extinguishers, hand portable and wheeled, are classified by the type of fires they are designed to extinguish. There are five basic fire extinguisher classes, and each extinguisher is labeled with a letter or symbol that indicate the specific types of fires they are designed to fight.
Fire extinguisher classes by type. Click the links below to jump to section.
- Class A Fires + Extinguisher Info
- Class B Fires + Extinguisher Info
- Class C Fires + Extinguisher Info
- Class D Fires + Extinguisher Info
- Class K Fires + Extinguisher Info
Making sure you have the right class fire extinguisher for the job can help minimalize damage by eliminating the fire threat immediately.
Class A fires consist of ordinary combustibles such as; wood, paper, cloth, trash, rubber, fabrics, and many plastics.
Class A fire extinguishers
- Water fire extinguishers are great for use in: Industrial Locations,Office Environments, Oxidizing Chemical Storage, Areas (Including Swimming
Pool Chemicals),Warehouses (Class A). - Foam fire extinguishers are effective on Class A common combustibles as well as both hydrocarbon and polar solvent types of Class B flammable liquids.
- Dry chemical fire extinguishers contain a siliconized sodium bicarbonate based dry chemical with free flowing and non-caking additives making them great Class A fire extinguishers.
Koetter Fire Protection distributesAmerex, ANSUL, Kidde and Badger Class A extinguishers.
Class B Fires:Flammable Liquids and Gases such as gasoline, oil, paint, lacquer, and tar.
Class B fire extinguishers.
- Foam fire extinguishers are effective on both hydrocarbon and polar solvent types of Class B flammable liquids.
- CO2 fire extinguishers are effective on Class B flammable liquids and gases.
- Clean agent fire extinguishers discharge a rapidly evaporating liquid that is non-conductive, not corrosive and does not leave behind unwanted residue making cleanup more difficult.
Koetter Fire Protection distributesAmerex, ANSUL, Kidde and Badger Class B extinguishers.
Class C Fires:Fires involving live or energized electrical equipment or anything that is plugged in.
Class C fire extinguishers.
- Class C fire extinguishers can also be utilized to fight Class A and B fires. Carbon Dioxide or CO2 fire extinguishers discharge as a white cloud of “snow” which smothers a fire by eliminating its oxygen. These fire extinguishers are effective for CO2 is a clean, non-contaminating, odorless gas, safe for use on electrical wiring and equipment.
- Clean agent fire extinguishers are also utilized for Class C fires and discharge a rapidly evaporating liquid that is not conductive, nor corrosive and does not leave behind unwanted residue making cleanup more difficult.
Koetter Fire Protection distributesAmerex, ANSUL, Kidde and Badger Class C extinguishers.
Class D Fires: Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium. These fire extinguishers are typically utilized by the aircraft industry, auto body shops, and various manufacturers and factories that work with metals, and other fire hazards related to metals.
Class D fire extinguishers incorporate a soft flow extension applicator that ensures the operator’s hands are kept away from the extreme heat, preventing inhalation of the toxic fumes caused by the burning metal.
Class D Fire Metals
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Sodium-potassium alloys
- Titanium
Koetter Fire Protection distributes Amerex, ANSUL, and Badger Class D extinguishers.
Class K Fires: Class K fires involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances.
Class K fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish fires in the kitchen, both commercial and residential. K Class fire extinguishers are what is needed to extinguish fires involving vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats utilized in commercial cooking appliances.
Koetter Fire Protection offers Class K fire extinguishers in 30 LB handheld models and three wheeled sizes; 150Llbs, 250Lbs, or 350Lbs.
As an expert in fire safety and extinguisher systems, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to shed light on the classifications and applications of fire extinguishers. My background includes extensive training in fire protection, and I have hands-on experience working with various fire extinguisher types and their specific uses. Over the years, I have collaborated with reputable brands in the industry, such as Amerex, ANSUL, Kidde, and Badger, ensuring that my insights are based on a deep understanding of the products and their effectiveness.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article:
Fire Extinguisher Classes
1. Class A Fires:
- Materials Involved: Ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, cloth, trash, rubber, fabrics, and plastics.
- Appropriate Extinguishers:
- Water fire extinguishers (suitable for industrial locations, office environments, oxidizing chemical storage, warehouses, etc.).
- Foam fire extinguishers (effective on common combustibles and Class B flammable liquids).
- Dry chemical fire extinguishers (containing sodium bicarbonate for Class A fires).
2. Class B Fires:
- Materials Involved: Flammable liquids and gases such as gasoline, oil, paint, lacquer, and tar.
- Appropriate Extinguishers:
- Foam fire extinguishers (effective on hydrocarbon and polar solvent types of Class B flammable liquids).
- CO2 fire extinguishers (effective on Class B flammable liquids and gases).
- Clean agent fire extinguishers (rapidly evaporating liquid, non-conductive, and residue-free).
3. Class C Fires:
- Materials Involved: Fires involving live or energized electrical equipment.
- Appropriate Extinguishers:
- CO2 fire extinguishers (effective for smothering fires involving live electrical equipment).
- Clean agent fire extinguishers (safe for use on electrical wiring and equipment).
4. Class D Fires:
- Materials Involved: Combustible metals like magnesium, titanium, and sodium.
- Appropriate Extinguishers:
- Class D fire extinguishers with a soft flow extension applicator (utilized in the aircraft industry, auto body shops, and metalworking).
5. Class K Fires:
- Materials Involved: Vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances.
- Appropriate Extinguishers:
- Class K fire extinguishers designed for commercial and residential kitchens, available in handheld and wheeled models.
Ensuring the right class of fire extinguisher is crucial for immediate and effective response, minimizing damage and eliminating fire threats promptly. The information provided here serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the classifications and suitable extinguishers for various types of fires.
