Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses (With Simple Chart)

Know different types of fire extinguishers, their uses, and how to choose the right one for your building.

Using the wrong fire extinguisher can be dangerous. Here’s a simple guide:

Fire Class	Extinguisher Type	Use
Class A	Water / Foam	Paper, wood
Class B	Foam / CO₂	Oil, fuel
Class C	CO₂ / Dry Powder	Electrical
Class D	Dry Powder	Metals
Class K	Wet Chemical	Kitchens

Every building must install correct extinguishers as per risk assessment.

🧯 Main Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses

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1️⃣ Water Fire Extinguisher (Class A)

🔹 Best Used For:

• Paper
• Wood
• Cloth
• Cardboard

🔹 How It Works:

Cools the burning material below ignition temperature.

⚠️ Do NOT Use On:

• Electrical fires
• Oil or fuel fires

📍 Common Locations:

• Schools
• Offices
• Residential buildings

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2️⃣ Foam Fire Extinguisher (Class A & B)

🔹 Best Used For:

• Flammable liquids (oil, petrol)
• Solid fires

🔹 How It Works:

Forms a blanket over the fire, cutting oxygen supply.

⚠️ Do NOT Use On:

• Electrical fires (unless specified)

📍 Common Locations:

• Fuel storage areas
• Warehouses
• Parking areas

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3️⃣ CO₂ Fire Extinguisher (Class B & C)

🔹 Best Used For:

• Electrical equipment
• Flammable liquids

🔹 How It Works:

Displaces oxygen and cools the fire.

⚠️ Limitations:

• No cooling effect → fire may re-ignite
• Less effective outdoors

📍 Common Locations:

• Server rooms
• Electrical panels
• Offices

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4️⃣ Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher (ABC Type)

🔹 Best Used For:

• Class A
• Class B
• Class C fires

🔹 How It Works:

Breaks the chemical reaction of fire.

✅ Advantages:

• Versatile
• Quick knockdown

❌ Disadvantages:

• Leaves residue
• Poor visibility during discharge

📍 Common Locations:

• Factories
• Industrial units
• Workshops

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5️⃣ Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher (Class K)

🔹 Best Used For:

• Cooking oil
• Grease fires

🔹 How It Works:

Creates a soap-like layer preventing re-ignition.

📍 Mandatory For:

• Commercial kitchens
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Canteens

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6️⃣ Class D Fire Extinguisher (Metal Fires)

🔹 Best Used For:

• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Aluminum powder

⚠️ Important:

• Highly specialized
• Used only in industrial environments

📍 Common Locations:

• Chemical plants
• Metal processing industries

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🎨 Fire Extinguisher Color Codes (India)

Color	Type
Red	Water
Cream	Foam
Blue	Dry Powder
Black	CO₂
Yellow	Wet Chemical

(Always verify label and rating before use)

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🏢 How to Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Building

Choosing depends on:

• Nature of activity
• Electrical load
• Flammable materials present
• Floor area

Example:

• Office: CO₂ + ABC Powder
• Factory: ABC Powder + Hydrant system
• Kitchen: Wet Chemical
• Hospital: CO₂ + Water mist

Fire authorities require risk-based placement, not random installation.

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⚖️ Legal Requirement in India

As per NBC & Fire Department guidelines:

• Correct type & quantity of extinguishers is mandatory
• Annual servicing required
• Staff training compulsory
• Required for Fire NOC approval

Non-compliance may lead to:

• Fines
• Fire NOC rejection
• Closure notice

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🔧 Why Professional Installation Matters

Improper extinguisher selection or placement is a common reason for audit failure.

A certified fire safety company like SafePoint Fire ensures:

• Risk assessment
• Correct extinguisher selection
• Proper mounting & signage
• AMC & refilling
• Compliance documentation

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📞 Need Help Selecting Fire Extinguishers?

SafePoint Fire provides:

• Fire extinguisher supply & installation
• Fire safety audits
• Fire NOC assistance
• Annual maintenance contracts (AMC)

👉 Contact SafePoint Fire for a free site assessment.