All Fire Extinguishers

Monthly visual checks are recommended for all extinguishers, with annual professional servicing required under BS 5306-3. Extended service intervals vary by extinguisher type, so always follow your service engineer's recommendations to ensure your units remain compliant and ready for use.

Water, foam, dry powder and CO2 are the four most commonly referenced types, but there is a fifth: wet chemical, which is specifically designed for fires involving cooking oils and fats. British Standards and industry guidance recognise all five as distinct categories, each matched to particular fire classes.

Fire extinguishers do not carry a fixed expiry date, but they are assessed for age-related condition during each service. Once a unit reaches the end of its recommended service life or fails inspection, it should be replaced. Your service engineer will advise when an extinguisher is no longer fit for use.

Vehicle fire extinguishers require careful consideration of size based on your vehicle type and space constraints. For cars and smaller vehicles, 600g to 1kg powder extinguishers provide excellent fire-fighting capability whilst remaining compact enough for easy storage. Vans benefit from 2kg powder extinguishers, which offer greater capacity without being cumbersome. Commercial vehicles, such as lorries and HGVs, typically require 4kg to 6kg powder extinguishers for adequate protection. The key is balancing firefighting power with portability and storage space.

Stored pressure extinguishers keep the pressurising gas stored within the central cylinder alongside the extinguishing agent. This design makes them lighter and more compact, making them ideal for portable applications. Cartridge-operated extinguishers store the pressurising gas in a separate cartridge that punctures when activated. These systems are more reliable for long-term storage and are often used in industrial applications. Both types are effective, but stored pressure units are more common for general commercial and domestic use.

Refurbished fire extinguishers can be just as reliable as new units when properly reconditioned. These second-life cylinders undergo rigorous testing and re-certification to ensure they meet all safety standards. The reconditioning process includes pressure testing, component replacement, and quality checks. They provide an economical alternative to new extinguishers whilst maintaining effectiveness. However, they may have shorter warranty periods and slightly different aesthetics compared to brand-new units.

Stainless steel fire extinguishers are more expensive due to the superior materials and manufacturing processes used in their production. The stainless steel construction offers excellent corrosion resistance, making them ideal for harsh environments or prestigious locations where appearance matters. They maintain their polished finish longer than painted steel alternatives and provide enhanced durability. These extinguishers are popular in hotels, restaurants, and commercial premises where aesthetics are essential. The premium price reflects both the materials used and the enhanced longevity they provide.

Fire extinguisher capacity requirements depend on the fire risk and the size of the room being protected. Small offices and domestic rooms typically need 1kg to 2kg of extinguishers for adequate coverage. Medium commercial spaces benefit from 4kg to 6kg units, which provide longer discharge times and greater firefighting capability. Large warehouses, industrial areas, and high-risk environments often require 9kg portable units or wheeled extinguishers for maximum protection. When selecting capacity, consider maximum travel distance, the potential fire load and the distance the extinguisher needs to cover.

The type of extinguisher will depend on the location and your specific fire risks. View our fire extinguisher types guide to determine suitable extinguishers for your application.

Water mist fire extinguishers provide the best broad-spectrum solution for landlords. Water mist can tackle most common fire risks in the home and is 5kV di-electrical tested for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000V at a distance of 1m. For the kitchen, we recommend a 2ltr water mist extinguisher and a fire blanket. If a property has a deep fat fryer, we would recommend installing a wet chemical fire extinguisher in addition to the fire blanket.

Water mist fire extinguishers contain only de-ionised water, making them non-toxic and safe to use around children and animals. They leave no messy residue to clean up after discharge.

All our portable fire extinguishers are supplied fully charged and ready for use, including our large-capacity wheeled fire extinguishers. Should you require de-pressurised extinguishers for air-freighting, please call 0800 612 6537.

We offer on-site extinguisher commissioning and full installation service. These additional services require one of our BAFE-registered engineers to visit your site.

The installation height for portable fire extinguishers depends on the weight of the extinguisher.

• If the weight of the extinguisher is less than 4kg, the top of the handle should be up to 1.5m above ground level when installed.
• If the fire extinguisher is more than 4kg, the top of the handle should be up to 1.0m above ground level.
• When installing two extinguishers next to each other, you can install both at the height of the heaviest extinguisher.

Some shows may request that you have your own fire extinguisher for your stand. This usually depends on the risk assessment carried out by the event organisers. If you are required to take your own extinguisher a water mist extinguisher covers most fire hazards and does not leave any residue to clean up afterwards.