Types of Fire Extinguishers PDF

Types of Fire Extinguishers PDF

by Types of Fire Extinguisher

Guide to Different Types of Fire Extinguishers

Fire safety is important, whether it’s at home, work, or in public places. One of the key tools to stop a fire is a fire extinguisher. But did you know that not all fire extinguishers are the same? Each type is made to put out specific kinds of fires, so it’s important to know which one to use.

This guide will help you learn about the different types of fire extinguishers, how they work, and which fires they are best for. Whether you’re at home, running a business, or just want to be prepared, this information can help you make the right choice in case of a fire.

Download this PDF to understand more about fire extinguishers and how to use them to keep yourself and others safe.

Types of Fire Extinguishers – DOWNLOAD

Class C Fires

Class C Fire Extinguisher: What You Need to Know About Flammable Gas Fires

by Classes of Fire

Understanding Class C Fires and How to Protect Against Them

When it comes to fire safety, choosing the right extinguisher for the specific type of fire can make all the difference. One important—but sometimes overlooked—category is fires fuelled by flammable gases, known as Class C fires. These fires involve gases such as propane, methane, and butane, which can ignite quickly and pose serious risks.

In this article, we’ll explain what Class C fires are, why specialised extinguishers are necessary, and how to safely use them.

What Are Class C Fires?

Class C fires occur when flammable gases catch fire. These gases can spread flames rapidly, creating dangerous situations in various settings, including:

  • Industrial environments like chemical plants and gas storage facilities
  • Laboratories where gases are in use
  • Homes that rely on propane or natural gas appliances

Some common flammable gases involved in Class C fires include:

  • Propane (commonly used in grills and heaters)
  • Butane (found in lighters and portable stoves)
  • Methane (the main component of natural gas)
  • Hydrogen (used in manufacturing and fuel cells)
  • Acetylene (used in welding)

Recognising the presence of these gases and understanding their fire hazards is crucial for effective prevention and response.

Which Fire Extinguishers Are Suitable for Class C Fires?

Using the wrong extinguisher on a Class C fire can worsen the situation or even cause explosions. Water or foam-based extinguishers should be avoided entirely. Instead, the following types are recommended:

  • Dry Powder (ABC) Extinguishers: Versatile and widely available, these extinguishers use powders like monoammonium phosphate to tackle Class A (solids), B (liquids), C (gases), and electrical fires.
  • Monnex Dry Powder Extinguishers: Designed for high-risk industrial areas, Monnex extinguishers are highly effective on flammable liquids, gases, and electrical fires with a strong BCE rating.
  • Clean Agent Extinguishers: These extinguishers deploy gases such as Halon or FM-200 to suppress fires without leaving residues, making them ideal for sensitive environments like data centres while being effective on Class C fires.

How to Use a Class C Fire Extinguisher Safely

If you encounter a fire involving flammable gases, it’s important—if it can be done safely—to isolate the gas supply first. Without a fuel source, the fire becomes much easier to extinguish, following the principles of the fire triangle.

Once the gas is isolated, use the PASS method to operate the extinguisher:

  1. Pull the pin to unlock the extinguisher.
  2. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire (not the flames).
  3. Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
  4. Sweep the nozzle side to side until the fire is fully out.

If the fire is large, spreading quickly, or you feel unsafe, evacuate immediately and call emergency services. Never risk your safety.

Why It’s Important to Have a Class C Fire Extinguisher

Though less common than fires involving solids or liquids, Class C fires can escalate rapidly and cause significant damage. Having a suitable extinguisher nearby, along with the knowledge of how to use it, can prevent a small incident from turning into a disaster.

Final Tips for Class C Fire Preparedness

If your environment involves flammable gases, make sure you:

  • Know which gases are present.
  • Choose extinguishers specifically rated for Class C fires.
  • Regularly maintain and check your extinguishers.
  • Train staff or household members on how to respond effectively.

Fire safety is a shared responsibility—protect your people, property, and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Class C Fire Extinguishers

Q1: What are Class C fire extinguishers used for?
They are designed to extinguish fires caused by flammable gases like propane, methane, butane, and hydrogen, stopping the chemical reaction without increasing danger.

Q2: Can water or foam extinguishers be used on Class C fires?
No. Water and foam can spread flammable gases or cause dangerous reactions. Use dry powder or clean agent extinguishers instead.

Q3: How do ABC and Monnex extinguishers differ?
ABC dry powder extinguishers are general-purpose for solids, liquids, gases, and electrical fires. Monnex extinguishers are industrial-grade powders with superior effectiveness for flammable liquids, gases, and electrical hazards.

Q4: When do I need a Class C extinguisher?
If you store or work with flammable gases—such as in welding shops, labs, kitchens with gas appliances, or gas storage—you should have a Class C-rated extinguisher nearby.

Q5: How often should I service a Class C extinguisher?
Visually inspect monthly and have a professional service annually. Replace or recharge after use.

Q6: Are clean agent extinguishers good for Class C fires?
Yes, especially in sensitive locations like server rooms where residue from powder extinguishers is undesirable.

Electrical fires

Electrical Fires – How are they caused, and how do we deal with them?

by Information

Electrical fires are fires that originate from issues within electrical systems, equipment, or devices. These fires arise when electrical components experience overheating, electrical arcing, or short circuits, which can, in turn, ignite nearby materials like insulation, wiring, or flammable substances.

How do they occur?

One primary factor contributing to electrical fires is overloading circuits, a scenario in which an excessive number of electrical devices or appliances are connected to a single circuit, resulting in an excessive current flow that overheats the wires and potentially leads to a fire hazard. 

Additionally, faulty wiring poses a substantial risk, particularly in cases of aged or damaged wiring with inadequate insulation or improper installation. Wiring that is exposed, frayed, or corroded can also be very dangerous. Electrical equipment malfunctions, such as defective switches, outlets, or appliances, can also be triggers for fires, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of electrical systems to prevent these hazardous incidents.

How to identify an electrical fire?

Identifying an electrical fire is crucial for ensuring safety in your home or workplace. There are several key signs to watch for. First and foremost, look for any unusual smell, often described as a burning or melting smell, which may indicate overheating or melting of electrical components. Many people say an electrical fire can emit a fishy scent. This typically means it has just started. The fish odour is caused by electrical components overheating that haven’t begun to burn up. Their heat-resistant chemical coatings can also release a fishy smell when burned.

Also keep an eye out for sparks or flashes of light coming from electrical outlets or appliances, as these can be clear indicators of an electrical fire. If you hear crackling or buzzing sounds near electrical outlets or wiring, it could suggest a potential fire hazard. 

How to deal with electrical fires?

Dealing with these fires requires a cautious and systematic approach to ensure safety.

Stay Calm: The first and most crucial step is to remain calm. Panic can lead to hasty decisions that may worsen the situation.

Cut the Power: Quickly locate the power source and shut it off. This can be done by switching off the circuit breaker or unplugging the affected appliance. Cutting the power supply is essential to prevent further electrical flow to the fire.

Use a Fire Extinguisher: If the fire is small and contained, you can attempt to extinguish it using the correct fire extinguisher, which is designed for electrical fires. Ensure you know how to use the extinguisher properly, following the PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) technique. For types of fire extinguishers view lower down in this post.

DO NOT Use Water: Never use a standard water fire extinguisher to put out an electrical fire. Water conducts electricity and can lead to electrical shock or the spread of a fire.

Evacuate Safely: If the fire grows beyond your control, or if you are unsure about how to handle it, prioritise your safety and evacuate the premises. Close doors behind you to contain the fire and prevent its spread. Call the fire service immediately from a safe distance.

Wait for Professionals: Even if you believe you have extinguished the fire, it’s essential to wait for the fire department to arrive and confirm that it is safe. Electrical fires can reignite, and professionals have the necessary tools and expertise to handle them.

Remember, safety should always be the top priority when dealing with electrical fires. If in doubt, evacuate and call the professionals. It’s better to be cautious and let trained firefighters handle the situation.

Which fire extinguishers can fight electrical fires?

Electrical fires as we have explained are very dangerous. This means they are more difficult to contain and extinguish. Electrical fires are not their own fire classification which also makes them more difficult to handle. They however can be fought and extinguished with these extinguishers:

Dry Powder – Dry Powder fire extinguishers are very versatile and 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. 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.

CO2 – 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. 

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.

To find out more about these types of extinguishers and all the other types of extinguishers, check out our explanation of all the types HERE.

Conclusion

In conclusion, electrical fires can be incredibly dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations that can arise from various sources, such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or damaged appliances. Understanding the causes and being prepared to deal with these fires is crucial for ensuring the safety of yourself and those around you.

By understanding the causes of electrical fires and knowing how to respond effectively, you can significantly reduce the potential harm they pose. Fire safety is a shared responsibility, and being prepared can make all the difference in preventing damage, injuries, and even fatalities.

specialist fire extinguishers

Specialist Fire Extinguishers

by Information

Specialist Fire Extinguishers

A specialist fire extinguisher is a type of fire extinguisher that is designed and manufactured to extinguish specific types of fires involving particular classes of fire hazards. These extinguishers are intended for use in situations where conventional fire extinguishers may not be effective or safe. Specialist fire extinguishers are typically labelled with symbols and classifications to indicate the types of fires they are designed to combat.

There are several different types of specialist fire extinguishers, each designed for specific fire hazards.

L2 Dry Powder

L2 Dry Powder 9kg fire extinguisher is highly effective against a wide range of Class D general metal and lithium metal fires. Unlike other Class D fire extinguishers, the L2 Dry Powder fire extinguisher can tackle lithium fires which are very dangerous.

An L2 Dry Powder fire extinguisher great specialist fire extinguisher is designed to put out Class D fires. Class D fires are rare and challenging to put out. Because of this, they are not protected by standard fire extinguishers. Flammable metal fires are extremely hazardous and strong, making them difficult to put out. For this reason, this fire extinguisher must be used. The L2 fire extinguisher’s unique quality is its ability to put out lithium fires. Compared to M28 Powder fire extinguishers, which cannot put out lithium fires, this is its advantage.

These special powder extinguishers are designed specifically to fight combustible metal fires (Class D), such as sodium, magnesium and aluminium typically in the form of machined swarf or powder. 

In summary, L2 Dry Powder fire extinguishers offer significant protection over these fire risks but care should be taken to ensure you choose the correct type for your application and to be aware of their limitations.

Monnex Dry Powder

Monnex was developed for high-risk situations, making it ideal for all Class BCE fires. It’s a great solution for processing and storing flammable liquids including liquefied natural gas, hydrocarbon oils, petrol and fuel. Additionally, it works particularly well against industrial chemicals that are more difficult to eliminate with conventional dry chemical powders, such as alcohol, ketones, ethers, and esters.

A Monnex dry powder fire extinguisher is a type of fire extinguisher that contains a special dry chemical powder called potassium bicarbonate-based Monnex. Monnex is specifically designed to combat Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (flammable gases) and Electrical fires.

Monnex Dry Powder at first glance may seem like it is just a regular Dry Powder fire extinguisher that cannot combat Class A fires. However, Monnex Dry Powder is used for higher-risk situations and can combat higher-class fires. This is where it outshines the standard Dry Powder (ABC) fire extinguishers.

Despite their many advantages, it’s important to note that Monnex Dry Powder extinguishers may not be suitable for all fire situations. They can also create a cloud of powder that may obscure visibility and make breathing difficult, so they should be used with caution in enclosed spaces. Additionally, Monnex extinguishers should be used in accordance with their specific instructions and training to ensure safe and effective fire suppression.

M28 Powder

M28 Powder fire extinguishers are similar to L2 in the fact that they can both combat Metal or Class D fires. However, the M28 Powder extinguisher cannot fight Lithium fires. Lithium fires are among some of the most dangerous and powerful types of fire.

If you are in need of a Class D fire extinguisher but you will not have to protect against Lithium fires, M28 Powder extinguishers are the extinguisher for you. Due to them not combating Lithium fires, this makes them slightly cheaper than the L2 Dry Powder extinguisher.

Summary

Specialist fire extinguishers like L2 Dry Powder and Monnex Dry Powder serve critical roles in fire safety, with specific uses and buying reasons based on their unique properties and practicalities. L2 Dry Powder extinguishers are designed for combating flammable metal fires (Class D fires), such as those involving magnesium or lithium. Their primary use is in industrial settings where these metals are present, and their high-velocity discharge effectively blankets the fire to starve it of oxygen, making them indispensable for specialised metalworking operations. 

Monnex Dry Powder extinguishers, on the other hand, excel in handling Class B and Class C fires, including flammable liquids and gases. Their quick knockdown capability and wide application range make them valuable for chemical plants, refineries, and areas with diverse fire risks.

When considering the purchase of these specialist fire extinguishers, strict safety regulations, industry-specific requirements, and the need to protect valuable assets are usually the main reasons. Industries prone to metal fires, like aerospace or manufacturing, opt for L2 Dry Powder extinguishers to meet safety standards and protect expensive equipment.

Monnex Dry Powder extinguishers, on the other hand, are favoured by sectors dealing with flammable substances, such as oil and gas, as a versatile solution to address a range of fire hazards. In both cases, purchasing decisions are guided by compliance with safety codes, risk assessments, and the specific fire risks present in the environment.

Overall, these specialist fire extinguishers play indispensable roles in safeguarding lives, property, and industrial operations by addressing unique fire risks with tailored solutions.