Domestic Fire Extinguishers

When fire breaks out in your home, every second counts. A fire extinguisher can be the difference between a minor incident and a devastating blaze that destroys everything you hold dear. But choosing the right one for your home isn't as simple as grabbing the first red cylinder you see.

Read more about domestic fire extinguishers...

Types of fire extinguishers for your home

Most homes require a multi-purpose fire extinguisher that can effectively tackle various types of fires. The best choice for domestic use is typically a water mist fire extinguisher, as these can effectively handle the most common household fires, including those caused by burning wood, paper, textiles, and cooking oils.

Powder extinguishers are useful for garages and workshops as they will effectively tackle fires involving flammable liquids like petrol or paint, as well as wood and paper. They are not ideal for use in the house as they create a lot of mess when dispersed.

For kitchens specifically, a water mist fire extinguisher should be sufficient unless you have a large quantity deep fat fryer. If this is the case, it is advisable to have a wet chemical fire extinguisher to hand. These are specially designed to cool burning oil and create a barrier that prevents re-ignition. A fire blanket is an additional tool that is useful to have on hand in a kitchen environment in the event of a fire.

Placing fire extinguishers in your home

The kitchen is your priority. This is where most house fires start, so keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach of your cooking area – but not so close that you'd have to reach over flames to grab it.

Consider placing fire extinguishers on each floor of your home, particularly near high-risk areas such as the garage, workshop, or fireplace. Mount them on walls where everyone can see and easily reach them. Don't hide them in cupboards or behind doors.

How big should a home fire extinguisher be?

For most homes, a 2kg or 3kg fire extinguisher strikes the right balance between effectiveness and manageability. These are light enough for most people to handle but contain enough suppressant to deal with small to medium fires.

Larger 6kg models pack more punch but can be heavy and awkward in an emergency. Smaller 1kg extinguishers are easier to handle and are ideal for extinguishing small fires as soon as they start.

Different fire extinguishers may be required for different rooms

Different rooms present different fire risks, so your choice of fire extinguisher should match the specific hazards likely to occur in each room. Your kitchen needs something that can handle oil fires, your living room might need protection against electrical fires from entertainment systems, and your garage or workshop may need coverage for flammable liquids.

A good approach is to choose versatile extinguishers that can handle multiple fire types, then add specialist ones for specific high-risk areas. This provides comprehensive protection without cluttering your home with unnecessary equipment.

Checking your fire extinguisher regularly

Check your fire extinguisher monthly. Look at the pressure gauge – the needle should be in the green zone. Examine the body for dents, rust, or damage. Ensure the safety pin is intact and the operating instructions are readable.

In a commercial setting, professional servicing should happen annually (this is not required in a domestic environment). This involves checking the internal components, testing the pressure, and replacing any worn parts as needed. Many manufacturers recommend replacing extinguishers every 5 to 10 years, depending on the type of extinguisher.

The difference between powder and foam fire extinguishers

Powder extinguishers are the most versatile for home use. They work on most types of fires, including electrical fires, making them a versatile and reliable choice. However, they create a lot of residue that can damage electronics and make cleanup difficult.

Foam extinguishers are good all-rounders for tackling ordinary combustibles and flammable liquids, and usually fires involving electrical equipment. However, water mist is a better option.

Vehicle-specific fire extinguishers

Car fire extinguishers are designed to address the unique challenges of vehicle fires and are compact. They typically use powder or foam and are compact enough to fit in a glove compartment or under a seat.

Vehicle fires can involve fuel, oil, electrical systems, and interior materials, so you need an extinguisher that can handle multiple types of fires. Powder fire extinguishers are a popular choice for vehicles as they cover all common fire types found in or around vehicles.

Protecting your home and family starts with being prepared. Explore our selection of domestic fire extinguishers and discover the ideal protection for your specific needs. Understanding the different fire extinguisher types available helps you make informed choices for your home's safety requirements. For kitchen safety specifically, our guide on pan fires and fire extinguishers provides essential information about tackling cooking oil fires safely. Our expert team can help you choose the perfect fire safety solution for your home, because when it comes to fire safety, there's no room for compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a fire extinguisher if I haven't received training?

Yes, but only if you're confident and the fire is small. Fire extinguishers use the PASS technique: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. However, if you're unsure about whether it's safe to use a fire extinguisher, alert others, leave the building and call 999.

Should I teach my children how to use a fire extinguisher?

It is not recommended to teach children to use fire extinguishers; instead, they should focus on getting to safety. Fire extinguishers are heavy, making the situation potentially dangerous for young people to handle and it may delay them evacuating to safety in time.

What happens if I drop my fire extinguisher?

Since fire extinguishers are pressurised, dropping one may damage the functionality. Check the pressure gauge afterwards - if it's not in the green zone, it may be time to replace it.

Are there any fires that I should never attempt to tackle myself?

Never attempt to fight large fires, fires that are spreading rapidly, or any fire if you don't have a clear escape route. Only use a fire extinguisher when the fire is small and contained, everyone else is out of the building, and you're physically able to operate it.

What if my fire extinguisher pressure gauge is in the red zone?

If the pressure indicator is in either red zone, the fire extinguisher needs servicing or replacing immediately and shouldn't be used. The green zone indicates proper pressure for effective operation.

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500ml Compact Home Fire Extinguisher / Fire Fighting Spray - Kidde Flame Out

A compact solution for your home fire fighting needs. Suitable for your home and effective for most common types of fires.

Extinguishes grease, wood, paper, and household waste
Safe and environmentally friendly
Lightweight and easy to use aerosol design
2 year warranty

£13.99 inc VAT

£11.66 ex VAT

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Free Delivery

1ltr+ Water Mist Fire Extinguisher & Fire Blanket Special Offer

This 1ltr water mist fire extinguisher and 1.0m x 1.0m fire blanket special offer is ideal for small kitchens.

FREE delivery
Residue-free agent
For Class A, B, C, F fires and live electrical equipment
Complete with 1.0m x 1.0m fire blanket

Save 8%

Now: £68.63 inc VAT

£57.19 ex VAT

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1kg Powder Fire Extinguisher & Fire Blanket Special Offer

This 1kg powder fire extinguisher and compact 1.0m x 1.0m fire blanket offer is ideal for domestic garages and workshops.

FREE delivery
Powder Extinguisher Rating: 5A, 34B, C
Complete with 1.0m x 1.0m fire blanket
Ideal for home garages or workshops

Save 21%

Now: £27.47 inc VAT

£22.89 ex VAT

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1ltr+ Water Mist Fire Extinguisher - UltraFire

The best solution for home owners & owners of holiday cottages or caravans. These extinguisher are safe to use & effective for most common types of fires.

Proven on class A, B, C, and F fires
Safe on electrical equipment
100% non-harmful and 100% clean agent
Perfect for clothing fires

Save 5%

From: £51.99 inc VAT

£43.33 ex VAT

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2kg Powder Fire Extinguisher - UltraFire

A handy all-rounder, these small powder units are great for commercial vehicles and small outdoor fire risks.

Extinguisher Rating: 13A, 70B, C
5 Year Warranty
Kitemarked to BS EN3: 1996
CE marked

From: £19.79 inc VAT

£16.49 ex VAT

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6ltr Water Fire Extinguisher - UltraFire

This 6 litre water fire extinguisher is ideal for fighting class A fires without using any other chemicals.

Extinguisher rating: 13A
35,000 Volt dielectric conductvity test: PASSED
5 year warranty
CE marked, Kitemarked to BS EN3

Save 6%

Now: £37.19 inc VAT

£30.99 ex VAT

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P50 Service-Free 2ltr Water Mist Fire Extinguisher

Capable of tackling all common fires, these extinguishers are suitable for all domestic premises and most businesses.

Extinguisher Rating: 8A, 5F
Kitemarked by BSI to BS EN3
Safe for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000V
Manufactured in the UK
Optional install and commissioning

From: £64.97 inc VAT

£54.14 ex VAT

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3ltr Water Mist Fire Extinguisher - UltraFire

Utilising the latest in water mist technology, the 3l water mist is suitable for private homes as well as business environments.

Effective on A, B, C, and F type fires
Safe on live electrical equipment up to 1000V
100% non-harmful and 100% clean agent
Kitemarked and CE marked

£69.23 inc VAT

£57.69 ex VAT

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6ltr Water Mist Fire Extinguisher - UltraFire

An innovation in fire fighting equipment, this water mist extinguisher fights a multitude of fires whilst maintaining the user's safety using microscopic water mist particles.

Effective on A, B, and C type fires
Safe on live electrical equipment up to 1000V
100% non-harmful and 100% clean agent
Kitemarked and CE marked

£82.79 inc VAT

£68.99 ex VAT

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P50 Service-Free 6ltr Water Mist Fire Extinguisher

Replace your standard water and CO2 combination fire points with a single unit, suitable for all common fires.

Extinguisher Rating: 13A
Safe for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000V
Kitemarked by BSI to BS EN3
Manufactured in the UK
Price includes site survey, install and commissioning

From: £181.82 inc VAT

£151.52 ex VAT

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6ltr Water Mist Fire Extinguisher - Act Fire

Tackle all common fires with the 6ltr water mist extinguisher from Act Fire. Suitable for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000V, and Class A fire types.

Extinguisher Rating: 21A, Dielectric
Warranty: Exclusive Safelincs 5 year warranty
Certified to BS EN3, CE marked, UKCA marked, and MED approved
Powerful fire fighting capabilities with zero harmful chemical additives

£56.15 inc VAT

£46.79 ex VAT

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0.6kg & 0.8kg Powder Fire Extinguishers for Cars, Caravans and Travel - Firechief

These lightweight and compact powder extinguishers from Firechief, available in 600g & 800g versions, have impressive fire fighting capabilities and are ideal for cars, caravans and travel.

ABC powder fire extinguisher available in two sizes: 600g and 800g
Extinguisher Rating: 600g: 5A, 21B, C & 800g: 5A, 34B, C
5 year warranty
CE marked and LPCB approved to BS EN3 (excl. clause 6.1 - size requirement)

From: £13.67 inc VAT

£11.39 ex VAT

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600g & 950g Powder Fire Extinguishers for Cars and Caravans - UltraFire

Ideal for cars, caravans and travel applications, the UltraFire Alpha (600g) and UltraFire Beta (950g) powder fire extinguishers feature a 5 year warranty.