Fire extinguishers are an important factor in the life safety of both residential and commercial properties. They are usually the primary source of defense against a fire, providing an easy way to suppress or put out small fires before reinforment from fire departments arrive.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers come in several types, and can be used in different scenarios. Generally, they are classified by their ability to put out specific types of fires. A typical classification system is known as the ABC system, which stands for A: ordinary combustible material; B: flammable liquids; and C: electrical fires.

A fire extinguisher that is labeled “A:B:C” is able to fight all three types of fires.

In addition to the ABC system, fire extinguishers are also divided by how they work. The five general types of fire extinguishers are dry chemical, foam, powder, water and carbon dioxide. Each of these forms of fire suppression work in different ways to put out fires, and should be used accordingly.

Practical Fire Extinguisher Uses

By far the most common use for a fire extinguisher is to suppress small fires that have just began. When a fire starts to spread, a fire extinguisher is a great tool to have at hand to contain the fire from growing and requiring the help of an emergency crew.

It is important to note that fire extinguishers can only be used for a few feet away from the fire source and that one should not attempt to use an extinguisher for a large fire. Fire extinguishers are also great tools for mitigating fire-related disasters in a home or office.

For example, if a cooking accident occurs, a fire extinguisher can be used to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas. Furthermore, if a short circuit occurs, a fire extinguisher should be used to extinguish the sparks and keep the fire from getting bigger.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

In order to make sure that the fire extinguishers are working properly, regular inspections and maintenance should be performed. Fire extinguishers should always be fully charged, and refilled or replaced if the contents are below minimum levels. An inspection of the fire extinguisher should be done at least once a year, and tests should be performed regularly to ensure proper operation.

Fire extinguishers can be a lifesaver in an emergency and should be treated with the utmost respect. Regular maintenance and inspection should be done to ensure that the fire extinguishers are working properly and can be used in any emergency situation.