Fire Extinguishers: Everything You Need to Know

Fire is a major natural phenomenon people utilize in their day-to-day lives to accomplish various activities. For instance; lighting, cooking, and other activities. This is all because of the controlled/measured generation of fire. However, this fire can become hazardous in seconds if not properly controlled.

The most prevalent instances of this are the forest fires which cause damage to animals living in the forest as well as the natural resources. One more good instance of fire damage is the fire that erupts in houses, causing costly damage.

In such circumstances, people generally dial the fire department to control the fires. The fire department employs fire extinguishers to put out the fire, based upon the magnitude and intensity.

Understanding Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is a useful external fire safety system to control or extinguish minor fires, generally in emergencies. It’s not for use during an uncontrollable fire like where the fire has touched the ceilings or otherwise necessitates the help of firefighters.

Generally, a fire extinguisher comprises a handheld cylindrical pressure container containing an agent that releases to put out the fire. Fire extinguishers made with non-cylindrical pressure containers do exist but are rare.

Some Major Types of Fire Extinguishers

Foam Based Fire Extinguishers

Foam-based fire extinguishers are the most prevalent type of fire extinguishers suitable for class B fires. But they are based on water, which signifies that they’re also beneficial in putting out class A fires. These extinguishers are intended for fires produced by different organic materials, such as textiles, paper, cardboard, wood, coal, and flammable liquids like paint and petrol.

This kind of fire extinguishers isn’t ideal for fires produced by kitchen fires, fires involving electric appliances, and flammable metals.

Water Based Fire Extinguishers

Water-based fire extinguishers function identically as foam-based ones. These are ideal for class-A fires. Also, these extinguishers are employed for fires produced by different organic materials, such as cardboard, paper, and wood. Moreover, it is not ideal for fires produced by kitchen fires, electric appliances fire, and flammable metals.

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are mainly utilized for electrical fire hazards as well as are generally the main kind of fire extinguisher in data server rooms. This extinguisher extinguishes Class B fires also. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers suffocate fires by replacing the oxygen that the fire requires to burn.

Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

Dry powder fire extinguishers aren’t utilized in confined places because the dry powder can be inhaled. Also, they can be beneficial for fires relating to electric equipment.

Along with fires produced by different organic materials, such as textiles, paper, and wood, as well as flammable liquids like paint and petrol, any fire relating to electric appliances up to 1000 V can be put out by using this fire extinguisher.

SOURCE: P&S Intelligence