Fire Extinguisher for Home - Types of Fire Extinguishers, How to Use & More

Fire extinguishers are a common sight in office buildings, malls and residential societies. Medium to big-sized fire extinguishers installed at such places ensure the safety of people in case of a fire emergency. Gradually, people are also realising the importance of installing these at home. Different types and sizes of fire extinguishers are available in the market to match distinctive requirements and budgets. Fire extinguisher prices vary based on the type, while the method to operate them largely remains the same. Most of these are easy to operate. A small demo is enough to understand their functionality.

1. Water Extinguishers

Water extinguishers have been categorised into two different types. These are the standard water extinguishers and the dry water extinguishers. Let us take a quick look at what each of these has to offer:

Standard Water Extinguishers

This type of extinguisher dispenses water at very high pressure. It may even contain certain chemicals that augment its capacity to extinguish the fire. It helps in extinguishing flames erupting due to class A fires. This includes fire on combustible substances such as paper, cardboard, plastic, wood, fabric, and other solid materials.

The extinguisher is solid red in colour. The word 'water' or aqua spray' is imprinted on it in bold. One must strictly prohibit spraying it on electrical appliances and oil fires.

Dry Water Mist Extinguisher

This is one of the most useful fire extinguishers as it helps in putting out almost all kinds of fires. Even the most difficult fires can be doused with their use. Water is converted into dry microscopic particles as it comes out of the nozzle. These particles suffocate the flames.

This type of extinguisher is also solid red in colour. You will see the words 'water mist' imprinted on it.

2. Wet Chemical Extinguishers

Wet chemical extinguishers, such as cooking oils and fats, are meant to fight class F fires. They combat extremely high-temperature fires by bringing down their temperature. It sprays a soapy solution that bars the fire from re-igniting by sealing the surface. For best results, spraying the solution slowly in a circular motion is advised. If not sprayed properly, the fire may re-ignite. It comes with an extended hose that helps fight the fire easily. It can also be used on class A fires, although it may not prove very effective.

This extinguisher must not be used to fight fires involving liquids categorised as class B. These fire extinguishers are imprinted with the words “wet chemical”.

3. Powder Extinguisher

Powder extinguishers have further been categorised into three types — ABC, L2 and M28. Let us look at each type in detail:

ABC Powder

This type of extinguisher sprays powder that works as a thermal blast. The powder contains ingredients that cool down the flames instantly. It fights fires belonging to the A, B and C classes. This means you can combat fires involving solids, liquids as well as gases by using this extinguisher. It is appropriate for fighting electrical fires, as it is non-conductive. However, it should not be used on class F-type fires, such as those caused due to fat or cooking oil. It is also advised not to use these extinguishers in confined spaces as they cause harm if inhaled.

You will see the words 'powder' and 'ABC powder' imprinted on this kind of fire extinguisher.

L2 Powder

They have a special hose that distinguishes them from ABC powder extinguishers. They help eliminate fires involving combustible metals such as lithium, sodium and magnesium. It is classified as a class D fire. You will find these extinguishers installed near engineering plants. It does not work on any other type of fire. It should particularly be kept away from fires involving electrical appliances.

M28 Powder

It is also meant to douse fire involving combustible metals. Its properties are akin to L2 powder. However, in addition to electrical fires, it must not be used on lithium as the reaction can be fatal. 

4. Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher

CO2, as a fire extinguisher, has been specially designed to combat fires involving flammable liquids. In addition to fighting class B fires, they are also used to put out electrical fires. They displace the oxygen present in the surroundings to exhaust the flames. Their use should strictly be prohibited on fires emanating from hot cooking oil and fat. Using it on such class F fires can spread the blaze further and cause damage.

The hose of such appliances is quite different from other kinds of fire extinguishers. The best part is that they do not leave any residue behind. Thus, the surroundings and equipment are not damaged by their use. But, it must be used carefully else you may end up causing harm to your hands.

5. Foam Extinguisher

Foam extinguishers consist of water and a foaming agent. It is designed to fight class A and B fires. It puts out the fire almost instantly by rendering a blanketing effect. The vapours are sealed so that the fire does not get re-ignited. However, the method to use this type of extinguisher on class A and class B fires varies. It is important to read the instructions carefully to use them appropriately. These are not meant to be used on any other type of fire. Their use must strictly be prohibited for electrical and fat-pan fires.

Classification of Fire

Fire extinguisher nozzle pointed at the fire to extinguish it (Source: Pinterest)

Here is how fire has been classified into different groups:

Class A - This involves combustible carbon-based solids like wood, paper, and cloth.

Class B - This involves inflammable liquids, such as petrol, diesel, gasoline, turpentine and oils. However, this category does not include cooking oil.

Class C - This includes fires caused by combustible gases, such as methane, propane, and butane.

Class D - This involves the burning of metals, such as lithium, magnesium and aluminium.

Electrical Fire - This is caused by electrical appliances. It is denoted by the electric spark symbol.

Class F - This is caused by fats and cooking oils.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher?

It is important to seek professional training to use a fire extinguisher. We have shared a brief overview of the way such appliances are used:

Step 1

You need to pull the pin in order to break the tamper seal.

Step 2

Point the nozzle at the fire’s base.

Step 3

Release the contents of the extinguisher by squeezing its handle.

Step 4

Until the fire gets doused, sweep the extinguisher at the base of the fire from side to side.

Conclusion to Fire extinguishers for home 

Different types of fire extinguishers have been devised to combat various kinds of fire. Water-based, water mist-based, chemical-based, carbon dioxide, wet chemical, powder and foam extinguishers are among some of them. It is important to learn which kind of fire extinguisher should be used under which circumstance before investing in one. The correct usage of extinguishers must also be learned to use them efficiently during times of emergency. If you happen to use it, get a refill for the fire extinguisher to keep it ready for future use.