second most common cause of fire

Nottingham firm believes it has the solution for Britain’s second most common cause of fire

by with No Comment News

The supplier of a ground-breaking fire suppression device could be poised to help extinguish the second most common cause of fire in the UK.

Nottingham-based company Aerocom (UK) Ltd has struck a five-year deal with pioneering Swedish company MAUS. This deal is to supply a unique fire suppression device called the Advanced Pro Stixx to the UK market. The devices are available in three sizes. The smallest of which is the size of a two-fingered Kit-Kat. It can automatically extinguish electric fires in seconds, including lithium-ion battery fires. These types of fires are becoming a growing concern with the increase in electric vehicles.

Fires ignited from an electrical distribution source were the second most common cause of fire in the UK. This was according to Government figures for the year ending March 2023, according to Government figures. Cooking appliances were the only source to cause more fires than electrical.

Aerocom (UK) Ltd believes that prior installation of the Advanced Pro Stixx device could have potentially prevented the recent spate of devastating lithium battery fires that engulfed three electric London buses last month. This bold claim could allow for many other similar incidents to be eliminated in the near future.

Where could this product be seen?

The inexpensive and super-lightweight device could potentially become a permanent fixture in homes, holiday homes, caravans, offices and infinite other applications across the UK. Aerocom (UK) Ltd says the Pro Stixx could save lives and millions of pounds in damages. These devices have the potential to slash insurance costs.

Tom Hughes, managing director of Aerocom (UK) Ltd, said: “This product is incredible. It is a genuine game-changer in terms of fire protection and suppression. There is nothing else like it available anywhere.”

The Pro Stixx can be installed in any enclosed electrical space in seconds. These include fuse boxes, electrical cabinets and the battery compartment of electric vehicles. They work by flooding the space with harmless potassium-based smoke when the temperature exceeds 170 degrees Celsius.

Typically, within five seconds, the heat source is fully extinguished. These devices can suppress fires before they have a chance to spread. They are especially crucial in terms of lithium-ion battery fires, which are notoriously difficult to put out and are prone to reignition.

What is being said?

Fire chiefs in the UK are especially worried about the increase in home fires brought on by batteries inside e-bikes and e-scooters. The London Fire Brigade has issued multiple safety warnings in response to the 150 recorded e-bike fires and 28 recorded e-scooter fires in London alone last year. The number of these fires has risen 60% over the previous year.

The launch announcement by Aerocom (UK) Ltd follows three instances in January where buses operated by Go Ahead London caught fire and became quickly engulfed in flames. These events put lives at risk and heaped pressure on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to address the problem.

Mr Hughes said that, since his firm won the UK contract with MAUS to supply the devices, he had been inundated with enquiries from organisations and individuals clamouring to place orders. Many more MAUS fire suppression products for other applications are available. It is inevitable that, through Aerocom (UK) Ltd, this product range will be developed and expanded.

Aerocom (UK) Ltd is an established leading supplier of pneumatic tube systems to manufacturing, logistics and healthcare facilities. They are an approved supplier of the NHS, which has already expressed an interest in Pro Stixx.

Another key source of interest has come from the holiday lets and the camping and caravanning sector. For them, this device is seen as a major innovation in fire protection.

“The technology is tried, tested, and proven,” said Mr Hughes. “It is also utterly simple to install and inexpensive – not least when you balance it with the cost of fire-related loss or damage and potentially losing a life.”

The MAUS Advanced Pro Stixx has been granted a CE mark for fire safety. It was assessed to meet the European high safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.

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.

wrong type of fire extinguisher

What Happens If I Use The Wrong Type Of Fire Extinguisher On A Fire?

by Information

Fire safety is a critical aspect of protecting yourself and your property from the devastating effects of fires. One essential tool in fire safety is the fire extinguisher, but did you know that using the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire can have serious consequences? In this blog post, we will explore what happens when you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire and why it’s crucial to match the extinguisher to the type of fire you’re dealing with.

Understanding Fire Classes

Before delving into the consequences of using the wrong fire extinguisher, it’s essential to understand fire classes. Fires are classified into different categories based on the type of fuel involved. These classes are:

Class A: Fires involving solids such as paper, cardboard or wood. These could also be any other combustible material.

Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids.

Class C: Fires involving flammable gases.

Class D: Fires involving combustible metals, like magnesium or titanium.

Electrical Fires: Not their own class of fire. These fires occur when live electrical equipment is involved in a fire.

Class F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats.

To understand more about types of fires, we have some more information that you might find helpful, HERE.

Using the Wrong Type of Fire Extinguisher 

Now, let’s examine what happens when you use the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire:

1. Reduced Effectiveness: The most immediate consequence is reduced effectiveness. Different types of extinguishers are designed to tackle specific fire classes. Using the wrong one means you may not be able to control or extinguish the fire effectively.

2. Fire Escalation: In some cases, using the wrong extinguisher can actually make the fire worse. For instance, using a water-based extinguisher on a grease fire (Class F) can cause the burning oil to splatter, spreading the flames.

3. Safety Hazards: Attempting to extinguish an electrical fire with a water-based extinguisher (Class A) can lead to electric shock and other serious safety hazards.

4. Damage to Property: Using the wrong extinguisher may not only fail to put out the fire but can also lead to extensive property damage. For example, using a Dry Chemical extinguisher on a sensitive electronic device can result in corrosive damage.

5. Toxic Fumes: Some extinguishing agents, when used on the wrong fire class, can produce toxic fumes. This can endanger people nearby and make evacuation necessary.

Choosing the Right Extinguisher

To avoid the consequences of using the wrong fire extinguisher, always follow these guidelines:

1. Know the fire class: Identify the type of fire you’re dealing with, and choose the appropriate extinguisher.

2. Read labels: Fire extinguishers are labelled with the fire classes they are designed for. Make sure that the label is checked before using it.

3. Training: Ensure that you and your family or colleagues are trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers.

Conclusion

Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher on a fire can lead to reduced effectiveness, safety hazards, property damage, and more. It’s crucial to understand fire classes and choose the right extinguisher for the job to maximise safety and minimise the risk of harm. Fire safety is not something to take lightly.

Electrical Fire Stafford

Stafford man ‘loses everything’ in electrical-bike fire

by with No Comment News

A Stafford man has said he has “lost everything” after an electrical fire that started because his electric bike exploded.

Dave Bird, from Stafford, was on holiday with his children in Wales last month when he was told about the fire by his friend who was house-sitting and looking after his pets.

“Everything is just gone, the kitchen is obliterated, all my furniture, my cooker, totally devastated,” said Mr Bird.

“There are things I can’t get back, pictures of my mum and my dad who’ve both passed, items of jewellery from my dad, his fob watch and things like that. Things that the kids have made me.”

‘Totally devastated’

He continued: “The thing that really upset me was pictures of my daughter on the wall who I lost in 2010. They were totally… That really upset me.”

Mr Bird’s friend, Dan, had bought the E-bike as a gift for him to help with his mobility issues and he planned to surprise him with it when he returned home from holiday.

Shortly after putting the bike on charge, Dan heard a bang from the kitchen and the fire erupted.

Mr Bird returned from holiday to a burnt-out shell of a house after the fire had ripped through his home and destroyed all of his belongings.

‘You buy something you expect it to work’

“He plugged it in at night for a few hours to make sure it was ready for the morning when I got back and it blew up,” said Mr Bird, “he heard a fizz and a pop and then the fire just spread and everything gone, that’s it.”

“He had to go the hospital for oxygen, the kittens had to go for oxygen, I’m just thankful he got out safe,” he said.

“There’s nothing you can do, he felt like it was his fault. I said ‘You wouldn’t expect that’, you buy something you expect it to work don’t you.”

An investigation by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service found the main source of the fire was the battery charger – and they are now issuing warnings to anyone who is considering purchasing an E-bike.

To charge the bikes safely the fire service is urging people to always use the correct charger and not to charge them overnight due to the risk of bikes overheating.

“We’re seeing a rise in the number of issues we’ve got with the safety of those, particularly around the chargers,” said Tony Shore, Staffordshire Trading Standards Operations Manager.

“A lot of fires that are caused are as a result of faulty electrical goods and it’s important that you do your research before you buy them.

“Make sure that they comply with the appropriate British standards and make sure, more importantly, that they’re genuine products and they’re not counterfeit.”

The charger was bought from Amazon and Dave now wants the retailer to take it off sale.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Amazon said: “We’ve reached out to the customer directly and a full investigation’s underway. Safety is important to Amazon and we want customers to shop with confidence on our stores.

“We monitor the products sold for product safety concerns and require all products on Amazon to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

“If customers have concerns about an item they’ve purchased, we encourage them to contact our Customer Service directly so we can investigate and take appropriate action.”

Mr Bird rents his house from the council and they have told him it’ll take at least six months to rebuild it.

Lithium-ion batteries and E-bike fires specifically are a growing problem. More and more cases like this one seem to be occurring every week. These are serious matters and luckily, in this case, no one was hurt. This Stafford electrical fire incident is an eye-opener for many and should act in spreading awareness of incidents like this one.

Lithium-ion battery fire nottingham

Warning sent after faulty laptop causes home destroying fire in Nottingham

by with No Comment News

A fire investigation into a Nottingham house fire finds that the cause was a faulty laptop. This laptop was found to have suffered a lithium-ion battery failure after being left on charge overnight. The fire that it started destroyed the home of a family of four.

Around 3:35am on June 26, the fire service was called to a house on The Crescent in Woodthorpe, Nottingham.

The smoke alarms inside the house sounded meaning the family of four had a chance to escape in time. Had the fire alarms not been installed or working, the consequences could have been devastating.

Beth Hayman, Fire Investigation Officer, said: “This is a very devastating incident in which a family lost their house and belongings.”

“I urge everyone not to continuously charge electrical devices and to ensure they are switched off at the wall socket overnight. When charging devices ensure they are charged using the manufactured product from the device provider.”

“Fortunately, due to the working smoke alarms within the property, the family managed to escape to safety. Make sure you test your alarms regularly as they save lives.”

Cases like this one emphasise the dangers of lithium-ion batteries. This simple failure could happen to anyone. Please avoid leaving electrical devices overnight or for an excessive period of time. To find out more, check out our blog on lithium-ion battery fires and the dangers of overcharging them by clicking HERE.

firexo large logo

Save money and simplify with Firexo

by with No Comment Information

Firexo is a revolutionary brand with fantastic sector-defining products. The all fires fire extinguisher is changing the way we think about fire safety. This extinguisher features some of the most groundbreaking research and development the market has seen. This fire extinguisher is able to be used on all types of fires, which gives it immense usability. What is so good about the Firexo product range?

Easy to use

The best part of the Firexo all fires fire extinguisher has to be that it is so easy to use. This ease of use is what makes it such a popular choice for all locations. Having the ability to simply pick up this fire extinguisher in an emergency situation and not have to worry about it being the correct extinguisher is simply unmatched. In locations that usually would require more than one type of fire extinguisher, this can easily lead to confusion in an emergency situation about which kind of extinguisher should be used.

Simplify your fire safety setup

With Firexo being able to cover all kinds of fires, this allows you to simplify your fire safety setup by decreasing the number of fire extinguishers required. Having fewer fire extinguishers can increase your fire cover. A business previously had 4 CO2 fire extinguishers and 4 Water fire extinguishers. This gave them all together 84A and 136B fire ratings as well as coverage of Electrical fires. They found out they could have only 2 Firexo 9L extinguishers and that would give them 110A, 366B, C, D, 150F, Lithium-Ion Battery fires and Electrical fire coverage.

Saving time and money

By decreasing the number of fire extinguishers you have to have with Firexo, you can save time when doing your monthly visual inspections and save money by doing less annual servicing.

Getting the Firexo extinguishers to you

Firexo products are only available for purchase through retailers and trade partners like us at Fireology. This makes sure that the customer gets the most from the whole fire extinguisher experience. Firexo recognises that their trade partners have a higher level of expertise in the areas of servicing and installation, and that’s why they leave it to experts like us.

2 litre firexo extinguisher
Firexo extinguisher on a wall

BSI Kitemark

Firexo has now been granted the BSI Kitemark certification for its fire extinguishers. This means all of its standard fire extinguishers produced from this point will feature the BSI Kitemark logo. This is great news, as some buildings and locations may need a fire extinguisher with this mark to meet regulations and now the Firexo extinguisher can be used for this. 

As an approved Firexo trade partner, here at Fireology, we have access to the Kitemarked models of fire extinguishers. For the foreseeable future, these Kitemarked extinguishers will only be able to be purchased via trade partners such as ourselves and not through retailers such as your large chain DIY stores.

The BSI Kitemark is a certification mark that indicates a product has been independently tested and verified to meet its specific requirements of safety, quality and performance. The mark is very prestigious in the field and is recognised worldwide as a symbol of excellence. 

 

Remove the worry with Firexo

A large Grammar School in Manchester recently undertook an audit of all of its fire safety equipment. Prior to Firexo, this school had 300 fire extinguishers and upon talking to the staff they discovered that the thought of them having to use one of these extinguishers in the event of a fire was “anxiety-inducing”. After Firexo’s extinguishers were implemented, the number of extinguishers required drastically fell from 300 to 214 but however gave them even more coverage. This reduction in the number of extinguishers alone will save time and money through reduced servicing and maintenance. Teachers said afterwards that they didn’t realise fire safety could be so simple and they felt they could be confident in being able to do the right thing in the event of a fire.

What to look out for in the future from Firexo

This year, Firexo has gone through some testing with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) in terms of using these extinguishers for motorsports events. Firexo is very excited by this as everyone who has ever watched motorsport will know that fires aren’t a very uncommon sight in any motorsport category. Romain Grosjean’s crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, rose eyebrows at Firexo due to the lack of fire stopping power the extinguishers used for the crash had. This was something they believed the Firexo fire extinguisher could of tackled a lot sooner.

With a wide range of products, Firexo has the solution to all your fire protection needs.

Want to see the full range of Firexo products that we offer here at Fireology? If so click…

Full Firexo Range
CO2 fire extinguisher prices

CO2 Fire Extinguisher Prices

by with 18 Comments Types of Fire Extinguisher

CO2 fire extinguisher prices are the most volatile of all the different types of fire extinguishers. CO2 is produced as a by-product of ammonia production. Ammonia is mostly used as a fertiliser with the leftover CO2 used in everything from beer, to meat packaging and fire extinguishers. With the soaring natural gas prices seen lately, the cost of CO2 has risen as it has become more expensive to produce.

Instead of permanently increasing CO2 fire extinguisher prices for them never to drop when the wholesale rates lower, our suppliers charge us a CO2 surcharge. This charge adjusts when the wholesale rate changes and allows us to adjust our prices accordingly.

Budget CO2 Fire Extinguisher Price

At this time the most cost effective CO2 extinguisher is the 2kg in standard red finish. You can use these on electrical fires. In workplaces, it is common to have these paired with a 6L foam or water extinguisher.

5kg CO2 Fire Extinguisher Price

For larger fire risks you’ll want a 5kg CO2 fire extinguisher to give you even more firepower. These can be located outside plant rooms or near expensive machinery for example.

Aluminium CO2 Fire Extinguisher

If you need to site your CO2 extinguisher in a corrosive environment such as a marine setting, you can buy aluminium bodied versions in 2kg & 5kg sizes.

Stainless CO2 Fire Extinguisher Price

Stainless steel extinguishers not only look great, but will also not rust due to the added Chromium in the alloy.

Decorative CO2 Fire Extinguishers

If the regular versions still aren’t your cuppa, we provide 2kg variants in Antique Copper and Polished Gold finishes. They are particularly effective in more opulent workplace settings or in public areas.

Available Accessories

We also stock a full range of signage in photoluminescent & decorative styles, not to mention stands, transport brackets and more, all designed to perfectly complement your CO2 extinguishers.

Stands and storage

Transport brackets

Metro – How is carbon dioxide made and what is it used for?

Christmas Fire Safety Tips

by with No Comment Information

Approaching coming up to Christmas time, fires are roaring and lights are shining. With all the festivities comes extra fire danger and risks. Here are some top tips for fire safety at Christmas time.

Watering all real Christmas trees

This one is often used as a method for keeping your tree healthy and full throughout December. It is also one of the best tips for fire safety at Christmas time. This little trick can help stop the huge spread of a fire and can easily save lives and homes.

Dry Christmas trees are very flammable and can turn a small flame into a full house fire in the matter of minutes. This is demonstrated very well with this great Youtube video by PennLive.com.

Checking lights aren't damaged and confrom to British Standards

Lights on a Christmas tree and around the house in general do look good, but if they are faulty or damaged this can spark a very dangerous fire. Lights conforming to British Standards allows you to know that the products that are sprinkled around your house this December are not faulty and not likely to spark a fire.

When lights are old and used (like a lot of people’s Christmas lights are) they can be a potential risk of starting fires. If you notice any fraying or damage to your lights or ANY cables and wires in your house make sure you deal with them immediately and either replace the wiring professionally or get a new product.

Never overload sockets or outlets

During the Christmas season we tend to have more electrical items that we are not used to having to plug in the rest of the year. This can lead to people being lazy with their care for electrical safety. This can lead to overloaded sockets.

Overloaded sockets are a huge risk when it comes to starting fires. Too much electricity running through the outlet at once will cause an increase in temperature, which can lead to further problems. This can cause electrical faults leading to sparks and fires. This tip for fire safety at Christmas is essential as it is one of the more common fire starters during the festive period.

Always turn off Christmas lights before going to bed

With Christmas lights people love to leave them overnight because they ‘look good’. This is a very dangerous habit. Doing this could leave your Christmas tree and your house vulnerable. This could cause a fire due to an electrical fault at any time.

Fairy lights alone cause upward of 20 fires a year in the UK. By not leaving Christmas lights on overnight you are saving electricity, stopping the chance of a fire and reducing wear and tear on the lights in general and batteries if they are battery operated.

Be safe when heating your home

During this cost of living crisis, people will struggle to heat their homes properly, this may lead to people taking up unsafe acts in an attempt to stay warm this Christmas. Safety must always be thought about equally or first. 

When using electric heaters, they must never be left unattended as they are a very capable fire starter. In the last 5 years electrical heaters have caused upward of 800 fires across the UK. They account for a third of all electrical fire fatalities. 

Keep candles away from flammable items

Candles are a cosy addition to any Christmas setup and are a common addition round the festive period. 

This is one of the most common tips for fire safety at Christmas time. Proper and safe use of candles is very important. Never leave a candle unattended and keep away from real trees, wreaths, curtains and any flammable material.

Peabody.org.uk – 20 fairy light fires,  London Fire Brigade – 800 fires over the last 5 years caused by electrical fire

Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers

by with No Comment Types of Fire Extinguisher

Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers

What are they? Why are they different? What is so good about them?

Clean agent extinguishers act to extinguish a fire by smothering it without damaging the delicate electronic equipment it is commonly used on and also leaving no residue. The Clean Agent does not conduct electricity back to the user making them also effective on electrical fires. Clean Agent is effective on Class B and C fires typically petrol, oil, propane, butane etc.

A fire can only occur when three elements are present: heat, oxygen, and a fuel source. If one element is not present or is blocked, the fire will be extinguished. Clean agents eliminate either the heat or the oxygen elements to extinguish the fire. 

Clean agent extinguishers act to extinguish a fire by smothering it without damaging the delicate electronic equipment it is commonly used on and also leaving no residue. The Clean Agent does not conduct electricity back to the user making them also effective on electrical fires. Clean Agent is effective on Class B and C fires typically petrol, oil, propane, butane etc.

A fire can only occur when three elements are present: heat, oxygen, and a fuel source. If one element is not present or is blocked, the fire will be extinguished. Clean agents eliminate either the heat or the oxygen elements to extinguish the fire. 

Clean agent suppression systems are activated by smoke rather than heat. As a result, clean agent systems are able to suppress fire at its incipient stage by dispersing either an inert or Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gas. Clean agents also are designed to prevent re-ignition.

Clean agent suppression systems are specifically beneficial to buildings holding mission critical data such as telecommunication switches, server rooms, museums, vaults, or process control rooms. This is because when clean agent systems are used to extinguish fire, instead of sprinkler systems, there’s no concern over water damage. With a system like these water damage can be as bad as the damage from the fire, if not worse.

Typical applications include Boats, Computer Rooms, Clean rooms, switch rooms and telecoms, Data Storage Areas and art storage rooms. 

Still not found what you are looking for? You can check out more here on the CheckFire website.

Sounds like the right fix for your fire safety needs? Check them out on our store here.

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.