Water Fire Extinguishers

The effectiveness of water fire extinguishers

Water fire extinguishers work by cooling burning materials below their ignition temperature. When you spray water onto a fire, it absorbs enormous amounts of heat energy, turning to steam and creating a cooling effect that prevents re-ignition. This simple yet powerful mechanism makes them incredibly effective against Class A fires – the most common type of fire in homes and workplaces.

The cooling action penetrates deep into burning materials, ensuring thorough fire suppression. Unlike other extinguisher types that might leave hot spots, water extinguishers provide complete cooling throughout the affected area.

Fire types you can tackle with water extinguishers

Water fire extinguishers excel at fighting Class A fires involving:

• Wood and timber structures
• Paper and cardboard
• Fabric and textiles
• Plastics and rubber
• General household materials

Choosing the proper water fire extinguisher

Consider these key factors when selecting your water fire extinguisher:

Size and capacity

Choose based on the area you're protecting. Larger spaces require higher-capacity extinguishers, but remember that heavier units can be more difficult to handle during emergencies.

Maintenance requirements

All extinguishers need regular servicing. Water extinguishers require annual maintenance checks to ensure they're ready when needed.

Location suitability

Consider temperature ranges in your area. Water extinguishers can freeze in cold conditions, affecting their performance.

Why choose Safelincs for your water fire extinguisher needs?

We stock water fire extinguishers from leading manufacturers, ensuring you get reliable protection that meets British Standards. Our range includes various sizes and specifications to match your specific requirements.

Every extinguisher comes with clear instructions and mounting brackets. We also offer comprehensive maintenance services to keep your fire protection equipment in perfect working order.

Our technical team can advise on the best water fire extinguisher for your situation, taking into account your premises, fire risks, and budget considerations.

Don't leave fire safety to chance. Browse our water fire extinguisher range today and secure the protection you need for your property, as well as peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you use water fire extinguishers on electrical fires?

Water fire extinguishers should not be used on live electrical equipment unless they have been di-electrically tested and shown to be suitable for use on electrical equipment up to 1000 volts. Water mist extinguishers contain only de-ionised water, making them safe to use on live electrical equipment up to 1000V at a distance of 1m.

Look for the 'safe for use on electrical equipment' symbol on the extinguisher label to confirm that it has been adequately tested.

How often do water fire extinguishers need servicing?

The law requires that all fire extinguishers in commercial and public buildings be serviced at least once a year by a qualified technician. This annual servicing must be conducted by a competent person, typically from a professional fire protection company accredited by a recognised body, such as the British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE).

For water, foam, and powder extinguishers, you'll need to arrange an extended service every 5 years. Between professional services, you should conduct monthly visual checks yourself to ensure the extinguisher hasn't been tampered with, the pressure gauge reads normally, and there's no visible damage.

Which types of fires can water fire extinguishers tackle?

Water fire extinguishers are suitable for use on fires involving solid combustibles, such as wood, paper, fabrics and other class A fire risks. The water cools the fire and extinguishes it, penetrating burning fabrics and deep into the core of the fire.

However, water fire extinguishers should not be used on anything that isn't a class A fire - this means never use them on flammable liquids like petrol or oil, cooking oil fires, or gas fires. Using a water extinguisher on Class B, C, D, and Class F fires is ineffective and may worsen the fire.

Are water fire extinguishers safe to use around children and pets?

Water fire extinguishers are non-toxic and contain no harmful chemicals. This makes them safe for use in kitchens, in areas where children or pets are present, and near vulnerable adults. Unlike powder or foam extinguishers that can leave messy residue, water extinguishers create no harmful aftermath.

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. This makes them an excellent choice for homes, schools, and care facilities where safety around vulnerable people is a priority.

What's the difference between standard water extinguishers and water mist extinguishers?

Water mist extinguishers contain water, but what makes water mist different from standard water extinguishers is that the nozzle on the extinguisher disperses 'dry' water mist particles at a microscopic scale. 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 dielectric tested for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000V at a distance of 1m.

Standard water extinguishers create a continuous stream, whilst water mist creates fine droplets that cool fires more efficiently and safely. Water mist extinguishers are versatile, multi-purpose fire extinguishers capable of tackling the most common types of fires, including those involving live electrical equipment, making them more effective than traditional water extinguishers.

For specific applications, consider our 6-litre UltraFire water extinguisher for smaller areas or the robust 9-litre stainless steel water extinguisher for larger commercial environments.