Fire Extinguishers & Equipment FAQs

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. 

• If the weight of the extinguisher is less than 4kg, the top of the handle should be 1.5m above ground level when installed. 
• If the fire extinguisher is more than 4kg, the top of the handle should be 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 1ltr+ 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.

• Check that the pressure gauge needle is in the green area. If it is in the red zone the extinguisher may not have enough pressure to operate
• Check that tamper seals are in place 
• Check that the handle is not bent or dented
• Check the weight to ensure that it still holds the full contents 
• Check that the powder in a powder extinguisher is not solid by turning it upside down. If you feel a 'clonking' movement of the powder you will need to replace it

While Hydrospray signage is available, ‘Hydrospray’ is simply a brand name for a water with additive extinguisher. They have the same firefighting suitability (Class A) as a standard water or water with additive extinguisher, so a water extinguisher ID sign would be sufficient.

Dielectrical testing is carried out on fire extinguishers to determine whether they are safe for use on electrical equpiment. If the contents conducts electricity, it will not be safe for this use. Once the extinguisher has passed this test, it is still limited for safety reasons for use on maximum 1000V and a minimum distance between extinguisher and fire of 1 meter (1000V is four times the voltage used in a domestic building). Find out more about dialectrical testing or view our range of extinguishers for electrical equipment.

Yes, our fire extinguisher ranges can be refilled after they have been used or discharged. For more information about how to refill extinguishers contact 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.

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 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 lightening 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.

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, 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.

Traditional metal water mist extinguishers need to be serviced annually by a qualified engineer in the same way that foam, powder and water extinguishers are.

HGVs carrying dangerous goods require dry powder 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.

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.