lower height and the carrying handle
should be approximately three feet from the floor
How do I use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire?

There is a simple pneumonic to remember when using one.

P ull the pin at the top of the extinguisher and this will release the lock.
A im the nozzle at the back of the fire
S queeze the handle
S weep the extinguisher from side to side (back and forth)

Fire Extinguishers For Class A Fires

What type of materials would be burning for a fire to be classified as a Class A fire?

Paper
Cloth
Wood
Rubber
Plastics

ORDINARY COMBUSTIBLES

What type is labeled for Class A fires?

The Air Pressurized Water (APW) is labeled a Class A extinguisher. It contains water which is one of the most
commonly used extinguishing agents for fires involving ordinary combustibles.
What does this type look like?

They can be recognized by their large silver container. They stand about three feet in height and weigh about
25 lbs. when full.
What are the components in an APW fire extinguisher?

Two thirds of the container is filled with water and the remainder is pressurized air.
How is a fire extinguished with this type?

Fire is extinguished by cooling the surface of the fuel to remove the HEAT element of the fire.
Are there any recommendations for the placement of these units in a workplace or public area?

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) does recommend that offices, classrooms and assembly halls that

mainly contain Type A combustible materials have one 2:A extinguisher for every three thousand square feet.
For workers protection in the workplace, OSHA requires that all employees have access to a one within
seventy five feet of travel distance.
What type of fires should never be extinguished with an Air Pressurized Water (APW) fire extinguisher?

Flammable liquid fires and electrical fires should never be extinguished with an air pressured
water extinguisher. A flammable liquid fire could spread and an electrocution could occur if water is used to
extinguish an electrical fire. Also, never use this type on a deep fat fryer fire in a commercial kitchen. An
explosive type reaction could result.

Fire Extinguishers For Class B Fires

What type of materials would be burning for a fire to be classified as a Class B fire?

Oils
Gasoline
Some Paints
Grease
Lacquers
Solvents
Flammable liquids

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

What type of fire extinguisher is labeled for Class B fires?

CO2 carbon dioxide fire extinguishers and dry chemical extinguishers are both labeled for Class B fires.
What does a CO2 fire extinguisher look like?

They have a hard horn and NO pressure gauge. They are red and range in size from five to one hundred pounds
or larger.
What are the components of this type?

They are filled with Carbon Dioxide (CO2), a non flammable gas under extreme pressure.
How is the fire extinguished with this type?

A CO2 extinguisher puts out fires by displacing oxygen. It takes away the oxygen from the fire. It has such
high pressure that pieces of dry ice will shoot from the horn which has a cooling effect on the fire.
What type of fires should never be extinguished with this type of extinguisher?

CO2 extinguishers should never be used with fires involving ordinary combustibles (paper, cloth, wood, rubber
and plastic) because the fire could continue to smolder and then reignite after the dissipation of the CO2.
What are the components of a BC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher?

BC fire extinguishers are filled with sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate.

Are there any recommendations for the placement of class B extinguishers in the workplace?

OSHA requires that all employees have access to one for type B fires within fifty feet travel distance

Would the degree of risk of a flammable liquid have any effect on the size of the units needed?

According to the Standard for Portable Extinguishers NFTA 10 (2007) Table 6.3.1.1.1, the Size and Placement
for Class B Hazards, the following information should be used:
Flammable Liquids used for copy machines, art departments, etc. that are stored safety in closed containers.

This would be considered a low hazard because small amounts of flammable liquids are being used. The
recommendation is to use a 5 B Extinguisher with 30 Spacing for this level of risk.
Flammable Liquids used in garages, workshops or support service areas.

This would be considered a moderate hazard because flammable liquids are more prevalent than in a low
hazard area. The recommendation is to use a 10 B Extinguisher with 30 Spacing or a 20 B Extinguisher with
50 Spacing.
Flammable Liquids used for storage, production, woodwork finishing, vehicle repair, aircraft and boat servicing or
where painting, dipping and coating are done with flammable liquids.

This would be considered a high hazard because flammable liquids are present and used in large quantities.
The recommendation is to use a 40 B Fire Extinguisher with 30 spacing/ 80 B Fire Extinguisher with 50
Spacing

Fire Extinguishers For Class C Fires

What type of materials would be burning for a fire to be classified as a Class C fire?

Wiring
Fuse boxes
Energized electrical equipment
Computers
Other electrical sources

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

* For fires involving electrical equipment, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Dry Chemical extinguishers are used. See FAQ under
Type B fires. CO2 and dry chemical extinguishers are both used for electrical equipment fires.
Would there be any reason to use a CO2 over a dry chemical extinguisher for an electrical fire?

BC and ABC fire extinguishers both leave a residue after the fire has been put out. If the fire has started on
delicate electrical equipment such as a computer or TV, it might be wise to consider a CO2 extinguisher
because it does not leave a residue. A dry chemical one will leave a residue that can damage the equipment.

Fire Extinguishers For Class A, B & C Fires

Are there any multipurpose fire extinguishers that are labeled A, B and C altogether?

Yes, there is the ABC Fire Extinguisher. This type will be labeled and rated for B and C fires and may be
marked multipurpose for use on A, B and C fires.
What does this type look like?

They are red in color and range in size from five pounds to twenty pounds.
What are the components of this type of extinguisher?

They use dry chemical fire retardant powder made up of monoammonium phosphate. It is a yellow powder that
will leave a sticky residue once the fire has been extinguished.
How is the fire extinguished with this type?

It is a dry chemical extinguisher that puts out fires by coating the fuel with a thin layer of a fire retardant
powder. It will separate the fuel from the oxygen. The powder will also interrupt the chemical reaction of the
fire.
Does this type require any special maintenance?

The powder in dry chemical extinguishers can pack inside the unit over time so lightly rock this type every
few months to ensure that this does not happen.
Are these the most popular units sold being that they can put out almost any kind of fire?

Yes, 5 and 10 pound ABC fire extinguishers represent over 80% of all types sold. They meet most codes for
standard requirements. It is important to note that code requirements are only minimum guidelines.
Other Special Type of Fires and Fire Extinguishers:

Fire Extinguishers For Class D Fires

What type of materials would be burning for a fire to be classified as a Class D fire?

Powders, flakes or shavings of combustible METALS (such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium).
What are the components of a Class D fire extinguisher?

The ones that are labeled for a type D fire can contain a sodium chloride based dry powder extinguishing
agent, but most of the ones that are labeled Class D have components that are geared to a specific metal.
Is there a picture on the side of this type of extinguisher?

There are no pictures for this type.

Are there any recommendations for the placement of these
extinguishers?

OSHA recommends that they are not more than 75 feet from the hazard.

Fire Extinguishers For Class K Fires

What type of materials would be burning for a fire to be classified as a Class K fire?

Oils
Fats

COMBUSTIBLE COOKING FLUIDS

When would you need to use a fire extinguisher labeled for a Class K fire?

They are now required to be installed in all applicable restaurant kitchens because of the higher heating rates of
vegetable oils used in commercial cooking. If a fire starts in a deep fryer, it is not always possible to
extinguish it with a Class B extinguisher or traditional range hood installed in the kitchen.

How would you know when to use this special type?

This type is only to be used AFTER the activation of a built-in hood suppression system. If there is no built in
hood suppression system, then there is no requirement to use a Class K fire extinguisher.
What are the components of this type of extinguisher?

There are different agents that are used in the ones that are labeled Class K. Some of these agents are dry and
some are wet. Potassium bicarbonate is used in some of the dry chemical ones and some wet ones spray a fine
chemical mist.
Are there any special precautions that need to be taken with this type?

The extinguishing agents in the ones labeled for type K fires are sometimes electrically conductive and should
only be used AFTER the power has been turned off in the electrical appliance.
Are there any recommendations for the placement of these units?

They must be placed at a maximum travel distance of thirty feet.

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How to Choose a Fire Extinguisher

1. ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Best option for homes, offices, hallways, apartment buildings, vehicles, boats and RVs.
ABC Fire Extinguishers are "tri-class" or "multi-purpose" extinguishers which can be used on Class A, B, or C
fires.
Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).
Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).

2. Carbon Dioxide (Co2) Fire Extinguishers

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers meet many hospital medical equipment requirements. Co2
Extinguishers are also used for mechanics and factories as they leave no residue.
Carbon Dioxide (Co2) Fire Extinguishers are used for class B flammable liquids fires as well as Class C
Electrical fires as they are electrically non-conductive. Carbon Dioxide is a clean, non-contaminating, odorless
gas.
Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).

3. Class D Fire Extinguishers

Class D Fire Extinguishers are mainly used for the aircraft industry, auto body shops, factories that work
with metals, and other metal fire hazards.
Class D Fire Extinguishers are used for fighting class D Fires.
Class D: Metal fires involving magnesium, sodium, potassium and sodium-potassium alloys.

4. Class K Fire Extinguishers

Class K Fire Extinguishers are ideal in kitchens and in the restaurant industry.
Class K Fire Extinguishers are used for fighting class A and class K fires.
Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).
Class K: Commercial Deep Fat Fryers (cooking oil fires).

5. Halon Fire Extinguishers

Halon Fire Extinguishers are recommended for protection of delicate, sensitive and expensive computers,
electrical equipment, tapes and film, automotive and aircraft engines, laboratory chemicals and
equipment. Halon Extinguishers can also be used in bedrooms, home offices, home kitchens, cars, and
garages.
Halon Extinguishers are used for fighting class B and class C fires (And sometimes A Fires). Halon uses a
liquefied gas, pressurized with nitrogen, which discharges as a vapor causing no cold or static shock and no
impairment of the operator's vision.
Halon Extinguishers size 1.25 lb, 2.5 lb, 3 lb and 5 lb have a BC rating, and can be used on class b and c Fires.
(Amerex Models A344T, C352TS, C354TS, and B355T)
Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
Halon Extinguishers size 9 lb, 13 lb, and 17 lb have an ABC rating, and can be used on class a, b, and c Fires.
(Amerex Models B369, B371 and 361)
Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).
Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
Halon Extinguishers are USCG Approved for Marine/boat use with Bracket listed on UL Label (except model
A344T)

6. Halotron Extinguishers
Halotron Extinguishers are ideal for data centers, military electronics, laboratories, warehouses,
manufacturing plants, general office areas, computer rooms, control rooms, vehicles, boats, and other
areas with electronic equipment. Halotron Extinguishers can also be used in bedrooms, home offices,
home kitchens, cars, and garages.
Halotron Extinguishers are used for fighting class B and class C (and sometimes class A) fires near electronic
and data equipment.
Halotron Extinguishers size 1.4 lb, 2.5 lb, and 5 lb have a BC rating, and can be used on class b and c Fires.
(Amerex Models A384T, B385TS, B386T)
Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
Halotron Extinguishers size 11 lb and 15.5 lb have an ABC rating, and can be used on class a, b, and c Fires.
(Amerex Models 397 and 398)
Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).
Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
Halotron Extinguishers size 5 lb, 11 lb, and 15.5 lb are USCG Approved for Marine/Boat use with Bracket
listed on UL Label (Amerex Models B386T, 397 and 398)

7. High Performance Extinguishers

High Performance Extinguishers are the ultimate choice in fire extinguishers for high hazard, frequent
use and extreme environmental applications.
High Performance Extinguishers fight high hazard fires dealing with flammable liquids, oil, and gas. They fight
class B and C fires (and sometimes A fires).
The following Models fight class B & C Fires: (568, 595, 580, 584, 569, 599, 566, 591)
Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
The following Models fight class A, B & C fires. (models 594, 581, 567, 582, 592, 564, 589)
Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals):
Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).

8. Marine Fire Extinguishers

Marine Fire Extinguishers are United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved and carry a BC and
sometimes an A rating.
Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).
Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).

9. Water Extinguishers
Water Extinguishers use a stream of water to fight mainly class A Fires. Most commonly used in the
Medical Field.
Model Amerex 240 - 2.5 Gal. Water Pressure is the best option for emergency first response vehicles as it fights
class A fires.
Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).

Model Amerex B272NM is the best option for MRI rooms as it is non-toxic and non magnetic. B272 fights
class A and Class C Fires.
Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).
Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).

UL Rating Guide
All Fire Extinguishers are tested by the Underwriters Laboratory for safety and performance. They are rated
based on the type of fire that they will put out, and their classification is determined by the size of fire they will
put out.

Classes of Fires:
Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not
metals).
The numerical rating for a Class A Fire extinguisher refers to the amount of chemicals/agent in the
extinguisher. The number represents the chemical/agent's equivalent to gallons of water the extinguisher holds.
Multiply the number in front of A by 1.25 to figure out the equivalent to gallons of water.
Example: A Fire Extinguisher with a rating of 2A would contain the equivalent to 2.5 gallons of water (2 x
1.25)

Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes

flammable gases).
The numerical rating for a class B fire extinguisher refers to the number of cubic feet that the Fire
Extinguisher will be able to extinguish.
Example: A Fire Extinguisher with a rating of 1A:10B:C would contain agents equal to 1.25 gallons of water
(1 x 1.25) and would be able to extinguish 10 square feet of a class B fire.
(The extinguisher would also be rated non-conductive due to the C rating)

Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires

(anything that is plugged in).
Class C do not have a numerical classifiction. When "C" is present in the classification/UL rating, it indicates
that the agents in the fire extinguisher are non-conductive, meaning that you can use them on an electrical fire
(meaning anything that is plugged in).
Example: A Fire Extinguisher with a rating of 5B:C would be able to extinguish 5 square feet of a class B fire
and could also be used on a Class C fire (electrical- anything plugged in) due to it's non-conductive properties.

Class D: Metal fires involving magnesium, sodium, potassium and

sodium-potassium alloys.
Class D Fire extinguishers are generally not given a numerical rating. They are simply classified as a "Class
D" extinguisher.

Class K: Commercial Deep Fat Fryers (cooking oil fires).

Class K Fire extinguishers are have been rated to be used on Kitchen fires involving cooking oils and deep
fryers. Class K are not given a numerical rating.
Example: A Fire Extinguisher with a rating of 2A:K would contain the equivalent to 2.5 gallons of water (2 x
1.25) and would also be approved to be used on a Class K (cooking oil) Fire.