Types of Fire Extinguishers
There are five general classes of fire extinguishers. Only the first three apply to typical residential purposes. The class are:
- Class A: for ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, cloth)
- Class B: for flammable liquids (gasoline, grease, oil)
- Class C: for electrical equipment (appliances, tools)
- Class D: for combustible metals (most often found in factories)
- Class K: for cooking combustibles (vegetable and animal oils and fats; most often found in commercial kitchens)
Every fire extinguisher should have the class or classes of fires it is intended to extinguish clearly marked on the container.
How To Choose
Be sure to choose an extinguisher suited for the type of fire you can expect in that particular location. Better yet, look for extinguishers rated for use in more than one type of fire. Kitchen fire extinguishers are often classified as “B-C,” while extinguishers intended for living areas and garages are “A-B-C.”In addition to the letters indicating class of fire, fire extinguishers have numbers before the letters. The higher the number, the bigger the size of fire the extinguisher can handle. A 10-B:C extinguisher, for example, can handle a 25-square-foot fire and is ideal for most kitchens and living areas. A larger capacity would be suitable for a garage.
Where To Keep a Fire Extinguisher
Keep one fire extinguisher on each level of the house. In addition, consider keeping one extinguisher made specifically for use in the kitchen and one for the garage or workshop. Mount fire extinguishers 4-5 ft. above floor level, near an exit or other escape route.
Care and Maintenance
Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the fire extinguisher is mounted or stored in a clearly visible and easily accessible location. Check the pressure gauge regularly, and shake the canister regularly to keep the contents properly mixed and ready for immediate use.
