Powder Fire Extinguishers

Powder Fire Extinguishers

ABC Powder Fire Extinguishers (also called Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers) are suitable for fighting a range of different fire risks which include:

• Class A (solid materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, plastics etc.)
• Class B (flammable liquids or liquefiable solids such as paint, oil, wax etc.)
• Class C (flammable gases such as natural gas, LPG etc.)

Many are also safe for use on fires involving live electrical equipment. This is typically displayed on the cylinder in the form of an electrical bolt icon, or reference is made to it in the text on the cylinder body.

Often referred to as multi-purpose, powder extinguishers are very broad acting and are therefore used in a wide range of settings, such as: engineering workshops, cars, boats and garages. The use of powder fire extinguishers indoors is not recommended as per BS 5306-8:2012. This is due to the risk of inhalation of the fine powder particles and impairment of vision if used indoors. Soft furnishings that come into contact with the powder are also very hard to clean.

ABC Powder Fire Extinguishers

An ABC Powder Fire Extinguisher, often referred to as general or multi-purpose, is the most common type of powder extinguisher and is equipped for dealing with Class A, B and C fires. ABC Powder Extinguishers typically use ammonium or a mono-ammonium phosphate mixed with other powders and works by smothering the fire, to starve it of oxygen. ABC Dry Powders can be used in a number of locations but are most often found at petrol forecourts, in vehicles and garages, or where fire involving flammable liquids and gases could be a hazard. Their use indoors is not encouraged due to the mess powder creates and the potential impairment of vision and effects on respiration it can cause. The BS 5306-8:2012 standard provides further information on where powder extinguishers are recommended for use.

Monnex Powder Fire Extinguishers

Monnex Dry Powder is a specialist type of powder and is typically based on a potassium bicarbonate for use where a standard powder extinguisher may not have the knockdown power to starve a fire. Often referred to as one of the most powerful extinguishers, whilst remaining portable, they typically boast a much higher Class B rating when compared to other powder extinguishers and so are most effective on petrol and oil based fires. A Monnex Powder Extinguisher is ideal for high risk locations such as airports, race tracks and fuel stations or where any flammable liquid is stored and the rapid knockdown of flames would be critical.