putting out fire

Different Types of Fire Extinguishers

We have different types of fire extinguishers which are used for various purposes. Fire extinguishers can be categorized into four namely water, foam, air, and dry powder extinguishers. The different types of fire extinguishers have different color codes and are used in different areas. The Fire Protection Sydney protects businesses and homes from the risk of the fire outbreaks.

We have different types of fire extinguishers, and it is essential to know how to use the different kinds of fire extinguishers. They should be placed in an area where it can easily be accessed when there is a fire outbreak. In this article, we will explore the different types of fire extinguishers, the color codes, and where they are used.

Water Extinguishers

extinguishing fire

The water extinguisher which is usually bright red is the most common type of fire extinguisher. This type of fire extinguisher is ideal for the fires that are classified as the Class A. The water extinguisher is used for the organic materials like the coal and wood, textiles and fabrics, and cardboard and paper.

This type of extinguisher should however never be used for the kitchen fires, flammable liquids and gas, and the electrical fires. The principle behind the water extinguishers is that water has a cooling effect on the fire, it causes the fire to burn slowly and eventually it stops.

Foam Extinguisher

Foam extinguisher refers to the type of extinguisher that is used for the class B fires. It can also be used for the fires that are classified as class A because they are water-based. The label color of the foam extinguisher is typically cream.

This type of extinguisher is used for the organic materials like fabrics, paper, and wood. It is also used for the flammable liquids like petrol and paint.

Dry Powder Extinguisher

The dry powder fire extinguisher is also referred to as the “ABC” extinguisher because it can be used to tackle the fire in the three categories. The dry powder extinguishers are not ideal for use in the enclosed spaces.

This is because the person using it can easily inhale the foam which is dangerous to humans as it contains carbon dioxide. Secondly, the residue that is left after the used is difficult to clean. The color code of this fire extinguisher is usually blue. This type of extinguisher can be used in some electrical fires.

Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher

big fire

Last but not least, we have the carbon dioxide extinguisher which is commonly used in the electrical fires. This is the type of the fire extinguisher that is usually provided in the room with the electronic gadgets.

It is typically black and is also used in the flammable liquids and petrol fires. Fire needs oxygen to burn, this type of fire extinguisher cuts off the oxygen supply this making the fire to stop.