August 15, 2023

When it comes to fire extinguishers for flammable liquids, there are a few things you need to consider. The type of liquid, the amount of fluid, and the fire class of the area will all play a role in which extinguisher you choose.

In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of fire extinguishers available and help you decide which one is best for your needs!

Different Classes of Fire and its Extinguishing Agent

fire in house

There are different classes of fire, each with its own unique set of circumstances and dangers.

Class A fires

It is for fires involving solid materials like wood, paper, or cloth. These fires are the most common and can be extinguished with water.

Class B fires

It is for fires involving flammable liquids like gasoline or oil. These fires require a different extinguishing agent, such as foam or carbon dioxide.

Class C fires

It is for fires involving electrical equipment. These fires are hazardous and require using a non-conductive extinguishing agent, such as carbon dioxide.

Class D fires

It is for involving flammable metals. These types of fires require a specialized extinguishing agent, such as powder.

Class F fires

It is for fires involving cooking oil. These fires require water but must take special care to avoid spreading the fire.

If you are ever unsure, always err on the side of caution and call the fire department. They will be able to extinguish the fire and prevent further damage safely.

Different Types of Fire Extinguishers Based on Classed of Fire

Types of Fire Extinguishers Based on Classed of Fire

There are different fire extinguishers, each designed for a specific type of fire.

Class A fire extinguishers

Class A fire extinguishers

A Class A extinguisher is the most common type of fire extinguisher. Class A extinguishers are designed to put out fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood, fabric, and paper. The active ingredient in a Class A extinguisher is usually water, but it can also be foam or dry chemicals.

Class A extinguishers are usually found in homes, offices, and other buildings. They are also common in vehicles since many fires start in cars. Class A extinguishers are usually small and easy to use.

Class A extinguishers are not designed for fires involving electrical equipment or fires involving flammable liquids. Therefore, you’ll need a different type of extinguisher. In addition, class A extinguishers are ineffective on fires already out of control. The best thing to do is to evacuate the area and call 911.

Class B fire extinguishers

Class B fire extinguishers
Source: koorsen.com

Class B extinguishers fight fires involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, and grease. The most common type of Class B extinguishers is pressurized water extinguishers. Class B extinguishers are also effective against electrical fires.

Class B fire extinguishers cool the burning liquid or smother the fire. However, it is essential to remember that Class B extinguishers are ineffective against Class A fires involving combustible materials such as wood or paper.

If you have a fire involving flammable liquids, it is vital to call the fire department immediately and to use a Class B extinguisher to fight the fire. Class B extinguishers are the most effective way to combat these fires.

Class C fire extinguishers

Class C fire extinguishers

Class C extinguishers are those that are effective against electrical fires. This is because they use a non-conducting agent, like CO₂, to snuff out the fire. Class C extinguishers are often found in offices and homes since electrical fires are relatively common.

While you can use class c extinguishers on other types of fires, it’s important to remember that they will not be as effective. So, if you have a choice, always use a Class A or B extinguisher first.

Class D fire extinguishers

Class D fire extinguishers

Class D extinguishers are designed to fight fires involving combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium.

Class D extinguishers have four main types: dry chemical, graphite powder, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium bicarbonate. Each type is designed for use on specific types of metal fires.

For example, dry chemical extinguishers are typically used on magnesium fires, while sodium bicarbonate extinguishers are more effective on sodium fires. Graphite powder and potassium bicarbonate extinguishers can be used on a variety of metal fires, but they are most effective on titanium fires.

Whichever type of class D extinguisher you use, read the instructions carefully before attempting to put out the fire.

Using a class D extinguisher is not as simple as using a traditional one. In addition, the chemicals inside these extinguishers can be hazardous, so you must take the time to learn how to use them properly.

If you are unsure how to use a class D extinguisher, it is best to call the fire department and let them handle the situation. Putting out a metal fire without the proper training and equipment can be extremely dangerous, so it is not worth the risk.

While class D fire extinguishers are an effective way to eliminate metal fires, they should only be used as a last resort.

Types of Fire Extinguishers

different Types of Fire Extinguishers

There are various fire extinguishers, each designed for a specific type of fire. The most common extinguishers are:

  • ABC dry chemical extinguisher
  • Carbon Dioxide extinguisher
  • Water extinguisher
  • Foam extinguisher

Each type of fire extinguisher has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is crucial to choose a suitable extinguisher for the job.

The ABC dry chemical extinguisher is the most versatile and can be used on all fires. It works by smothering the fire with a layer of powder, which cuts off the oxygen supply and prevents the fire from spreading.

However, ABC dry chemical extinguishers can be challenging to use and cause respiratory problems if used in a confined space.

CO₂ extinguishers are designed for use on electrical fires. They work by displacing the oxygen in the air, smothering the fire. CO₂ extinguishers are very effective but can also be dangerous to use in a confined space.

Water extinguishers are designed for use on Class A fires, which are fires involving combustible materials such as wood or paper. Water extinguishers work by cooling the fire and preventing it from spreading.

However, water extinguishers can be ineffective on other types of fires and can even cause some types of fires to spread.

Foam extinguishers are designed for use on Class B fires, which are fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline or oil. Foam extinguishers work by smothering the fire and preventing it from spreading.

However, foam extinguishers can be challenging and cause respiratory problems if used in a confined space.

When choosing a fire extinguisher, it is vital to consider the type of fire you are likely to encounter. Then, choose a suitable extinguisher for the job to ensure your safety.

What Type of Fire Extinguisher for Flammable Liquids?

fire in Flammable Liquids

There are different types of fire extinguishers for different kinds of fires. For example, you would use a water fire extinguisher on a wood fire but not on an electrical fire.

So, what type of fire extinguisher do you need for flammable liquids?

The best fire extinguisher for class b fires is a foam fire extinguisher.

Foam extinguishers smother the fire and prevent the oxygen from getting to the flames. This type of extinguisher is very effective at putting out fires involving flammable liquids, such as petrol or diesel.

If you don’t have a foam fire extinguisher, the next best option for class b fires is a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher.

A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher works by displacing the oxygen in the area around the fire, which starves the flames of the oxygen they need to keep burning.

So, there you have it! The best fire extinguisher for flammable liquids is a foam extinguisher, but a CO₂ extinguisher will also do the job.

Just make sure you have one of these extinguishers in your home or workplace to prepare you for a fire.

Alex Bradley

Written by

Alex Bradley

Multitasking guru who’s not just wrangling words as a witty blogger, but also juggling the roles of a husband, dad, and dutiful son to an age-defying parent. With a keyboard in one hand and a toolbox of tech gadgets in the other, Alex weaves playful blog posts that crack open the world of senior-friendly gizmos. Drawing inspiration from his family adventures and late-night “Eureka!” moments, his posts are your compass to navigate the realm of safety-enhancing and smile-inducing devices for the golden-aged generation.