Fire Extinguisher Classifications & Uses

Fire-Ready.com/fire-extinguishers – Understanding fire extinguisher classifications and fire ratings is the first step to locating the right fire extinguisher for your home, vehicle or business. In this guide, we will review the different classes of fire extinguishers as well as how they work to put down a particular type of fire.

A fire is created when oxygen, heat and fuel come together to create a chemical reaction. In order to put out any fire, a fire extinguisher must work to remove or separate one of these elements.

Different Fire Extinguisher Classifications Explained:

#1 - Dry powder Fire Extinguishers
- Work to stop fire by separating fuel and oxygen
- Should only be used in classification D fires that involve combustible metals.

#2 - Wet chemical Fire Extinguishers
- Work to stop fire by removing the heat and then subdue the fuel and oxygen elements.
- Specifically developed for classification K.
- Most class K fires occur in commercial restaurant settings because of grease, fats and oils.

#3 - Halogenated or Clean Agent fire extinguishers
- Work to stop fire by interrupting the chemical reaction.
- Primarily used on classification B and C fires.
- Class B fires involve combustible liquid and class C fires are electrical.

#4 - Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers
- Work to stop fire by removing the oxygen and heat.
- Should only be used on classification B and C fires.

#5 - Dry chemical fire extinguishers
- Work to stop fire by interrupting the chemical reaction.
- Rated to be effective on classification A, B and C fires.
- Most versatile type of fire extinguisher for home use.

#6 - Foam fire extinguishers
- Work to stop fire by removing heat and oxygen.
- Should only be used on class A and B fires.
- Class A fires include materials like wood, paper and most plastics.

#7 - Water based fire extinguishers
- Work to stop fire by removing the heat.
- Should only be used on classification A fires that involve household materials (wood, paper, etc).

As you can see, different fire extinguisher classifications are used for different fire ratings. If your looking for the best all-around fire extinguisher to use around your home or car, an ABC rated dry chemical unit is going to be your best bet.

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