Fire Extinguishers - The significance of the different types available - By: Felicity Lightbody

Some people may think that there's really only one type of fire extinguisher, but there are a few different types commonly used by homes and businesses. Fire extinguishers are separated into four different categories. Each category is based on the type of fire it can be used to handle.

The four categories that extinguishers are placed into are Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D. Class A extinguishers are for ordinary materials like paper, plastics, and wood. Class B fires are ones that involve flammable liquids. Such liquids would be gasoline, kerosene or oil. Class C fires are electrical related fires. Using water to put these types of fires out can be dangerous, as the risk of electrocution is possible. Class D fires are chemical fires, caused by combustible metals. Class D fires are generally found at chemical labs, and shouldn't be a concern to the average home.

Certain fire extinguishers are made to put out each category. Water extinguishers, dry chemical extinguishers, and carbon dioxide extinguishers are three of the most commonly found in households. Water extinguishers are only useful for a Class A fire. Usually they work using air pressure to spray the water inside the tank. Using them on electric fires, grease fires, or any Class D fires will cause the fire to spread and grow. It can be incredibly dangerous to use them on anything other than a Class A type fire.

Dry chemical extinguishers are another common household extinguisher. They are sometimes referred to as powder fire extinguishers or foam fire extinguishers. These work by using powders or foams and pressurizing the tank using nitrogen. These can be used to put out Class A, B and C fires. When used, these extinguishers can leave behind a corrosive residue. So after insuring that everything is safe, cleaning the extinguishing foam off will prevent any extra corrosion of materials.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers, or CO2 extinguishers, are used to put out Class B and C fires. These work by using very highly pressurised CO2 filled tanks. The tanks are so highly pressurised that it's common to see small bits of dry ice come out of the nozzle. These extinguishers don't work well on Class A fires, and may or may not be able to put them out.

Both dry chemical and carbon dioxide extinguishers have benefits over each other. Dry chemical extinguishers leave a non-flammable substance, decreasing the likelihood of a fire reigniting. However, carbon dioxide extinguishers help prevent extra damage to electronics. The residue left by dry chemical extinguishers can cause corrosion, where as carbon dioxide extinguishers don't.

There are plenty of different choices when it comes to fire extinguishers. Each having it's ups and downs. Deciding which one is correct for a household depends on each home. Depending on what items of a home are most important to the owner, each extinguisher will have a higher priority. Having a different type of extinguisher in certain parts of the home is also an option. Decide on what is most important to you specifically, and pick a fire extinguisher that fits your needs.

About the Author

Felicity is a part-time writer, writing infrequent articles in the UK about business security and safety matters. For discounted water fire extinguisher as well as Rafiki fire alarm systems, Fire supression systems and emergency lighting then please visit our site, DiscountFireSupplies.co.uk

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Felicity-Lightbody/39388

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