Top 3 Most Common Types of Fire Extinguishers Today

CO2 Fire Extinguisher is a widely used fire safety device today. It's commonly used in the early stages of a fire when it's just starting to form. Available in various brands, sizes, and sometimes colors, it is chosen to suit different environments and users. The CO2 extinguisher works effectively by cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire, making it suitable for use in closed spaces like offices, kitchens, and rooms with sensitive equipment such as machinery and paper that won’t be damaged after use.

The CO2 extinguisher contains compressed CO2 gas. It is ideal for tackling fires at their initial stages, and the decision to use a CO2 extinguisher depends on the type of fire and environment.

CO2 Extinguisher Components:

• The body of the CO2 extinguisher is made from solid steel, coated in red paint with a label on the front. When discharged, the temperature can drop to -79°C, so avoid direct contact to prevent frostbite. The valve is made from a brass alloy, and the nozzle is made from steel wrapped in rubber to protect users from frostbite. The nozzle on CO2 extinguishers is generally larger than that on powder extinguishers. It has a hard plastic nozzle and a carrying handle with a safety pin inside to ensure safety while transporting it.
• The CO2 extinguisher is classified by the amount of CO2 inside. Common models are MT3 (3kg CO2) and MT5 (5kg CO2), while larger units like MT24 are used in industrial settings.

Advantages:

• CO2 extinguishers are highly effective for quickly putting out small fires, especially those involving electronics, jewelry, or open food products. They are perfect for use in confined spaces or places with little air flow, where they can cut off the oxygen supply to a fire.

Disadvantages:

• CO2 extinguishers tend to be more expensive than powder extinguishers of similar size. The heavier weight can make them harder to use for women or children. Additionally, they are less effective on fires involving flammable metals, certain chemicals, and petroleum-based fires. CO2 also disperses quickly outdoors, reducing their efficiency in open spaces.

Important Usage Tips:

• CO2 extinguishers should not be used on fires involving flammable liquids, outdoor fires, or fires in tents. If used in such situations, ensure you are positioned upwind to avoid inhaling CO2 or causing frostbite from the escaping gas.
• When using a CO2 extinguisher, wait until the fire is completely extinguished before stopping the discharge. Target the base of the fire and keep a safe distance, usually between 2-3 meters, to avoid heat exposure. For electrical fires, wear insulated gloves and boots to ensure safety.

How to Use a CO2 Fire Extinguisher:

• Step 1: In case of a fire, quickly grab the CO2 extinguisher and head to the fire location.
• Step 2: Ensure proper technique by aiming the nozzle at the base of the fire and pulling the safety pin with one hand while using the other to control the discharge.
• Step 3: Squeeze or twist the valve to release the CO2 and extinguish the fire.

Note: In confined spaces, stand near the door or upwind to avoid exposure to CO2.

Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher is highly effective in extinguishing fires and is widely recognized for its reliability and safety. Known for its high performance, affordability, and trustworthiness, this fire extinguisher is a popular choice for construction projects and various environments, including homes, offices, and industrial settings. The ABC dry powder fire extinguisher is commonly used in cars, buses, taxis, boats, kitchens, workshops, outdoor events, garages, and more.

The dry powder extinguisher is versatile and can tackle various fire risks, including Class A materials like wood, paper, and plastics, as well as Class B liquids such as gasoline and oils, and Class C gases like propane and natural gas. This extinguisher is often referred to as a chemical fire extinguisher, using a fine powder to put out flames by interrupting the fire’s chemical reaction. It can effectively extinguish a wide range of fires, including those involving flammable liquids or electrical equipment.

Components of the Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher:

• The device’s casing is made from steel and is typically cylindrical, painted red, with labels displaying product specifications. The top contains a valve made from a brass alloy, and a spring-loaded one-way valve inside. The handle and trigger are secured with a safety pin and seal. The pressure gauge on the valve indicates three levels: Red (insufficient pressure), Green (adequate pressure), and Yellow (overpressure).

Advantages:

• One of the main benefits is its low cost compared to gas-based fire extinguishers. It can safely be used on electrical fires when the presence of active electrical equipment is suspected. The powder forms a barrier that effectively shields individuals from heat radiation. It is also effective for handling Class A, B, and C fires, especially those involving flammable liquids like gasoline.

Disadvantages:

• In certain situations, it may not be as effective as CO2 extinguishers. The fine powder can be harmful if inhaled, causing respiratory irritation, and it can create a dusty, obscured environment, making it difficult to see. Additionally, powder extinguishers are not recommended for electronic equipment, as the powder’s high oxidizing properties can damage sensitive devices.

Storage Tips:

• Keep the extinguisher in a visible, accessible location. If stored outdoors, ensure it’s protected from rain and sun. The safe storage temperature range is between -10°C and 55°C. Regularly check the device, ideally every 3 months, and if the pressure gauge shows red, recharge it. Periodically inspect the device’s interior when recharging to ensure it remains in good working condition.
• Maintenance: For new devices, recharge annually; for devices that have been used multiple times, recharge every 6 months. Before refilling the powder in devices older than 5 years, ensure the casing undergoes hydraulic testing to meet safety standards.

How to Use the Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher:

• Remain calm and immediately alert others to the fire. Identify the fire's location and quickly grab the extinguisher. Pull the safety pin, then aim the nozzle at the base of the fire while holding the handle firmly to discharge the powder.
• Important tips: Shake the extinguisher before use. Keep the device upright, always stand with the wind (if outdoors), or near a door (if indoors). When tackling liquid fires, cover the surface of the burning liquid instead of spraying directly at it, as this may cause the fire to spread. If the device has been used and the seal is broken, mark it clearly to avoid confusion.

Foam Fire Extinguisher is a type of extinguisher that contains a large volume of foam solution filled with air, which has a density lower than gasoline or water.

The Foam is used to fight fires by cooling the flames and covering the fuel to prevent its contact with oxygen, thus stopping the combustion process. Foam fire extinguishers were invented by Russian chemist Alexander Loran in 1902. The foam is made from surface-active agents at a concentration of less than 1%, combined with organic solvents (such as trimethyl-trimethylene glycol) and stabilizing agents (like lauryl alcohol) to enhance its fire-suppressing properties.

A fire can occur and sustain itself only when four elements are present: heat, fuel, an oxidizing agent (usually oxygen), and the chemical reaction between these factors. Fires can be stopped or extinguished by removing any of these elements. Foam in a Foam Fire Extinguisher consists of concentrated foam, water, and air. When mixed correctly, these components form a blanket that covers flammable liquids, cutting off their exposure to the air and the fire. This makes foam fire extinguishers highly effective in preventing and extinguishing fires in environments with flammable liquids.

Components of Foam Fire Extinguisher:

• Exterior: The extinguisher body is made from high-pressure resistant steel and is typically cylindrical, painted red. The body has labels detailing the product information, usage instructions, and storage guidelines. The nozzle includes a valve, locking mechanism, pressure gauge, hose, spray nozzle, and trigger.
• Interior:
  • The foam fire extinguisher contains foam, propellant gas, and a hose connected to the valve at the nozzle.
  • Foam types include AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam), which forms a film on hydrocarbon surfaces, and ARC (Alcohol-Resistant Concentrate) foam, which creates a layer on non-water-soluble fuels.

Advantages: Non-toxic, safe for most materials, generally safe for electrical fires (though not recommended), designed to prevent fires from rekindling, and lighter than equivalent water-based extinguishers.

Disadvantages: Can damage electrical equipment. Dangerous if used on cooking or flammable gas fires.

When to use a Foam Fire Extinguisher:

• Foam Fire Extinguishers are used to put out fires involving:
  • Flammable solids like paper, wood, and textiles (Class A fires)
  • Flammable liquids such as gasoline, diesel, and paint (Class B fires)
  • Electrical fires (only if the extinguisher has passed a 35kV electrical conductivity test, providing an added safety measure for users in case of accidental use on electrical fires)
• Important note: Not all foam fire extinguishers are suitable for electrical fires. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines before using foam on electrical fires.

Do not use Foam Fire Extinguishers on:

• Cooking fires involving oil and fat, such as chip pan fires (Class E)
• Fires involving flammable gases like methane and butane (Class C)

How to use a Foam Fire Extinguisher: The method of use varies depending on the type of fire. In all cases, remove the safety pin and stand at a safe distance from the fire.

For Flammable Liquids:

• Do not spray foam directly onto the fire, as it can cause the liquid to spread. Instead, gently spray the foam over the fire’s surface and around the burning liquid to create a barrier that prevents the spread of flames.

For Flammable Solids:

• Spray the foam directly onto the flames.

For Electrical Fires (Not Recommended):

• Handle similarly to flammable solids. Ensure you are standing at least 1 meter away from the fire to minimize the risk of electric shock.