Using the wrong extinguisher can spread a fire or cause a shock. Knowing the types of fire extinguishers and where to use them is the first step. This guide explains the fire classes, the types and the places where each fits.
Fire classes in short
Fires are grouped by fuel. Class A is ordinary solids such as wood, paper and cloth. Flammable liquids fall under Class B, and gases under Class C. Metals form Class D. Electrical fires are treated as live equipment, and cooking oils have their own class, often called K or F.
Class names can differ between regions, so read the label on the extinguisher.
Water, foam and powder
Water extinguishers suit Class A fires and are cheap, but never use them on live electrical equipment or oil. Foam suits Class A and B, so garages and fuel stores use it. ABC powder works on Class A, B and C and suits offices, shops and vehicles, but it leaves a mess.
Our fire extinguishers page lists the types we supply.
CO2 and clean agent
CO2 extinguishers suit live electrical equipment and flammable liquids, and they leave no residue. They suit server rooms, panels and labs. Clean agent units suit similar spaces and are gentle on equipment. CO2 gives a short burst and lets the fire restart if the heat remains.
Our electrical panel fire suppression page covers fixed protection.
Wet chemical and special types
Wet chemical extinguishers are made for cooking oil and fat fires in kitchens. They cool the oil and form a layer on top. Special powder suits metal fires in plants that work with such metals.
A kitchen needs wet chemical, and a metal workshop needs the right Class D unit.
Placement, training and refills
Place extinguishers where people can reach them quickly, near exits and hazards, and mount them at a standard height. Train staff to use them. Check pressure gauges and dates, and have units serviced and refilled on schedule. See our extinguisher refilling page.
Mistakes to avoid
People who study the types of fire extinguishers still make these common mistakes.
- Placing only one type everywhere, whatever the hazard
- Using water on oil or live electrical equipment
- Hanging units too high or hiding them behind doors
- Never checking the pressure gauge or the refill date
- Giving staff no hands-on practice
Your next step
Tell us the rooms and the hazards. We will list the types you need, count the units and quote supply, mounting and yearly refilling. Essatech designs, supplies, installs and services these systems in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. Send us your drawings or photos for a priced plan.
What affects the price
- Type and capacity
- Number of units
- Mounting and signage
- Refilling and servicing
- Training
- Annual service contract
What to send us
- Rooms and hazards to cover
- Floor area
- Existing extinguishers
- Refill dates