Carbon DioxideĬarbon dioxide is used in multi-purpose fire extinguishers. They can also cover other combinations of fire types, such as A-B or B-C, depending on the extinguisher. For example, A-B-C fire extinguishers can be used for all three of these types of fires. Multi-purpose fire extinguishers are designed to suppress different types of fires. Works For: Class K fires Multi-Purpose Fire Extinguishers The chemicals are sprayed as a mist, creating a barrier between the oxygen and the fuel and removing the heat. This extinguisher removes heat and creates a barrier between oxygen and fuel so a fire cannot be re-ignited. This process creates a soapy foam on the surface that holds onto the steam and vapors and puts out the fire. This happens when alkaline mixtures, such as potassium citrate, potassium acetate, or potassium carbonate, come into contact with burning fat or cooking oil. They put out fires by a process called saponification. This makes them well suited for use in restaurants and home kitchens. Works For: Class D fires Class K Fire ExtinguishersĬlass K fire extinguishers are well designed to put out fires starting from greases, cooking fats, and kitchen oils. However, this type is only designed to fight combustible metal fires. This type works similarly to other chemical powder extinguishers, in that it removes the heat and/or separates the fuel from oxygen. This type is often found in laboratory or industrial settings. Class D Fire ExtinguishersĬlass D fire extinguishers are used on fires originating from combustible metals, including magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and sodium. Unlike other classes, this class does not have a numerical rating. These types are well suited for garages, workshops, and industrial facilities. The extinguisher sprays materials that inhibit the conduction of electricity. Class C Fire ExtinguishersĬlass C fire extinguishers are designed to put out electrical fires originating from live wires, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances. Other numerical ratings include 1-B, 2-B, 10-B, 20-B, and 40-B.

This makes this type of extinguisher good for use in homes, offices, and workshops.Ĭlass B extinguishers are rated based on the number of square feet of fire they can suppress.įor example, A 5-B extinguisher can cover 5 square feet of fire. These include oils, fuels, kitchen grease, solvents, and oil-based paints. Class B Fire ExtinguishersĬlass B fire extinguishers put down fires that start from flammable liquids and gases. Examples of these ratings include 1-A, 2-A, 4-A, 6-A, 10-A. Each A is matched to 1 1/4 gallons of water. The heat of the fire is removed by the water component, while the oxygen is removed by the foam.Ĭlass A extinguishers are rated based on their water equivalency. These extinguishers usually use water or dry chemical powders to blanket a fire and/ or absorb the heat. These are well suited for putting out ordinary household fires, making this type great for use in home kitchens and garages. Class A Fire ExtinguishersĬlass A fire extinguishers are used for ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, cloth, and even plastic. There are five different fire extinguisher classes that match up with the different types of fires:Įach rating describes the type of fire the extinguisher can effectively fight. Class K – a fire started by cooking oils, animal fats, or grease (kitchen fires).

Class D – a fire started by flammable metals such as sodium, potassium, and lithium.

Class C – a fire started by energized electrical equipment such as power transmission cables or wiring.

Class B – a fire started with flammable and combustible liquids and gases such as gasoline and paints.

Class A – a fire started with normal combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth.There are different types of fires that extinguishers are designed to fight. The fire triangle (or fire tetrahedron) has the chemical reaction as the center component.įire extinguishers put the fires out by removing one or more of these necessary parts. Fire extinguishers put out fires by removing one or more of these parts.Ī fire can only start with all three of these parts present:Ī fourth part, a chemical reaction, is also necessary between them to ignite a fire. The Fire Triangle is composed of four necessary components to start a fire.

Class fires abcd