Fire extinguishers are safety devices used to control or suppress a fire in an emergency. They help keep tiny blazes from expanding into giant, unmanageable fires. Knowing about the different types of fire extinguishers is essential in choosing the right type depending on the fire and the surroundings. In this article, we’ll be discussing all of the different types depending on which classification is used, how they can be used, their uses and disadvantages, and the newest trends in fire safety.
Classification of Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are categorized according to the type of extinguisher, the type of fire it is used for, and the way in which it works. Each type has its own set of properties that are suitable for various fire situations. Here’s a detailed overview of the types by various measures:
Types of Fire Extinguishers Based on Extinguishing Agent
a) Water Fire Extinguishers
Extinguishers are distinguished by the substance with which they control the flames. They are all different in composition and efficiency depending on the kind of fire to which they are suited.
Description: Water fire extinguishers employ water as the extinguishing agent and are used for Class A (ordinary combustibles, such as paper, wood, and textiles). Water works by cooling the fire to below its starting point and soaking up the burning materials so they don’t re-ignite.
Applications: Suitable for residence, office, and any place where a solid material like wood, cloth, and paper might catch fire. For electrical or liquid fires, avoid water extinguishers.
Examples: Typically found in sizes such as 2L, 5L and 9L, these extinguishers are commonly found in residences and offices.
b) Foam Fire Extinguishers
Description: Foam fire extinguishers are made of water and foam concentrate. The foam encloses the fire, shutting off its oxygen supply and keeping out flammable vapours. They are used for Class A (solid fuels) and Class B (flammable liquids) fires.
Applications: For automotive, manufacturing, and stores of volatile liquids. They work equally well for both liquid and solid fires, and so are suitable for many applications.
Examples: Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) extinguishers are most often found in industries prone to liquid ignitable fires, like paint rooms or garages.
c) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishers
Description: CO2 fire extinguishers kill a fire by replacing oxygen with carbon dioxide, which chokes the flames. They leave no residue, so they are perfect for electrical fires and sensitive equipment.
Applications: Generally used for electrical (Class C) and flammable liquid fires (Class B). They are popular in server rooms, laboratories, electrical-equipped offices. CO2 extinguishers are ineffective on solid matter fires.
Examples: 5 kg and 2 kg CO2 extinguishers are found in offices, laboratories and server rooms for spotting electrical fires.
d) Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Description: Dry powder fire extinguishers are used by spraying a powder (typically sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or monoammonium phosphate) to neutralize the flames. The powder coats the fuel, dissolving it from the oxygen, and thus suppresses the flames.
Applications: These extinguishers can be used for Class A, B, and C fires. They are used to suppress a fire in solids, liquids and electrical components. But they’re messy, and can damage equipment.
Examples: ABC dry powder extinguishers are one of the most common and versatile types, used in industrial, automotive and residential applications.
e) Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Description: The potassium solution in wet chemical fire extinguishers reacts with cooking oils and fats to form a soapy foam that cools the fire and puts it out. They are used specifically for kitchen fires (Class K).
Applications: In commercial kitchens, restaurants, and food processing plants where cooking oils and fats are used. Wet chemical extinguishers help to eliminate high-temperature grease fires found in the kitchen.
Examples: Wet chemical extinguishers come in sizes of 2L, 5L and 6L and are commonly found in catering areas and kitchens.
Types of extinguisher for types of fire
Similarly, fire extinguishers can be grouped according to the fire class they are used to put out. Depending on what is being burnt, fires are divided into several classes. Each type of fire needs its own kind of extinguisher in order to be suppressed.
a) Class A Fire Extinguishers (Combustible Materials)
Description: Class a type of fire are flammable solids such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and plastic. These are the most common types of fires and are usually the first ones to burn in homes, businesses, and factories.
Suitable Extinguishers: Water, foam, dry powder, and wet chemical fire extinguishers are suitable for Class A fires. Water is the most common extinguisher, but you can also choose from foam and powder for greater versatility.
b) Class B Fire Extinguishers (Inflammable Liquids and Gases)
Description: Classes B fires are those caused by combustible liquids (petrol, oil, paint) or gases (propane and butane). Such fires need the use of suppressive chemicals, which will stop the fire from burning away as vapours.
Suitable Extinguishers: Foam, CO2 and dry powder fire extinguishers are most often required for Class B fires. The foam acts as a curtain to keep liquid fires contained, and CO2 and powder choke the flames.
c) Class C Fire Extinguishers (Electrical Fires)
Description: Class C fires are caused by electrical devices such as wiring, appliances and circuit breakers. This kind of fire is challenging because the extinguisher cannot conduct electricity.
Suitable Extinguishers: CO2 and dry powder fire extinguishers are the ideal ones for electrical fires because they do not conduct electricity. CO2 performs particularly well because it leaves no residue.
d) Class D Fire Extinguishers (Combustible Metals)
Description: The fires in this class D involve combustible metals like magnesium, titanium, and sodium. Such fires burn at extreme temperatures and need to be suppressed using highly specialized tools.
Suitable Extinguishers: Metal fires require dry powder extinguishers. Water should never be used in Class D fires because it produces violent reactions.
e) Class K Fire Extinguishers (Cooking Oils and Fats)
Description: Class K kitchen fires are caused by cooking oils and fats. These are different fires because the oils heat up.
Suitable Extinguishers: Wet chemical fire extinguishers are specially designed for Class K fires and can effectively contain them. They keep the fire cool, but they also leave a foam layer that helps stop the fire from resetting.
Types of Fire Extinguishers Based on Operation Method
We can also label fire extinguishers based on their use. This class refers to how the extinguishing agent is discharged from the apparatus.
a) Stored Pressure Fire Extinguishers
Description: Stored pressure extinguishers are the most common. They put the extinguisher in the pressure canister. The agent is released when the handle is pressed.
Application: Compatible with all fire classes, especially for home, office and factory. They are lightweight and very versatile for different types of fires.
b) Cartridge-Operated Fire Extinguishers
Description: Cartridge-operated extinguishers use a different cartridge to hold the pressurizing solution. Once the cartridge is fired, the extinguisher is pushed into place to release the extinguishing solution.
Application: These extinguishers are commonly used in larger industrial applications and can provide faster discharge times than stored pressure extinguishers.
Types of Fire Extinguishers According to Size and Portability
Small and portable fire extinguishers are also segmented into these categories. This is a critical point in figuring out if they’re usable in any environment. Fire extinguisher size has an immediate impact on the amount of extinguishing liquid it contains and how easily it is carried or mounted to a surface.
a) Portable Fire Extinguishers
Description: These are the most common fire extinguishers and can be easily carried and operated by a single person. Usually, they are small and can be used for houses, offices, and cars.
Application: Perfect for home, auto, small offices and public places where fires can easily be contained using mini extinguishers.
Examples: Portable CO2 extinguishers (2 kg), dry powder extinguishers (2-6 kg), and water extinguishers (5L).
b) Wheeled Fire Extinguishers
Description: Wheeled fire extinguishers are heavy-duty fire extinguishers, on wheels, usually used in industries or outdoor spaces. These extinguishers can hold more than 50 kg to 150 kg extinguishing fluid, and can be used by more than one person.
Applications: Large factories, warehouses, airports, etc where a fire can occur quickly across an extended area.
Example: 50 kg dry powder wheeled extinguisher or 100 kg foam wheeled extinguisher.
Types of Fire Extinguishers Based on Power Supply
Some fire extinguishers have power sources or other mechanisms for accelerating the discharge. These can be helpful in settings where the usual techniques (such as stored pressure) are not enough or optimal.
a) Electric Fire Extinguishers
Description: Fire extinguisher for electrical fire are specifically made to combat electrical fires (Class C). They operate without conducting electricity so you aren’t exposed to the risk of electric shock to yourself or the room around you.
Application: Workstations, datacenters, server rooms, power switches, and other high-voltage places.
Examples: CO2 extinguishers are primarily employed in electrical fires because they are non-conductive.
b) Air-Pressurized Fire Extinguishers
Description: These extinguishers blow compressed air to release the extirpant. The air pressure is produced by hand, and they may provide more efficient venting over a longer range than stored pressure extinguishers.
Application: In highly specialized industrial applications, for instance in food or large-machine environments, a controlled discharge is needed.
Examples: Air-pressured water extinguishers, dry chemical extinguishers.
Fire Extinguishers Types Based On Its Application
Some extinguishers are designed with a particular application method that suits specific fire scenarios.
a) Automatic Fire Extinguishers
Description: Automatic fire extinguishers have fire detection sensors, which automatically trigger the discharge of the extinguisher.
Applications: Great for places where humans can’t move fast enough, like in engine bays, electrical panels or kitchens.
Examples: Automatic wet chemical fire extinguishers, usually used in commercial kitchens to prevent grease fires.
b) Manual Fire Extinguishers
Description: These are your typical fire extinguishers, which you manually press on them. The user has to point and press the handle to release the agent.
Applications: In the majority of domestic, commercial, and commercial applications. They’re the most used fire extinguisher in everyday life.
Examples: CO2, dry powder, water extinguishers.
Types of Fire Extinguishers Based on Special Features
Even fire extinguishers can be separated by their optional features to provide superior performance under certain circumstances.
a) Multi-Use Fire Extinguishers
Description: Multi-use extinguishers can handle various fire classes (as in A, B, C). They typically consist of a powdery dry ingredient that is effective in a range of fire conditions.
Applications: These extinguishers are ideal for general applications in homes and businesses where multiple fire hazards exist.
Examples: ABC dry powder extinguishers (to use for solid, liquid, and electrical fires).
b) Non-Toxic Fire Extinguishers
Description: These extinguishers contain non-toxic agents responsible for extinguishing of fire, which makes them ideal for the enclosed environment or other situations where people are at risk (hospitals, factories, etc.).
Applications: In highly regulated areas like hospitals, schools and food processing plants where the welfare of people and animals is at stake.
Example: Clean agent extinguishers (FM-200, e.g.) or CO2 extinguishers that don’t contain harmful chemicals or can be harmful to the health of users.
Pros and Cons of Fire Extinguisher Types
| Type | Pros | Cons |
| Water Extinguishers | Simple to use, inexpensive, suitable for wood and paper fires | Cannot be used for electrical or flammable liquid fires |
| Foam Extinguishers | Effective for liquid and solid fires, leaves no residue | Not suitable for electrical fires |
| CO2 Extinguishers | No residue, ideal for electrical fires | Can be ineffective on flammable solids |
| Dry Powder Extinguishers | Versatile, effective for Class A, B, and C fires | Leaves residue, can be messy and harmful to sensitive equipment |
| Wet Chemical Extinguishers | Specialized for kitchen fires, cools and suppresses oil fires | Only suitable for Class K fires, not for general use |
Best Comparison Table of Different Types of Fire Extinguishers
| Type | Size (kg) | Fire Class | Agent | Estimated Price Range (INR) |
| Water Extinguishers | 2L, 5L, 9L | Class A | Water | 500 – 2000 |
| Foam Extinguishers | 2L, 5L, 9L | Class A, B | Foam | 1500 – 3000 |
| CO2 Extinguishers | 2kg, 5kg | Class B, C | CO2 | 2000 – 5000 |
| Dry Powder Extinguishers | 2kg, 4kg, 6kg | Class A, B, C | Dry Powder | 1200 – 3000 |
| Wet Chemical Extinguishers | 2L, 6L | Class K | Wet Chemical | 3000 – 6000 |
Trending Topics in Fire Extinguisher Technology
- Smart Fire Extinguishers
- Example: With Smart fire extinguishers, you can now use IoT to monitor fires and turn the extinguisher on automatically without human intervention.
- Explanation: These equipment use sensors that sense the type of fire, the temperature, and other conditions to automatically trigger and send an alert.
- Eco-Friendly Fire Extinguishers
- Example: Eco-friendly fire extinguishers are becoming more popular with non-toxic biodegradable agents to avoid an after-use carbon footprint.
- Explanation: Eco-friendly products such as water mist and foam are increasingly being used by fire safety companies to lower their carbon footprint.
Future Trends in Fire Extinguisher Technology
- Development of Multi-Class Extinguishers
- Example: Extinguishers might be developed to fight multiple fire types in the same machine, using a combination of dry powder, foam, and water mist for different fires.
- Explanation: This would allow more freedom and make it much simpler to control fires when there are multiple hazards.
- Portable and Wearable Fire Extinguishers
- Example: Scientists are developing wearable fire extinguishers that would enable firefighters or workers working in a hazardous environment to wear a portable extinguisher on their person.
- Explanation: Such devices might be particularly useful in areas such as aircraft, labs and oil rigs where it is essential to have firefighting equipment at hand at short notice.
When choosing a fire extinguisher, you need to consider how safe your home, office, factory, or business premises are. An understanding of which kinds of fire extinguisher exist, their extinguishing material, fire classification, and usages is the first step to making a decision. As fire technology evolves, smart and green fire extinguishers, multi-class extinguishers, and wearable technology can be expected to make fire fighting more effective and affordable. Make sure you have the right type of fire extinguisher for the job, and that you regularly check it for wear to be ready for an emergency.