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The Type Of Fire Extinguisher You Need For Class A & B Fires

Not all fires need the same type of fire extinguisher. Class A fires are fires that are composed of everyday combustible materials. Class A fires are started and fueled by material such as paper, wood, trash, and clothing. Class B fires are fires that involve flammable liquids and flammable gases, such as gasoline and propane.  Class A and Class B fires are the types that most typically occur around homes and in office spaces, so it's important to know what kinds of extinguishers you need for these fires.

Class A Fires

Class A fires are what most people think of as a typical fire. They burn up paper, wood, trash and clothing for fuel. Class A fires can be put out through the application of water onto the fire.

Water & Foam

The best fire extinguisher for a Class A fire is a water and foam fire extinguisher. A water and foam fire extinguisher releases water to put the fire out and foam to contain the heat from the fire. Water and foam fire extinguishers should not be used for other types of fires as they can create steam that can accelerate along fires that are fueled by other sources.

Water Mist

Water mist first extinguishers are designed to stop the heat coming from the fire. Water mist fire extinguishers do not release any chemicals.

Dry Chemical

Dry chemical fire extinguishers can also be used on Class A Fires. Dry chemical fire extinguishers help defuse the chemicals that drive all fires. The dry chemical elements puts a barrier between the oxygen and the physical items that are on fire. It is typically used for Class B & C fires, but they can be safely used on Class A fires as well.

Class B Fires

Class B fires are fueled by flammable gases and liquids. When flammable gases and liquids are fueling a fire, you don't want to put water on the fire.

Dry Chemical

The most common type of fire extinguisher used on Class B fires are dry chemical extinguishers. As discussed above, these type of extinguishers use chemicals to create a barrier between the flammable gases and liquids and the oxygen that is feeding the fire.

Clean Agent

Clean agent fire extinguishers are also commonly referred to as halogenated fire extinguishers. They use either halon agents or halocarbon agents to stop the chemical reaction that is driving the fire.

Cartridge Operate Dry Chemical

Cartridge operated dry chemical fire extinguishers are also designed to stop the chemical reactions that are driving the fire. Multipurpose cartridge operated dry chemical extinguishers actually work on Class A, B, and C fires, whereas dry chemical ones only work on Class B & C fires.

Figure out what type of combustibles you have in your home or office and purchase the appropriate fire extinguishers for the type of fires that are most likely to occur in your home or office. And for more information, contact fire extinguisher services or companies that specialize in fire safety, such as Tri County Fire Protection.


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