Different Types Of Fire Extinguishers

The six main fire extinguisher types are – Water, Foam, Dry Powder, CO2, Wet Chemical, and Aqua Max.

To meet all the relevant fire safety regulations and ensure protection, your business needs to have the correct type of fire extinguisher for your commercial environment. 

There are different classes of fire based on which fuels a fire started with. Fire classes are based on this, so it is important to understand. Understanding what fuels are present in your business premises will help you make a more informed decision on the most appropriate type of fire extinguisher for various locations. 

You will also need to understand the right size and weight for each extinguisher. This is where our expert team are on hand to help. 

What is the water fire extinguisher colour?

The coloured label for water fire extinguishers is Red. 

Uses for water fire extinguishers.

Water fire extinguishers can be used for fires caused by paper, cardboard and fabrics.

Do not use water fire extinguishers for:

Under no circumstance should you use water fire extinguishers for fires caused by electrics, flammable liquids and kitchen fires. This is dangerous and should be avoided at all times. 

Types of business that need water fire extinguishers.

Water fire extinguishers are very common in premises across the UK. Buildings that need this type of fire extinguisher include:

• Schools
• Apartments 
• Offices 
• Stores 
• Hospitals 

Where should I store water fire extinguishers? 

Water fire extinguishers should be located near exits and entry points at any locations with a class A fire risk. 

What is the foam fire extinguisher colour?

The coloured label for water fire extinguishers is Cream. 

Uses for foam fire extinguishers.

Similar to water fire extinguishers, foam extinguishers can be used for fires caused by paper, cardboard, fabrics and other organic materials. Foam fire extinguishers can also be used for flammable liquids such as petrol or paint. 

Do not use foam fire extinguishers for:

Under no circumstance should you use foam fire extinguishers for fires caused by electrics, flammable metals and kitchen fires. This is dangerous and should be avoided at all times. 

Types of business that need foam fire extinguishers.

Foam fire extinguishers should be used where flammable liquids are held, and organic materials are found. Buildings that need this type of fire extinguisher include:

• Schools
• Apartments 
• Offices 
• Stores 
• Hospitals 

Where should I store foam fire extinguishers? 

Foam fire extinguishers should be located near exits and entry points at any locations with a class A or B fire risk. 

What is the dry powder fire extinguisher colour?

The coloured label for dry powder fire extinguishers is Blue. 

Uses for dry powder fire extinguishers.

Dry powder extinguishers can be used for fires caused by paper, cardboard, fabrics. Dry powder fire extinguishers can also be used for flammable gasses such as electrical equipment (under 1000 volts) and liquid petroleum. Specialist dry powder extinguishers can be used for some flammable metals. 

Do not use dry powder fire extinguishers for:

Under no circumstance should you use dry powder fire extinguishers for fires caused by electric equipment (over 1000 volts), fires in enclosed spaces and kitchen fires involving cooking oils. 

Types of business that need dry powder fire extinguishers.

Dry powder fire extinguishers should not be used in enclosed spaces. As a result, dry powder extinguishers should be used for the following spaces:

• Garage forecourts
• Welding or flame cutting businesses
• Businesses with large boiler rooms

Where should I store dry powder fire extinguishers? 

Dry powder fire extinguishers should be located near the immediate fire risk.

What is the CO2 fire extinguisher colour?

The coloured label for CO2 fire extinguishers is Black. 

Uses for CO2 fire extinguishers.

CO2 extinguishers can be used for fires caused by electrical equipment such as computers and fires caused by flammable liquids. 

Do not use CO2 fire extinguishers for:

Under no circumstance should you use CO2 fire extinguishers for fires caused by organic materials and fires involving flammable metals. 

Types of business that need CO2 fire extinguishers.

• CO2 fire extinguishers are commonly used in premises with a lot of electrical equipment. Premises which need this type of fire extinguisher include:
• Server rooms 
• School IT Departments 
• Technology Stores 
• Offices 

Where should I store CO2 fire extinguishers? 

CO2 fire extinguishers should be located near the immediate fire risk or nearest exit/entry points. 

What is the wet chemical fire extinguisher colour?

The coloured label for wet chemical fire extinguishers is Yellow. 

Uses for wet chemical fire extinguishers.

Wet chemical fires are perfect for fires involving fats and cooking oils.

Do not use wet chemical fire extinguishers for:

Under no circumstance should you use wet chemical fire extinguishers for fires caused by fires involving flammable liquids or gasses, electrical fires and fires involving flammable metals.

Types of business that need wet chemical fire extinguishers.

Due to how effective wet chemical fire extinguishers are with cooking oils and fats, the following businesses will need this type of extinguisher.

• Commercial kitchens
• Restaurants
• Canteens
• Fast-food takeaways

Where should I store wet chemical fire extinguishers? 

Wet chemical fire extinguishers should be located near the immediate fire risk.

The Aquamax fire extinguisher is a compact fire extinguisher which is becoming increasingly used across the industry and a favourite at Britannia Fire and Security.

The compact solution has an impressive fire rating of 34A.

From complex integrated packages to simple fire detection systems, we can tailor make a solution to suit your requirements.

Contact our team our expert team on 01733 246 990 for a no-obligation quote and free site survey so we can find the most suitable solution for your premises.

Or leave your details and we will get back to you as soon as possible.