Fire Extinguisher FAQs

Chrome fire extinguishers are mostly used in locations where visual appearance is important. The chrome exterior does not change the function of the extinguisher itself; therefore, it can be used for usual purposes. These silver extinguishers are popular in areas such as reception areas, restaurants, hotel lobbies and upmarket retail outlets.

Yes, when the engineer installs the extinguisher and gives the training on the yearly service they will leave a magnet with each customer.

These types of extinguishers are classed as an aerosol as opposed to a portable fire extinguisher. The product complies with the requirements of the Aerosol Dispensers Directive 2008/47/EC and carries the inverted epsilon "3" symbol to confirm this. The "CE" mark normally only applies to EN3 portable fire extinguishers. Although the Lithco Fire Extinguisher is not CE marked, it is manufactured and tested to comply with the requirements of BS 6165: 2002.

P50 extinguishers are perfect for an office environment and are well suited for fighting most common types of fire classes. The P50 Water Mist fire extinguisher is the most suitable for switching to from the most common Water / Foam and CO2 combination. They are capable of fighting most fire types including live electrical equipment up to 1000V.

The only exception to this, is in locations of large server cabinets and computer centres which require specialist fire-fighting equipment.

P50 service-free fire extinguishers are constructed from components that will not corrode. So, unlike traditional stainless-steel extinguishers there is no need to replace parts that may have corroded over the 10-year period.

Anyone in your organisation can complete the annual visual inspection for P50 service-free extinguishers. To ensure that they are competent in this simple process we train your staff as part of our installation package at no extra cost to you. We will issue staff with training certificates.

Most major insurance companies have approved P50 service-free fire extinguishers. Insurance companies usually request that extinguishers are checked annually by a competent or responsible person. The guidelines for extinguisher servicing, the BS 5306-3: 2009 standard, also states that the responsible person should maintain the extinguishers. A responsible person is defined as someone who has had the correct training to carry out this annual inspection as outlined by the manufacturer.

The manufacturer gives clear guidance that only an annual visual check is required and as part of our installation package we will train your staff how to do this. We will provide your staff with a training certificate to demonstrate their competency in this process.

The lifespan of a P50 extinguisher is 10-years plus another 10 upon refurbishment of the unit after this time. In order to organise the refurbishment, you can contact our customer care team and they can organise this service for you.

The British Standard states that 95% of the body of the fire extinguisher must be red, in order for a fire extinguisher to be BS EN3 approved. However, it is worth noting that the standard is a recommendation, not a legal requirement. Even though chrome fire extinguishers do not conform to this requirement, they are legal and hold the necessary CE mark for certification.

Fire extinguishers are made from a range of materials depending on the extinguisher type. Steel is a popular material for water and powder-based extinguishers and some CO2 units. Aluminium is commonly used on CO2 units due to the extinguishing agent needing to be under stored pressure. Stainless steel is used on a variety of extinguishers, recognised for its durability and stylish appearance.

Water‑based extinguishers can be used on live electrical equipment if they have the electrical symbol on the front. This shows that they have passed a di-electric test, making them safe for use on live electrical equipment up to 1,000 volts at a distance of 1m.

A Water Mist Extinguisher is a versatile fire extinguisher available for use on Class A, B, C and fires involving electrical equipment. Water Mist Fire Extinguishers have been dielectrically tested to ensure they are safe to use on live electrical equipment.

A CO2 fire extinguisher is recommended for areas where there is a lot of electrical equipment such as server rooms.

Powder fire extinguishers can also be used on fires involving electrical equipment but they are recommended for outdoor use only as they cause reduced visibility and difficulty breathing indoors when discharged.

Generally, CO2 fire extinguishers can be refurbished after 10 years. The process for refurbishing a CO2 extinguisher can be costly and time consuming, involving stripping the paint and refilling the cylinder.

It can often be cheaper and quicker to buy a new extinguisher or purchase an already refurbished extinguisher.

To ensure that your extinguisher is in good working order, you should do the following checks at least once, every month:

• Pressure gauge – ensure that the needle is in the green segment. If it is in the red zone the extinguisher may not have enough pressure to operate
• Tamper seals – ensure that the tamper seals are still in place and intact
• Handle – ensure that the handle is not bent or dented
• Weight – generally done by an engineer annually, however if the extinguisher feels lighter than it should, it would indicate a loss of pressure or contents

An additional check, specifically for powder extinguishers, is to check the extinguishing agent has not solidified. You can check this by turning it upside down. If you feel a ‘clonking’ movement, it is time to replace the extinguisher.

For more information, please see our extinguisher servicing and maintenance guide.

Yes, they can explode! Lithium-ion batteries can explode due to a chain reaction called thermal runaway. This occurs when the battery rapidly increases in temperature, usually from overcharging, exposure to extreme temperatures or moisture, or damage to the cells. Once thermal runaway begins, it will cause an internal fire in the casing which causes a build-up of toxic gases. The pressure eventually causes an explosive reaction.

Generally, lithium-ion batteries are safe to use and charge regularly, as long as they are not damaged, overcharged, or defective.

When people talk about ‘electrical fires’ they often mean fires involving electrical equipment. This is because electricity itself doesn't burn; but it can create sparks that can quickly spread to other surrounding materials.

If an electrical fire occurs, the best advice is always to move to a safe distance and call the fire brigade. If however, you need to tackle the fire, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the power source if you are able to.
2. Use a suitable fire extinguisher to tackle the blaze if it is safe to do so. Choose an extinguisher with the electrical symbol on the front and stand at least one metre from the fire.
3. Do NOT use a bucket of water to put out a fire involving live electrical equipment.

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.

The best extinguisher for barbecues is water mist which is totally non-toxic and fights all types of fires. It also creates a safe cloud of mist between the user and the fire and cannot harm children if used mischievously.

Water mist fire extinguishers are an ideal solution for type of BBQ, such as charcoal, gas and electric. They have been 35kV di-electrical tested and are safe for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000V at a distance of 1m, and they are not harmful to people, pets or the planet.

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.

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.

Water mist extinguishers are ideal for heritage and listed buildings. The fine water mist is very effective in extinguishing a fire and leaves minimum residue, reducing the damage to objects and delicate building materials. They are entirely non-toxic too.

View our guide to the different types of fire extinguisher for more information.

Although not mandatory, we recommend obtaining on-site certification and installation when purchasing fire extinguishers for your business. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires suitable firefighting equipment but does not provide specific requirements. It references guidance, like the British Standard BS 5306-8, which outlines how to determine extinguisher needs and emphasizes the importance of "commissioning." This involves a qualified service engineer installing the extinguishers, ensuring they are appropriate and operational, and providing certification.

While this standard is not legally binding, failing to follow it could lead to scrutiny by Fire Investigation Officers (FIOs) in the event of a fire, especially if injuries occur. Commissioning your extinguishers through a BAFE registered engineer ensures you have the correct type and quantity in the right locations, fully operational and compliant.

Yes, chrome extinguishers, also known as stainless steel or polished aluminium extinguishers, are made using the same quality standards as red ones and are legal. They have the same functionality and are as effective when tackling a fire.

However, the confusion occurs because the British Standard EN3 requires fire extinguishers to be red. This standard is a recommendation, not a legal requirement, so you are not breaking fire safety rules by installing chrome extinguishers. We recommend you check your insurance requirements for BS EN3 before choosing to install them.

Dielectric testing involves subjecting water-based extinguishers to 35,000 volts to verify that no electrical current can flow back to the person using the extinguisher. This stringent test confirms that the extinguisher is safe for use on electrical fires. Once passed, the extinguisher is marked as 'Suitable for use on Live Electrical Equipment up to 1000V at a distance of 1 metre' - that's four times domestic voltage levels.

Yes, our fire extinguisher ranges can be refilled after they have been used or discharged. For more information about how to refill extinguishers contact our servicing team at servicing@safelincs.co.uk.

Some fire extinguishers can be refilled after discharge. If the fire extinguisher was purchased from Safelincs, we offer a free after fire replacement. In the unfortunate event of a fire, if you use your Safelincs extinguishers we will replace them free of charge. Please contact our customer care team at support@safelincs.co.uk with your details and also the incident number or report from the fire service and photos of the fire damage. By claiming replacement products you agree to allow Safelincs to publicise the support case, including photographs, anonymously.

Steel fire extinguishers should have an annual basic service. P50 service-free fire extinguishers require an annual visual check. These inspections include inspecting the gauges, pins, hose, tags, and external condition of the extinguishers and updating the service sticker. In addition, weight checks are completed for steel extinguishers. 

Some types of extinguishers require an extended service every 5 years or an overhaul every 10 years. Read our guide to fire extinguisher servicing frequency for more information.

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.

Yes, all major insurance companies have approved P50 service-free fire extinguishers. According to the servicing standard BS 5306-3: 2009, a competent person must maintain the extinguishers in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Britannia states that only an annual visual inspection is required for maintenance.

When you purchase P50 service-free extinguishers, our engineers will install them at no additional cost and provide training for you or your staff on performing the simple yearly inspection. After this training, you will be classified as a competent person. Our engineers will ensure that you have the appropriate type and number of extinguishers according to the relevant British Standards, and they will issue an installation certificate for your records with your insurer.

Unlike traditional steel fire extinguishers, P50 extinguishers do not require discharging and refilling after 5 years – only an annual visual inspection is necessary each year. Just remember to perform a monthly walk past to verify that the extinguishers are in the correct position and have not been tampered with. A video demonstrating the visual inspection is also available on our website for future reference.

Strictly speaking there is no such thing as electrical fire, as electricity does not burn. Neither do the cable cores and other conductors. However, electrical current can heat up other materials to start fires. Often, it is the cable covering or foreign bodies in the electric equipment start to burn first.

If the electric supply to the equipment on fire continues, it is 'a fire involving live electrical equipment'. The use of, for example, a simple water extinguisher on this type of fire could lead to electrocution of the person fighting the fire. Our section of electrically safe extinguishers will help you select a suitable extinguisher for your building or application.

Ensure any water-based extinguisher has the lightning symbol displayed. This shows it has passed an electrical safety test in accordance with BS EN3 and is suitable for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000V and at a distance of 1m.

We usually recommend a water mist extinguisher for use at home as it can be used on all common fire types including small cooking fires, furniture, wood or paper fires and any fires involving electrical equipment. Another benefit of water mist extinguishers for the home is that they do not contain any nasty chemicals and so are not harmful to people, pets or the environment. They also leave very little residue to clean up as they only discharge tiny water droplets.

For properties with a deep fat fryer wet chemical fire extinguishers are also recommended.

AFFF foam contains PFAS chemicals, which have been identified as being harmful to the environment, people, and wildlife. Some PFAS chemicals have been banned since 2020, and other legal restrictions are imminent. This new legislation is expected to enforce a ban on the manufacture, sale and eventually ban the use of all AFFF foam extinguishers in the UK.

Need to replace your AFFF foam extinguishers? Read our advice about fluorine-free extinguishers for more clarification on suitable alternatives to AFFF foam.

Yes, P50 extinguishers fulfil all legal and certification requirements. View our guide to P50 extinguishers and legal requirements to find out more.

Yes, de-ionised water mist fire extinguishers have passed the di-electrical conductivity test, which marks them as safe for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000v in accordance with BS EN3-7. Two key factors differentiate water mist fire extinguishers from traditional water or foam units: 

• Water mist extinguishers are filled with de-ionised water, which cannot carry electrical current.
• The microscopic droplets that form the signature mist are too small and too far apart for electricity to flow through them.

P50 extinguishers are service-free fire extinguishers with a 20-year lifespan. Due to their unique construction, P50 extinguishers are lightweight, corrosion-free and incredibly durable making them ideal for use in any indoor or outdoor environment. View our P50 help section to find out more.

One of the main differences between steel and P50 extinguishers is that the P50 only requires an annual visual inspection by a competent person. To learn more, read our metal vs P50 extinguisher comparison table to see what makes the P50 different from traditional extinguishers.

The P50 extinguisher is used by many well-known companies such as Virgin Money, Empire Cinemas, Heathrow and BP. Please see companies using P50 extinguishers for more examples and information.

P50s are service-free fire extinguishers, so you are only required to do an annual visual inspection. To find out more about what you need to check, read our guide on how to look after your P50 extinguishers.

As with all fire extinguishers, you should do a monthly walk-past inspection as part of your H&S routines to ensure the extinguisher has not been used, moved or tampered with.

Fire extinguishers should be disposed of carefully as they are classified as hazardous waste. Please read our guide on how to dispose of old fire extinguishers to find out the safest way to dispose of your old fire extinguishers.

Traditional metal water mist fire extinguishers need to be serviced annually by a qualified engineer in the same way that foam, powder, and water extinguishers are. P50 Service-Free Water Mist Extinguishers do not require annual servicing by a technician.

Water mist extinguishers have been certified for use on Class F fires (cooking oils and fats), however following our own independent research, Safelincs does not recommend using water mist on anything above a 5F-rated fire (this is equivalent to an average domestic deep fat fryer). For class F fires above a 5F rating, we recommend a wet chemical extinguisher.

P50 extinguishers are 'service-free' rather than maintenance-free. Due to their unique construction, they do not require annual servicing from a trained extinguisher technician. Instead, they can be visually checked each year by a responsible member of your team. This saves money on annual servicing. Safelincs provide training for your staff on how to visually inspect P50 service-free fire extinguishers.

All types of fire extinguishers need to be maintained in good working order to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the British Standards. The annual maintenance process is much simpler for P50 Extinguishers, hence why they are often referred to as 'maintenance-free extinguishers'.

HGVs carrying dangerous goods require dry powder fire extinguishers and must comply with The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (CDG) where the minimum amount of dry powder depends on the vehicle tonnage. To find out the requirements for your vehicle, please see the summary of minimum dry powder requirements.

No, water mist extinguishers are probably the most environmentally-friendly extinguishers on the market. Our water mist extinguishers contain only de-ionised water – there are no chemicals in the extinguishers. This makes the discharge environmentally friendly and any spill or residue can be easily cleaned up.

Water mist extinguishers are real multi-purpose fire extinguishers capable of tackling the most common types of fire:

• Class A – solid combustibles
• Class B – flammable liquids
• Class C – flammable gases
• Class F – flammable oils (not recommended for use on anything above a 5F rated fire (this is equivalent to an average domestic deep fat fryer)
• Live electrical equipment up to 1000V

This includes waste bins, clothing, wooden furniture, soft furnishings, curtains and small gas appliances, making them ideal for a wide range of environments from homes to offices, workshops to churches, and even schools.