Understanding Fire Extinguisher Classes

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

What type of fire extinguisher should I buy?

There are four classes of fire extinguishers – A, B, C and D – and each class can put out a different type of fire.

• Class A extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper
• Class B extinguishers are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil
• Class C extinguishers are suitable for use only on electrically energized fires
• Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metals

Multipurpose extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than one class, like A-B, B-C or A-B-C.

Purchasing your fire extinguisher

Now that you know how many extinguishers you need and what types to get, you can head to the hardware store. Look for fire extinguishers that you can easily lift. Larger extinguishers may pack more power, but you must be able to use it properly.

Source: Nationwide