Fire Extinguisher Types

There are many different types of fire extinguishers available, but they are classified based on the four categories of fires being extinguished. It is very important to select the correct extinguisher for the type of fire to prevent personal injury and to prevent making the fire worse. The classifications of fires listed below are for the United States.

While fire extinguishers can address a single type of fire (i.e. a Class A extinguisher), it is more common that they handle a range of fire types. The standard combinations are listed below and refer to United States classifications. Regardless of the combination listed, it is important that the extinguisher be UL tested and approved.

Class A Fire Extinguishers

Class A Fire Extinguishers are used on class A fires only. Typically, the fire fighting agent is water. Class A extinguishers cannot be used on other fire types because water poses a risk when used on electrical, liquid, gas, or metal fires. It is especially important that these extinguishers are not used on electrical fires because they can transfer electricity back to the user.

Class A/B Fire Extinguishers

Handling ordinary combustibles and liquids, Class A/B extinguishers use foam as the extinguishing agent. The Foam will leave a residue, which must be cleaned away after the fire is put out.

Class A/B/C Fire Extinguishers

The most common extinguishers, Class A/B/C extinguishers are usually used in offices, schools, and homes. The agent used to put the fire out is a multi-purpose dry chemical called mono ammonium phosphate. The chemical will leave a residue and can cause corrosion of materials when used in a wet environment. Also available are A/B/C extinguishers that use Halotron as the extinguishing agent. Halotron will not leave any residue and can be used around sensitive equipment.

Class B/C Fire Extinguishers

Used on liquid, gas, or electrical fires, Class B/C extinguishers use one of a few different extinguishing agents. Class B/C extinguishers that use Carbon Dioxide as the extinguishing agent fight the fire by removing oxygen from the immediate fire area. This can be dangerous to humans if used in an enclosed area, but it will leave no residue so it is generally used around sensitive equipment. Regular Dry Chemical extinguishers (sodium bicarbonate) are non-toxic and will leave a residue that is easy to clean up.

Class D Fire Extinguishers

Class D extinguishers use a dry power as the extinguishing agent. The type of powder is selected based on the type of metal fire that must be put out.

Class K Fire Extinguishers

Used in commercial kitchens, Class K extinguishers use a potassium acetate based agent that is safe to use on deep fat fryers or other food grease fires.