Fire Extinguishers – The Masters guide For 2025
Fire extinguishers are one of the most important pieces of equipment a homeowner can have today. They keep occupants safe in the event of a fire and prevent damage or destruction to valuable property. Because of their importance, fire extinguishers now have a permanent place in homes, factories, industrial settings, and business premises. It’s even common for car owners to carry a fire extinguisher in their vehicle. We’ll go deep into the trenches with our fire extinguishers master guide for 2025.
If you own a home, manage a facility, or have a car, this guide to fire extinguishers is for you. Read on to learn about different types of fire extinguishers, how to use and care for them, key safety standards, and more.
Types of Fire Extinguishers: The Basics
There’s no such thing as a universal fire extinguisher; different situations call for different fire extinguisher types. Picking the right one can make all the difference.
As you’ll see below, most, if not all, fire extinguishers are designed to combat class ABCDK fires.
ABC Fire Extinguisher (Class A, B, and C)
You’ve probably come across an ABC fire extinguisher at some point. It’s the most common type found in homes and small businesses because it’s highly versatile.
The fire types it covers are:
- Class A: Ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth.
- Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and solvents.
- Class C: Electrical fires involving appliances, circuits, and electronics.
An ABC extinguisher uses monoammonium phosphate, a dry chemical that puts out all three types of fire.
CO₂ Fire Extinguishers
True to its name, a CO₂ fire extinguisher depends solely on carbon dioxide to put out fires. It’s typically used for Class B and Class C fires.
The CO₂ in the extinguisher usually discharges in a cloud of snow, which can be very effective in handling fires involving flammable liquids or electrical equipment.
Water Fire Extinguishers
Water fire extinguishers are only suitable for Class A fires.
Using a water extinguisher on electrical fires or flammable liquids can be extremely dangerous, as it could spread the fire or cause electrical shock. Always take great care when choosing a fire extinguisher so you don’t create a safety risk.
Purple K Fire Extinguishers
The Purple K fire extinguisher is highly effective for Class B and Class C fires. It utilizes potassium bicarbonate, a substance that interferes with the chemical reactions that fuel fires. You’ll likely find these extinguishers in industrial settings, particularly where flammable liquids are common.
Halon Fire Extinguishers
Like the Purple K, the halon fire extinguisher uses halon to put out fires. It works by disrupting the fire’s combustion process. While effective, halon’s harmful impact on the ozone layer has led to efforts to phase it out completely. Many places now use alternative clean agents like FM-200 instead.
Class K Fire Extinguishers
Class K fire extinguishers, otherwise known as a kitchen fire extinguisher, stop fires caused by combustible cooking media like oils and fats.
It mostly uses special wet chemical solutions, like potassium acetate, with a greater suppressing and neutralizing effect.
For chefs, restaurant owners, and anyone working in commercial kitchens, Class K extinguishers are necessary.
Electrical Fire Extinguishers
If you typically work in environments where people frequently handle electric equipment, then an electrical extinguisher is a must-have. Often CO₂ or dry chemical-based, it’s specially designed to put out electrical fires in the safest way possible.
Stripping Down the P.A.S.S. Method
In the event of a fire, your reaction speed and accuracy are often the difference between containment and catastrophe. The P.A.S.S. method is a simple and effective way to remember the correct procedure:
- Pull the pin: Swiftly remove the pin at the top of the extinguisher. This will allow you to discharge the contents.
- Aim the nozzle: With the device firmly held, point the nozzle at the base of the fire — not the flames.
- Squeeze the handle: To release the fire-extinguishing agent, squeeze the handle with moderate pressure.
- Sweep from side to side: Move the nozzle from side to side as exhaustively as you can. Ensure that you’ve covered the entire base of the fire.
Please note: Should you feel unsafe or if the fire proves to be too overwhelming to contain, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.
Proper Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
Having a fire extinguisher is important, but it’s not enough. You need to check it regularly to make sure it works when you need it.
Hydrostatic Testing
Hydrostatic testing involves subjecting the fire extinguisher to high-pressure tests to ensure it can withstand the pressure that an actual, high-stakes inferno situation presents. It’s also an opportunity to see if the device is working exactly as it should.
You should perform this test on most fire extinguishers every five years. CO₂ extinguishers, however, require testing every 12 years.
Recharging Fire Extinguishers
To keep your fire extinguisher working well, you should recharge it regularly, even if you haven’t used it recently. Over time, the internal pressure may drop, making the extinguisher less effective.
Check your extinguisher every so often to make sure it is properly charged.
Up-To-Date Tags
Every fire extinguisher should have an up-to-date inspection tag. Ideally, the tag should have every inspection date written on it. Only allow a certified professional to check the device and update the tags accordingly.
The recommended timeline for extinguisher inspection is once every year. It’s the only way you’ll know if it’s in tip-top condition.
Visual Inspection
Always check fire extinguishers visually to make sure they haven’t been tampered with and there is no visible damage. If the pressure gauge is not in the green zone, take action right away. You should also make sure there are no obstacles blocking easy access to the extinguisher.
Proper Storage
If you store your extinguisher incorrectly, its internal components may get damaged. This means it might not work when you need it the most.
Proper extinguisher storage means:
- Storing it in an accessible, visible location
- Mounting it on a wall or in a secure place for easy retrieval
- Not exposing it to extreme temperatures or corrosive environments
Common Fire Extinguisher Issues and When To Call a Professional
Fire extinguishers are reliable, but issues can still arise. Here are some common problems you may encounter and how to combat them:
- Low pressure:If the pressure gauge shows a reading outside the green zone, it may be time to recharge or replace the extinguisher entirely.
- Corrosion or leaking: Corrosion or signs of leaking around the nozzle or valve is a tell-tale sign that the extinguisher might be unsafe for use. In such cases, seek out expert inspection services immediately.
- Dents or damage: Physical damage to the body of the extinguisher could compromise its functionality. If you can spot dents or actual damage, that’s your cue to invest in a new extinguisher.
- Expired tags: A visible, updated tag is a sign of a certified extinguisher. If yours is missing or otherwise outdated, you’ll need a certified professional to inspect and re-certify the device.
Any of these issues necessitate contacting a certified fire protection technician to assess and repair the extinguisher. Doing it on your own can be both costly and highly dangerous.
Fire Extinguisher Regulations and NFPA Codes
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides guidelines for the installation, maintenance, and inspection of fire extinguishers. These codes are designed to keep both individuals and businesses safe by setting clear requirements for fire safety systems.
- NFPA 10: This standard outlines the requirements for portable fire extinguishers. In it, you’ll find details on extinguisher selection, installation, maintenance, and testing.
- NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code): When dealing with electrical fire extinguishers, follow the requisite provisions in NFPA 70 to steer clear of unsafe practices.
- NFPA 25: This standard focuses on the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems, which may be relevant for certain fire protection systems in larger commercial or industrial environments.
Make sure you know the NFPA codes that apply to your area and industry. Following these codes keeps you safe and helps you meet legal standards. If you don’t comply, you could face serious penalties.
Fire Extinguishers FAQS
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At Kord Fire Protection, we offer cut-above fire extinguisher service and certification. From maintenance to inspection and testing, we handle it all so you don’t have to. Schedule a free consultation today.
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