5 Types of Fire Extinguisher and Its Uses – Do you know that not all fires are created equal? The types of fire extinguisher you need depends on the type of fuel feeding the flames.

To effectively fight fires in your building, it’s crucial to identify potential fire hazards beforehand. This knowledge will guide you in choosing the right size, weight, and type of fire extinguisher for each location.

So what are the 5 types of fire extinguisher and its uses? Let’s get going!

Types of Fire Extinguisher

1. Water Fire Extinguishers

The first one is a water fire extinguisher, marked with a white “Water” label, they are best for solid combustibles like paper or wood and their simplicity makes them a popular choice for many buildings.

Warehouses and storage facilities often have them because they come in handy sizes (3, 6, and 9 liters) and douse flames by cooling the burning material with a forceful water spray.

These extinguishers target specific fires, like:

Flammable solids such as wood, paper, and textiles.

2. Foam Fire Extinguishers

While water extinguishers tackle solid fires, foam extinguishers (identified by their cream-colored “Foam” label) are double threats!

They fight fires involving both flammable solids and liquids. These versatile fire fighters come in various sizes (2, 3, 6, and 9 liters, with 6 liters being the most common).

So, how do they work their magic? The water base cools the fire, while the special AFFF foam smothers the flames and creates a barrier on liquids, preventing reignition.

This makes them ideal for locations with diverse fire risks, like hotels, offices, garages, and factories. In fact, most buildings can benefit from having a handy foam extinguisher!

You can use foam fire extinguishers for:

Flammable solids, including paper, wood, and textiles.
Flammable liquids, including gasoline, diesel, and paint

Also Read: “6 types of fire detector“

3. Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

Dry powder fire extinguishers, often with a bright blue “Powder” label, are true jack-of-all-trades.

They tackle a wide range of fires, from chemicals and flammable liquids to electrical fires and even burning metals (specialists in the dry powder family!).

These versatile extinguishers come in various sizes (1, 2, 3, 6, and 9 kg) and work by smothering flames with a special powder.

This cuts off the fire’s oxygen supply, stopping it quickly. However, since they don’t cool the burning material, there’s a risk of reignition.

Keep that in mind, and avoid using them in tight spaces where the powder can cause visibility problems.

This types of fire extinguishers are best used for

Fires involving flammable solids
Fires involving flammable liquids
Fires involving combustible gasses
Electrical fires involving some electrical items under 1000v

4. CO2 Fire Extinguishers

While they don’t pack a cooling punch, CO2 fire extinguishers (recognizable by their black label and nozzle) are champs at tackling electrical fires.

These extinguishers, best suited for 2 or 5 kg sizes, work by replacing oxygen around the flames with carbon dioxide, essentially suffocating the fire.

This makes them ideal for spaces loaded with electrical equipment, like offices, schools, and hospitals. However, remember, they’re not a solo act!

Because CO2 extinguishers don’t cool the burning material, they’re often paired with foam extinguishers for a more comprehensive fire-fighting team.

The CO2 fire extinguishers are best for

Electrical fire
Flammable liquids fire

5. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Forget about using other extinguishers on cooking oil fires! Wet chemical fire extinguishers, easily identified by their bright yellow “Wet Chemical” label and longer hose, are the only safe option for professional kitchens and restaurants.

These extinguishers are kitchen heroes – they contain a special potassium-based solution that gently coats the burning oil with a suffocating film, putting out the fire without spreading it.

While incredibly effective, remember that they can create some nasty fumes, so ventilation is crucial after use.

These fire extinguishers come in handy sizes (2, 3, and 6 liters) to fit your kitchen needs.

This type of fire extinguishers are best for: