Fire extinguishers types

Water and Foam

Water and Foam fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by taking away the heat element of the
fire triangle. Foam agents also separate the oxygen element from the other elements.
Water extinguishers are for Class A fires only - they should not be used on Class B or C fires.
The discharge stream could spread the flammable liquid in a Class B fire or could create a shock
hazard on a Class C fire.

Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers extinguish fire by taking away the oxygen element of the fire
triangle and also be removing the heat with a very cold discharge.
Carbon dioxide can be used on Class B & C fires. They are usually ineffective on Class A fires.
A” TRASH–WOOD–PAPER
Fire extinguishers with a Class A rating are effective against fires involving paper, wood,
textiles, and plastics. The primary chemical used to fight these fires is monoammonium
phosphate, because of its ability to smother fires in these types of materials.

B” LIQUIDS
Fire extinguishers with a Class B rating are effective against flammable liquid fires. These can be
fires where cooking liquids, oil, gasoline, kerosene, or paint have become ignited. Two
commonly used chemicals are effective in fighting these types of fires. Monoammonium
phosphate effectively smothers the fire, while sodium bicarbonate induces a chemical reaction
which extinguishes the fire.

C” ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Fire extinguishers with a Class C rating are suitable for fires in “live” electrical equipment. Both
monoammonium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate are commonly used to fight this type of fire
because of their nonconductive properties.

Fire Extinguisher Ratings

Fire extinguishers are classified by fire type. The A, B, C rating system defines the kinds of
burning materials each fire extinguisher is designed to fight. The number in front of the A, B, or
C indicates the rating size of fire the unit can extinguish.

To achieve a Class “A” rating, the extinguisher must be capable of putting out the wood crib,
wood panel and excelsior (shredded paper) tests. Ratings are based on the size of the material
that can be repeatedly extinguished.