Fire Extinguisher Types

Fire extinguishers are available in many different types with each one having specific fire classes and colour codes (extinguishers manufactured to BS EN 3).

ABC Powder Extinguishers

ABC powder fire extinguishers offer excellent all round fire protection and are suitable for class A, B and C fires. They are the only extinguishers that are effective against fires involving flammable gases.

AFFF Foam Extinguishers

Foam fire extinguishers are extremely effective against fires involving solid combustible materials and flammable liquids. They are suitable for class A and B fires and the foam layer helps to prevent re-ignition.

CO2 Extinguishers

CO2 fire extinguishers are designed to fight class B fires involving flammable liquids but over recent years have been noted as being highly effective at extinguishing fires involving electrical equipment.

Water Extinguishers

Water fire extinguishers are suitable for class A fires involving solid combustibles such as wood, textiles and paper. Care should be taken to avoid electrical equipment when using water extinguishers as water is a conductor.

Water Mist Extinguishers

Water mist fire extinguishers are highly effective on class A, B, C, F and electrical fires. They have a unique "supersonic nozzle" which creates a microscopic mist curtain, reducing the oxygen content and creating a highly effective cooling blanket on the burning material.

Wet Chemical Extinguishers

Wet chemical fire extinguishers are specifically designed for use on class F fires involving combustible cooking media. Most wet chemical extinguishers have a special application lance which helps to smother the burning fuel and prevent re-ignition.

Fire Blankets

Fire blankets are excellent at fighting fires involving small scale combustible cooking media such as chip pans and deep fat fryers. They can also be used for extinguishing clothing fires by wrapping the blanket around the person on fire.