Fire Extinguishers for Offices

One of the main fire risks in modern office environment is electrical equipment with workstations containing computers, stereos, kettles, shredders etc. Using liquid or powder extinguishers on electrical equipment such as computers can damage them; we therefore recommend the use of gaseous CO2 extinguishers or residue-free extinguishers such as water mist extinguishers containing de-ionised water. Please note that any liquid-based extinguisher used must be safe for use on electric equipment. This safety is certified with a di-electric test that is carried out with 35,000 Volts. Water mist extinguishers with de-ionised water fulfill such requirement.

Water Mist Fire Extinguishers – The Office All-Rounder

Water mist fire extinguishers with de-ionised water provide fire fighting for class A, B, C and Electrical risks. In an office environment these water mist fire extinguishers provide users with a multi-purpose unit with next to no residue meaning reduced clean up. As de-ionised water cannot conduct electricity, these extinguishers are safe on live electrical equipment of up to 1,000 Volt at 1m distance.

Water mist units can be used on a multitude of fire risks and are therefore ideally located in areas with untrained users, where a single extinguisher type can be used to tackle all hazards.

Fire Classification

Water mist fire extinguisher are recommended for use on the following types of fire.

CO2 Fire Extinguishers – Ideal for Computers and Servers

With today's office environments containing computers, printers, radios, heaters etc, it is important to have the necessary fire fighting equipment to hand. A CO2 fire extinguisher has the capability of putting out fires fuelled by electrical equipment by depriving the fire of oxygen.

With CO2 fire extinguishers working on the principle of suffocating fires, the same danger can apply to humans so it is unadvisable to use a CO2 fire extinguisher in confined areas where the flow of air may be limited.

Fire Classification

CO2 fire extinguisher are suitable for use on the following types of fire.

P50 Foam Service-Free Fire Extinguishers

Furniture, waste paper bins, filing cabinets and many other objects in office spaces can be the potential fuel for a fire. Foam extinguishers with their good Class A rating are ideal for paper and soft furnishings, as the liquid quells the fire and seeps into the surface, putting out any embers. P50 Foam Extinguishers are also dielectrically tested, making them safe to use on live electrical equipment such as computers or lighting (up to 1kv electricity from 1m distance).

The P50 Foam Service-Free Fire Extinguisher can be used as a replacement for a traditional foam and CO2, or Water and CO2 combination. They are also ''service-free'', meaning they do not require servicing annually by a technician. Switching to P50 extinguishers could save you up to 50% on the cost of your fire extinguishers.

Fire Classification

P50 Foam Fire Extinguishers are suitable for use on the following types of fire.

Related Guides

Read our guide to fire classes and guide to fire extinguisher types to learn more.

Reviewed: 28/02/2023 (doc:11 V1.2). Our articles are reviewed regularly. However, any changes made to standards or legislation following the review date will not have been considered. Please note that we provide abridged, easy-to-understand guidance. To make detailed decisions about your fire safety provisions, you might require further advice or need to consult the full standards and legislation.