Parts of Fire Extinguishers – Fire extinguisher is a portable device designed to extinguish or control small fires in emergency situations.

This device consists of several parts that are working simultaneously to put out small fires thus protecting the surrounding area.

So, what are the parts of fire extinguishers? What are their functions? See the explanation down below!

Parts of Fire Extinguishers

1. Cylinder

The first one is the cylinder that serves a function as a contained fire extinguishing agent and the pressurized gas. It has various sizes ranging from 1 kg up to more than 20 kg.

Made of mild steel, this tube is designed to ensure strength and durability, so as to provide effective protection in fire emergency situations.

2. Operating Handle or Lever

Usually placed on top of the fire extinguisher, this part functions as a valve that will be tasked with controlling the release of pressurized fire extinguishing media.

You can adjust the speed of media flow from the tube when using fire extinguisher through this component.

3. Nozzle

The nozzle is an important component in a fire extinguisher that functions to direct the flow of fire extinguishing media to the fire point.

Various types of nozzles are available, each having a different shape and size, tailored to the type of media used and the type of fire encountered.

With a variety of designs, the nozzle can produce the right spray flow, either in the form of jetting, fog, or wide spread, thus increasing the effectiveness of fire fighting.

Also Read: “5 Types of Fire Extinguisher and Its Uses“

4. Safety Pin

The safety pin on a fire extinguisher serves as a safeguard that prevents accidental use.Located at the top of the handle, this safety pin locks the trigger mechanism from activating before it is needed.

With a safety pin, the risk of misuse or accidents that could occur before an emergency is minimized, ensuring that the fire extinguisher is ready to use when needed.

5. Hose

Some larger fire extinguishers might be equipped with a hose that provides flexibility in directing the extinguishing agent to the fire.

6. Pressure Gauge

A pressure gauge serves to show the pressure in the fire extinguisher tube. With a pressure gauge, users can easily monitor and ensure that the pressure inside the cylinder remains stable and within normal limits, which is between 13 to 18 bar.

Ensuring the pressure stays within this range is essential to guarantee the optimal performance of the fire extinguisher, so that it can function effectively when needed in an emergency situation.

7. Extinguishing Agent

The extinguishing agent is a substance contained inside the fire extinguisher that serves to suppress or put out the fire.

There are several types of fire extinguisher agents that serve different purposes, such as water, foam, dry chemical powder, CO2 or wet chemicals.

Also Read: “How to Properly Use a Fire Extinguisher?“

8. Label or Identification Tag

The next on our list of parts of the fire extinguisher is the label. This label serves to provide important information, such as the type of fire the fire extinguisher is used to combat (Class A, B, D, D or K).

Other than that, the label also serves as instructions for use and maintenance guidelines to make it easy for us to use in dire emergency situations.

So there you have it! The parts of the fire extinguisher that we’ve carefully summarized just for you!

Knowing this might be important to get the better understanding about how this life-saving device works.

Other than that, did you know that a fire extinguisher is one of the things that is mandatory to be certified by the SNI certification?

Because of its important and crucial function in protecting us and the surrounding area from fire, it is no surprise that there are strict rules about the fire extinguisher that regulate its quality and safety aspects.

There is not only one regulation that regulates the fire extinguisher. Well, some of them are:

SNI 04-39:2013: Regulating the CO2 fire extinguisher
SNI 04-38:2013: Regulating the foam fire extinguisher
SNI 04-37:2013: Regulating the powder fire extinguisher
SNI 03-3987-1995: Procedure for Planning, Installation of Light Fire Extinguishers for Fire Hazard Prevention in Houses and Buildings.
SNI 03-3988-1995: Testing of Extinguishing Capability and Assessment of Light Fire Extinguishers.
SNI 19-0180-1987: Portable Fire Extinguisher of Low Carbon Steel.