Types of Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is a life saving device, which can help us to control small fires. This is an essential part of all public places and schools. For multilevel buildings as hotels, shopping malls, offices and housing societies where escaping from fire is not easy, this is the best weapon to face fire.
Basically a fire extinguisher is a cylindrical shaped device, which contains some chemical agent in the form of powder. This powder can be discharged on fire to control it. This is useful for small-scale fire and can avoid big accidents. In maximum cases, fire starts from electronic short circuit. Here this device is very useful because this kind of fire cannot be handled by water.
There are many types of fire extinguisher. You cannot choose fire extinguisher according to colour and design. This is not a showpiece to decorate your office and house. If you want to buy fire extinguisher be clear about your need. Selection of extinguisher depends on place and need.
The Many Different Types of Fire Extinguisher
We can divide fire extinguishers on the basis of materials as:
Class A Extinguisher: For solid materials as plastic, wood or paper.
Class B Extinguisher: For petrol, paraffin and other flammable liquids.
Class C Extinguisher: Methane, propane and other flammable gases.
Class D Extinguisher: For metals like aluminium, titanium etc.
Class E Extinguisher: For electrical short circuits.
Class F Extinguisher: For cooking oils.
When planning to buy an extinguisher, you should be clear about your needs. With the help of this table you can get perfect fire extinguisher. This table can help you to identify the class you need.
Now we will discuss different types of fire extinguisher. These extinguishers are the need of everyone. So the market is full of fire extinguishers. You can choose according to whatever your need is. The rates are also very reasonable and would not be heavy on your pocket. Here a little list of some common fire extinguishers.
1. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
2. Water mist fire extinguishers
3. Dry chemical fire extinguishers
4. Foam and water Pressure fire extinguishers
5. Wheeled unit fire extinguishers
Except these there are many types of fire extinguishers like the table-like class D fire extinguishers or the higher-class the class k fire extinguishers.
Types of Fire Extinguisher for Different Situations
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are useful for kitchen, labs or for fires like the burning of paper. This contains liquid carbon dioxide in pressurized form. After discharge it gets converted into gas. There are no side effects of this extinguisher after use. The only precaution is, not to use it in compact and congested space. This reduces the oxygen level so careful about that.
Water mist fire extinguisher is useful for hospitals, schools and places related to electronic equipments. This can protect from fires and can enhance cooling with the help of misting agent. This extinguisher is most popular and really easy to use. This is good for atmosphere as this is non-toxic. This is one of the best kind of fire extinguishers and not very expensive too.
Dry chemical fire extinguishers are based on chemical and they are much popular for commercial places. They are available in various categories. If you want you can get multipurpose extinguishers from this category (Multipurpose extinguishers can manage more than one kinds of fire). Foam and water pressure extinguishers are best for professionals.
They work within 40 seconds and apply water streams on fire. But, if you are not trained, then do not buy this kind. Wheel unit is useful for huge fire. This extinguisher is based on wheels and with heavy cylinders and can be transferred from one place to another with the help of wheels. You can get many types of fire extinguisher according to size too.