the best fire extinguisher for cars

The Best Fire Extinguishers for Cars

by with No Comment InformationTypes of Fire Extinguisher

What is the best fire extinguisher for cars? To answer that question, first the features of a great fire extinguisher for cars must be looked at. So for an Extinguisher to be the right fit for a car, it has to be able to deal with:

  • Class A Fires (Wood, Paper or Any Carbonaceous materials)
  • Class B Fires (Flammable Liquids)
  • Class C Fires (Flammable Gases)

Bearing this in mind there are only a few extinguishers that can combat all of these classes of fire.

This then makes a Dry Powder fire extinguisher the most suitable and affordable choice. These extinguishers however aren’t recommended for use within a confined space so should be avoided for use inside motorhomes and caravans when there are people close. But instead for those cases a AFF Foam fire extinguisher is recommended.

Here at Fireology we have a great range of products that would be suitable for use in cars, caravans and motorhomes. It is important that the right type of extinguisher is used on each fire, we aim to aid that choice with our expertise here at Fireology. 

Our pick of the best fire extinguisher for cars is :

  • CommanderEDGE 1kg ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher

Or

  • CommanderEDGE 2kg ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher

In the UK fire extinguishers aren’t required by law, but in other European countries they do. So to find out what safety equipment is required in different countries across Europe, click the link here and find our blog post about safety regulations whilst driving across Europe.

guide to the classes of fire

A Guide to the Classes

by with One Comment Classes of Fire

Introduction

This is a guide into all the different classes of fire that our extinguishers aim to combat. This guide is designed to help you make the correct decision with fire safety. When it comes to choosing the correct type of fire extinguishers for your specific needs, we are here to help.

This guide of the classes will show what the differences between the classes are and what makes each class of fire unique. We will also tell you what extinguishers are able to combat each class of fire.

Class A Fires

Class B Fires

Class C Fires

Class D Fires

Electrical Fires

Class F Fires

Class A Fires

Class A fires are generally caused by a naked flame or items of high temperatures coming into contact with combustible materials. Class A fires are fires involving solids such as paper or cardboard, any carbonaceous item fires are defined as Class A fires. This is the most common type of fire as these items are the most combustible and are the most common type of fuel.

Almost all premises are at risk of Class A fires due to the common use of such materials. There are many types of fire extinguisher that can be used on Class A fires. These are: Water, Foam, MultiCHEM, Powder, Wet Chemical and Water Mist.

Class B Fires

Class B fires are fires involving flammable liquids, these can be any of the likes of:  Cleaning fluids, Solvents, Fuels, Inks, Adhesives and Paints. Class B fires only make up for 2% of all fires but make up a massive 21% of all fire deaths. This Class of fires are extremely dangerous, this is why many different types of extinguisher aim to tackle them to try to protect the users. The main key to staying safe from Class B fires is prevention, this is why up to date COSHH assessments are key. For the initial stages of Class B fires, a fire bucket could be used, link to our blog post on fire buckets here.

Many settings may have a risk of a potential Class B fire. This is why most locations must have a fire extinguisher that is fit to fight such a fire. Fire extinguishers suitable for Class B fires are: MultiCHEM, Foam, Powder and CO2.

Class C Fires

Class C fires are fires involving flammable gases. This could be natural gas, LPG or any other gases forming a flammable or explosive atmosphere. Class C fires can be tackled with fire extinguishers. Although, the best method of stopping these types of fires is shutting off the supply of the gas.

Manufacturing and industrial warehouses, chemical plants or anywhere that stores large quantities of flammable gases are at particular risk of Class C fires. Class C fires must be tackled using a Powder fire extinguisher.

Class D Fires

Class D fires are niche so therefore are not covered by the conventional types of fire extinguishers. Class D fires are fires involving combustible metals such as potassium, lithium and magnesium. This type of fire is uncommon but is more prevalent in laboratories, warehouses and metal fabricators.

Only specialised fire extinguishers are suitable for use on Class D fires. These are: L2 and M28 fire extinguishers.

Electrical Fires

Electrical fires aren’t their own class of fire because they are seen as more a form of ignition than a fuel. Electrical fires are a risk to all premises that use electricity. They occur when live electrical equipment is involved in a fire. They must not be tackled by a liquid-based fire extinguisher. This is because water is a conductor and will spread the current across a greater area if used. This could potentially endangering the user of the fire extinguisher.

As a result, only Powder (for electrical currents under 1000v) and CO2 fire extinguishers are suitable here, as they do not rely on a liquid agent.

Class F Fires

Class F fires are fires involving deep fat frying and spillages of flammable oils near heat sources. This type of fire poses the highest risk to restaurants and kitchens. These types of fires can be made significantly worse by using a liquid-based agent to extinguish it.

As a result, specialised MultiCHEM, Water Mist and Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are essential. These extinguishers are used in settings that use cooking fats or oils.

different types of fire extinguishers

Types of Fire Extinguishers

by with 3 Comments Types of Fire Extinguisher

Introduction

This is a guide into all the different types of fire extinguishers that we offer at Fireology. In this guide we will show you all the different types of fire extinguishers. As well as what are each of their strengths and weaknesses.

It will explain what classes of fire each one of the extinguishers can tackle. Also this will state what extinguisher suits best to each class of fire. This guide shows the benefits of all of these types of extinguishers. As well as why a certain type of extinguisher may be a better fit for you compared to a different type of extinguisher.

Water Fire Extinguishers

Foam Fire Extinguishers

Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

CO2 Fire Extinguishers

WetCHEM Fire Extinguishers

L2 Powder Fire Extinguishers

MultiCHEM Fire Extinguishers

Monnex Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

M28 Powder Fire Extinguishers

Water Fire Extinguishers

Water fire extinguishers are the most accessible fire extinguisher. This is likely because of their low price point and their ability to cover the most common type of fire. Water extinguishers are given an A fire rating, meaning they are capable and suited for extinguishing Class A type fires.

Class A fires are fires involving solids such as paper or cardboard, any carbonaceous item fires are defined as Class A fires. This is the most common type of fire as these items are the most combustible and are the most common type of fuel.

Water fire extinguishers do not have the ability to cope with Electrical fires and must not be used on Electrical fires. This type of fire extinguisher is most appropriate for areas that’s biggest fire risk is a solid material and therefore Class A fire.

Foam Fire Extinguishers

Foam fire extinguishers are a very commonly used type of fire extinguisher. This is because they are a good multi purpose fire extinguisher that can tackle Class A and Class B fires. Foam fire extinguishers are given an AB fire rating, meaning they are capable of extinguishing Class A and B Fires.

Fires labelled Class A are fires involving solids such as paper or cardboard, any carbonaceous item. Class B fires are fires involving liquids, these can be any of the likes of: Cleaning fluids, Solvents, Fuels, Inks, Adhesives, Paints. Class B fires only make up for 2% of all fires but make up a massive 21% of all fire deaths.

Class B fires are extremely dangerous, this is why many different types of extinguisher aim to tackle them to try to protect the users. The main key to staying safe from Class B fires is prevention, this is why up to date COSHH assessments are key. The best fire extinguishers to combat Class B fires are Foam and Dry Powder extinguishers.

Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

Dry Powder fire extinguishers are a very versatile fire extinguisher that is a main staple in a lot of fire safety setups. These fire extinguishers can be used on Class A, Class B, Class C and Electrical fires making them the most versatile fire extinguisher on the market. Dry Powder extinguishers are given an ABC fire rating but can also tackle Electrical fires.

Class A fires are fires involving solids such as paper or cardboard, any carbonaceous item. Class B fires are fires involving liquids, these can be any of the such as cleaning fluids, solvents, fuels, or inks. Class C fires are fires involving gases, this could be natural gas, LPG or any other gases forming a flammable or explosive atmosphere.

Class C fires can be tackled with fire extinguishers, the best method of stopping these types of fires is shutting off the supply of the gas. Electrical fires aren’t their own class of fire because they are seen as more a form of ignition than fuel. But when Electricity is present, Water must not be used. Unlike Foam extinguishers, Dry Powder extinguishers have the ability to be used on ‘running’ flammable liquid fires.

CO2 Fire Extinguishers

CO2 fire extinguishers are perfect for fighting Class B fires and Electrical fires. Its properties allow it not to damage electrical equipment so therefore makes it a great choice for situations where electrical fires are a risk. CO2 extinguishers have a B fire rating but can also combat electrical fires. Class B fires are fires involving liquids, these can be any of the such as cleaning fluids, solvents, fuels, or inks. Electrical fires aren’t their own class of fire because they are seen as more a form of ignition than fuel.

CO2 extinguishers are good as they do not leave a harmful residue behind, this is what makes them desirable compared to a lot of the other extinguishers that can fight Class B fires. CO2 extinguishers are also looked at as more environmentally friendly as CO2 is in the air around us anyway so it does not contribute to global warming. 

WetCHEM Fire Extinguishers

WetCHEM fire extinguishers are perfect for kitchens as they are able to fight Class F fires. WetCHEM extinguishers have an AF fire rating making them equipped to fight Class A or F fires. Class A fires are fires involving solids such as paper or cardboard or any carbonaceous items. Class F fires are fires involving deep fat frying and spillages of flammable oils near heat sources. These fires are often found in kitchen environments.

WetCHEM fire extinguishers offer an “easy clean” design making them ideal for kitchens and maintaining hygiene regulations. This type of fire extinguisher works by creating a layer of foam on the burning oil or fat, stopping the supply of oxygen so the fire isn’t fuelled any further. For tiny Class F fires a fire blanket could be used but in most cases a WetCHEM extinguisher would be recommended.

These types of fire can be extremely dangerous and only a small sized fire would be recommended to be fought with one of these extinguishers.

L2 Powder Fire Extinguishers

L2 Powder fire extinguishers are a unique type of fire extinguisher aimed at combating Class D fires. Class D fires are niche so therefore are not covered by the conventional types of fire extinguishers. Class D fires are fires involving combustible metals such as potassium and magnesium.

Where L2 powder extinguishers thrive is that they are equipped to deal with lithium fires. This is what makes them stand out over M28 extinguishers (which can’t deal with lithium fires). Class D fires are very dangerous as if the wrong extinguishing medium is used, it can actually accelerate the fire. This can happen if a chemical or water extinguisher is used. 

MultiCHEM Fire Extinguishers

MultiCHEM fire extinguishers are a great multi class fire extinguisher. They are given an ABF fire rating, this means they are able to combat Class A, B and F fires. This makes them a step above WetCHEM extinguishers and ordinary Foam extinguishers. This is because they can combat an extra type of fire than each. Class A fires are fires involving solids such as paper or cardboard or any carbonaceous items. Fires labelled Class B are fires involving liquids, these can be any of the such as fuels, or inks. Class F fires are fires involving deep fat frying and spillages of flammable oils near heat sources. This fire is often found in kitchen environments.

The glory of this type of fire extinguisher is how versatile it is and can be. This perhaps could be used as a perfect kitchen/bar fire extinguisher as its abilities are perfect to combat most of the scenarios that could occur.

Monnex Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

Monnex dry powder fire extinguishers are one of the most trusted high performance dry chemical powder for high risk firefighting applications. This extinguisher is given a BCE fire rating making it equipped to tackle Class B, Class C and Electrical fires.

Fires labelled Class B fires are involving liquids, these can be any of the such as fuels, or inks. Fires labelled Class C are fires involving gases, this could be natural gas or any other gases forming a flammable or explosive atmosphere. Electrical fires aren’t their own class of fire because they are seen as more a form of ignition than fuel.

It is the preferred choice when tackling fires involving hydrocarbon oils, gasoline, diesel and liquefied natural gas. These extinguishers can be used where those materials are stored and or processed. It’s especially effective against industrial chemicals like alcohol, ketones, ethers and esters. These are materials which conventional dry chemical powders find more difficult to knock down.

The grain of the powder inside of Monnex extinguishers is measured and made sure that when projected from the extinguisher it will ensure maximum projection. This allows the operator to maintain a good distance from the fire.

M28 Powder Fire Extinguishers

M28 powder fire extinguishers are a great option when in a laboratory or a workshop environment. Wherever a potential risk of a fire comes from metals. This fire extinguisher is given a D fire rating, this means it can only be used on Class D fires. Class D fires are fires involving combustible metals such as potassium and magnesium.

Where the M28 loses out in comparison to the L2 Powder extinguisher is that it cannot put out lithium fires. This isn’t important if lithium fires aren’t a risk. If lithium fires aren’t a risk you will benefit from the M28’s lower price point. Class D fires are very dangerous as if the wrong extinguishing medium is used, it can actually accelerate the fire. This can happen if a chemical or water extinguisher is used.