Introduction:
A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire brigade. Typically, a fire extinguisher consists of a hand-held cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent that can be discharged to extinguish a fire.
What Are the Different Types of Fire Extinguishers?
There are five main types of fire extinguishers:
- Water.
- Powder.
- Foam.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
- Wet chemical.
1. Water Extinguishers
There are two types water extinguishers: water spray and dry water mist.Standard water extinguishers
These will be solid red and will have the word ‘water’ or ‘aqua spray’ printed across them in white text. They are your classic model: they dispense water at a high pressure to extinguish flames.
Water extinguishers are only suitable for class A fires, which means they can fight fires that involve wood, cardboard, paper, plastics, fabric and textiles, and other solid materials.Dry water mist extinguisher
These types of fire extinguishers will be solid red and will have the words ‘water mist’ printed within a white rectangle.
Dry water mist extinguishers are unique in that they can combat almost all types of fires, including class F fires that are usually difficult to attack. The extinguisher’s nozzle converts water into ‘dry’ microscopic particles, which are then drawn into the fire and simultaneously cool and suffocate it to extinguish the flames. best portable fire pump