Whenever you’re going to buy a fire extinguisher, be sure that you’re buying it for the right kind of fire it’s supposed to extinguish. Not every fire extinguisher can effectively put off all kinds of fires. There are certain classifications that are appropriate for the different kinds of fire causes. Types of fire extinguishers can be either in the form of water, foam, dry powder (ABC rated) or carbon dioxide. These fire extinguishers are commonly used in homes or small buildings and schools where recorded fire incidents are usually tolerable.
Fire extinguishers can only help if the fire is on its initial state and cannot entirely put off massive fires. In times of uncontrollable fire accidents, fire brigades must be called for help. To know more about what kind of fire extinguishers are best in your home and/or building, here’s a quick introduction about these helpful equipment.
Water Fire Extinguishers
Water fire extinguishers do not generally contain strong chemicals and has a low fire fighting rating however, it’s proven safe for its use and the environment. Water-base fire extinguishers are usually used on burning organic materials such as papers and wood. This kind of fire extinguisher is recommended to be used in homes where common fire prone materials such as cloths, curtains, wood furniture are located. However, since water is an electrolyte, you cannot spray it on power cables and sockets as it might be more dangerous and may cause electrical grounds. Though some water-based extinguishers have additives that produces zero electrolytes, its fire fighting rating still remains the same and can only be used on such organic materials.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
What foam fire extinguishers basically do is reduce the oxygen from the fire drastically as it smothers it with foam. It still has a bit of water content as when the foam reacts on the burning material, it then turns into liquid however it is not as wet as the water-based kind. Foam fire extinguishers are also great for homes and they can be used in electrical burns and even liquid burns such as cooking accidents that involves oil fires and so on.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
Known as the most recommended fire extinguisher for electrical and kitchen appliances, it’s because this type of fire extinguisher doesn’t leave any residue. What it does is overpower the amount of oxygen that keeps the fire alive through emitting carbon dioxide through high pressured nozzles. CO2 fire extinguishers are best for burning home and office appliances such as computers, ovens, sockets etc. because as it puts out the fire, it doesn’t damage the electrical systems nor does it cause further short circuit. CO2 is also very cold when sprayed so it can cool down the temperature of the burning object. However, you must know how to handle and use it so as not to freeze your own fingers.
Powder Fire Extinguishers
Also known as ABC powder extinguishers, this has a high fire fighting rating and can basically put out fires within in degrees of A, B and C. The only disadvantage is that the powder doesn’t penetrate deep enough on burning objects and it cannot cool down high temperatures. Because of this, one must ensure that the fire is completely gone before stopping the process of extinguishing or else there might be another re-ignition.
