What type of fire extinguisher should I choose?
Fire extinguishers contain chemicals, water, or gases and each type is rated for different classes of fires. Ideally, you need to have an idea of what type of fire you could potentially face in your environment. In the United States, there are 5 different classifications of fires:
• Class A - Fires derived from ordinary combustible products such as paper, wood, textiles, and PVC.
• Class B - Fires derived from flammable liquids and gaseous fuels such as gasoline, benzene, propane, and natural gas.
• Class C - Fires derived from energized electrical components. Think of short circuits and overheated wiring.
• Class D - Fires derived from combustible metals such as magnesium, aluminum, iron, and sodium.
• Class K - Fires derived from materials containing fat, such as cooking oil.
With those fire classes in mind, determining the type of fire extinguisher you need is easier to determine. There are many different types available, but FeldFire carries the most common:
• Halotron - For class A, B, and C type fires. This is an extinguisher that uses Halotron, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon nonconductive agent pressurized with Argon, to distrupt the chemical reaction that takes place in a fire. This type of gas is an excellent replacement for Halon 1211, which hurt the ozone layer, and is ideal for extinguishing fires in electrical components, boats, forest machinery, and aircraft flight lines. Approved by the EPA and FAA.
• Carbon Dioxide - For class B and C type fires. A carbon dioxide gas fire extinguisher displaces the oxygen in a fire, removing one of the 3 elements required for a fire to burn (heat and fuel being the other two).
• Sodium Bicarbonate - For class B and C type fires. This is one of the more common types of fire extinguisher that emits a white or blue powder that interrupts a fireʼs chemical reaction. This type of extinguisher is best suited for kitchens, garages, vehicles, and boats.
• Monoammonium Phosphate - For class A, B, and C type fires. A pale yellow and powdery chemical, this type of extinguisher yields the widest range of fire protection coverage and is ideal for general home, vehicle and office use.
• Water - For class A type fires. A water fire extinguisher cools burning material, removing the heat element out of the fire triangle. Itʼs single type classification limits its effectiveness; however, itʼs harmless, inexpensive, and relatively easy to clean up after use.
We also stock vehicle mounts, wall mounts, cabinet alarms, and storage cabinets for your fire exinguisher.
Need help determing the correct type of fire extinguishers you need? Put our over 60 years of firefighting supply and equipment expertise to work for you and call us at 1-800-568-2403 or use our contact form.
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