Types of Fire Extinguishers: Classes, Uses, and Safety Tips

Fire extinguishers are among the most important and indispensable safety tools in various places, whether in homes, offices, or industrial and commercial establishments, as they represent the first line of defense in dealing with sudden fires before they spread and increase in danger.

There are many types of fire extinguishers, and the choice of each type varies according to the nature of the flammable materials and the type of fire expected, making it essential to know the differences between them to ensure correct and effective use.

In this article, we review the different types of fire extinguishers and how to use them optimally to protect lives and property, based on the experience of United Group, the exclusive agent for Watex UAE in Egypt, and a leader in providing safety and firefighting solutions according to the highest approved standards.

Fire extinguisher components

United Group offers a range of different and certified fire extinguishers, such as water, foam, powder, halogenated hydrocarbon, and carbon dioxide extinguishers, all manufactured to [specific specifications/standards].with tanksSteel with continuous welding and radiation control, with the application of a quality control system according to ISO 900 standards. In this section, we will explain the components of fire extinguishers for each type:

• Powder fire extinguishers
  • It consists of a structure made of pressurized steel plates containing an inert gas or dehumidified air under pressure up to 12 bar (at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius).
  • These fire extinguishers contain a chemical powder consisting of potassium bicarbonate for use with category B and C fires, or a mixture of ammonium sulfate and monoammonium phosphate for use with category A, B, and C fires.
• Fire extinguishers, wet chemical
  • This type of fire extinguisher is specifically designed to deal with Class F (Grade 6) fires, which include cooking oils and fats. It can also be used to fight Class A (Grade 1) fires, but it is ineffective with Class C and B (Grade 2 and Grade 3) fires.

These fire extinguishers are distinguished by their unique ability to extinguish cooking oil and heavy grease fires, and are unparalleled in their effectiveness compared to any other type of fire extinguisher.

• Water fire extinguishers
  • It consists of a cylinder made of corrosion-resistant steel plates, and contains water as the extinguishing agent. These fire extinguishers are usually permanently pressurized with gas or filled with gas, or they may be used through a hole in the cylinder containing carbon dioxide.

Water extinguishers are mainly used to extinguish Class A (first degree) fires. Usually, the contents of the extinguisher are a mixture of water and additives instead of just pure water. These additives enhance the effect of the water and increase its ability to extinguish fires by improving its distribution and expanding its coverage.

• Foam fire extinguishers
  • Foam fire extinguishers are among the most commonly used types of fire extinguishers. Foam fire extinguishers consist of a tank made of corrosion-resistant steel plates, containing foam liquid diluted in water at ratios ranging from 3 to 10%. The extinguisher pressure can be constant or increased during use thanks to a small cylinder containing carbon dioxide, which is emptied when needed by piercing it with a metal needle connected to the valve system.

Foam fire extinguishers are used effectively to extinguish Class A and B fires, and are particularly common in the shipbuilding industry. However, their use should be avoided on electrical control panels or in Class D (fourth degree) fires, and also with chemicals that react with water.

• Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
  • Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are suitable for extinguishing Class B and C fires (second and third degree) thanks to the properties of the inert gas and electrical insulation. According to fire-fighting regulations, they should be installed near electrical panels because of their ability to extinguish fires without causing additional damage to electrical equipment.

 

Read more about : co2 fire suppression system

Types of fire extinguishers and their uses

Fire extinguishers can be classified based on the extinguishing agent used. Here are the main types.:

• Foam fire extinguishers:It contains organic materials that produce foam consisting of a mixture of water, air and carbon dioxide.
• Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers:It contains compressed carbon dioxide gas.
• Water extinguishers:It contains water pressurized using an inert gas.
• Dry powder fire extinguishers:It contains a dry chemical powder.

You can visit our website to take a look at the types of fire extinguishers and their uses with pictures through BDF United Company.

How to use a fire extinguisher?

• Foam fire extinguishers
  • It is used to extinguish fires caused by flammable liquids such as oils and fuels, but it is unsuitable for electrical fires because it is a conductor of electricity.
• Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
  • Effective in extinguishing electrical and petroleum fires, but not suitableFor firesIt is produced from certain materials such as paper and wood.
• Water extinguishers
  • Suitable for extinguishing fires caused by solid materials such as paper, wood and fabrics, but cannot be used on fires caused by oils.
• dry powder fire extinguishers
  • It can be used in solid, liquid, and gaseous fires, as well as electrical fires, but it may cause some damage to electrical equipment due to the accumulation of powder.

Fire extinguisher validity

Fire extinguishers have a shelf life that depends on the specific type of fire extinguisher, but it generally ranges from 10 to 15 years from the date of manufacture. Several factors may affect the shelf life of fire extinguishers, such as the following:

• Type of extinguisher: Some types, such as carbon dioxide extinguishers, may be less prone to damage, while water or dry powder extinguishers need to be checked and maintained regularly.
• Regular maintenance: Fire extinguishers should be inspected and maintained every year to ensure their efficient operation in emergencies.
• Storage: Storage conditions such as humidity and temperature may affect the expected lifespan of fire extinguishers.

There are several signs that indicate fire extinguishers have expired and need to be replaced. Among the most prominent of these signs are the following:

• Damage to its external appearance: such as the appearance of corrosion, rust, cracks in the fire extinguisher, or any damage that affects its efficiency.
• Low pressure: When checking the fire extinguisher, if the pressure is lower than the recommended level, it may indicate a leak in the materials.
• Exceeding the expiry date: When the expiry date specified by the manufacturer has passed, the fire extinguisher may lose its effectiveness.

Contact us now via phone numbers or through our website if you are looking for the best maintenance companies for all types of fire extinguishers.

What are the most common types of fire extinguishers used for all types of fires?

United Company, the exclusive agent for Watex UAE, is keen to provide the finest types of fire extinguishers that conform to international standards and specifications. However, determining the best type of fire extinguisher is not generally done, but rather depends mainly on the nature of the place and the environment in which it will be used, as choosing the appropriate extinguisher is related to the type of fire that may occur and the location of use.

The most common types of fire extinguishers include:

• Dry powder fire extinguishers: These are the most common and are suitable for most types of fires in categories A, B and C.
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) fire extinguishers: Ideal for extinguishing electrical fires without causing damage to equipment.
• Foam fire extinguishers: effective in fighting fires involving flammable liquids.
• Water extinguishers: used only in ordinary Class A fires.
• Halon fire extinguishers: used to protect sensitive equipment, although their use is currently reduced due to their environmental impact.

 

Learn more about : fire extinguishers

What is a CO2 fire extinguisher and what are its uses?

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) fire extinguishers are among the most prominent, common and effective types of fire extinguishers. They are used with high efficiency in extinguishing electrical fires and flammable liquid fires. This type is preferred for use in open or well-ventilated places, due to its effective ability to control the fire without causing additional risks inside enclosed spaces.

The main advantages of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are as follows:

• It is non-conductive, making it safe and effective in dealing with electrical fires.
• Effective in extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids.
• It is characterized by not leaving any residue or traces after use, which reduces cleaning work.
• It does not affect the efficiency of electronic devices, and therefore it is an ideal choice for offices, server rooms and data centers.

Bavaria fire box price

If you are looking for the price of a Bavaria fire box, then United Group is the exclusive agent for Watex UAE and the largest Fire pump agents in Egypt It offers its customers high-quality Bavaria fire boxes at a competitive price in the Egyptian market.

This box is designed with the latest manufacturing technologies to ensure durability and high efficiency in emergencies, as well as affordable prices to suit customers' budgets.

The Bavaria Box is suitable for companies and institutions that seek to maintain the highest standards of safety and protect lives from fires. You can contact us through the phone numbers to find out all the details about our products and the different types of fire extinguishers.

What gas is used in fire extinguishers?

The gas used in many types of fire extinguishers is carbon dioxide (CO2) because it is non-flammable and non-conductive, making it ideal for extinguishing fires caused by electrical equipment or flammable liquids such as oils.

Carbon dioxide gas works to extinguish fires by suffocating the oxygen around the flames, thus preventing the combustion process from continuing. It is also used in portable fire extinguishers and in large fire extinguishing systems installed in buildings to protect equipment such as electronics and sensitive areas from fire damage.

Learn more about : fire fighting companies

Fire network installation companies

It is considered United Company Group is the exclusive and sole agent for Watex UAE, one of the best fire network installation companies in Egypt, as it offers the best types of fire extinguishers that protect facilities from the danger of fire in emergency situations.

United Group is distinguished by its long experience in designing and implementing fire extinguishing systems according to the highest international standards such as NFPA. United Group provides installation services for various types of fire systems, such as sprinkler systems, gas systems, and early warning systems.

Using the latest technologies to ensure the efficiency and safety of the system, the company is committed to providing competitive prices and after-sales service. Just contact us through the phone numbers to get the best products of different types of fire extinguishers.