Selecting the right fire extinguisher is essential for protecting your home or business. Because there is no single extinguisher capable of handling every type of fire, choosing the correct model requires understanding the fire risks in your environment, the fire classes involved, and which extinguishers are approved for those hazards. Proper sizing is equally important, as a small extinguisher may not provide sufficient discharge time during an emergency.
Different fuel sources create different types of fires, and each requires a specific extinguishing agent to suppress it safely. Using the wrong extinguisher can worsen the fire, create additional hazards, or damage valuable equipment. By identifying the combustible materials present and matching them with the appropriate extinguisher, you ensure safe and effective fire suppression.
For placement guidance and compliance support, consider reviewing your building’s Fire Safety Plan:
Before selecting a fire extinguisher, it is important to understand the five primary fire classes:
Class A – Combustible Solids
Materials such as wood, cloth, paper, cardboard, and plastics.
Class B – Flammable Liquids and Gases
Fuels such as gasoline, propane, solvents, oils, diesel, and paint.
Class C – Electrical Equipment
Live electrical systems including computers, servers, appliances, and generators.
Class D – Combustible Metals
Fires involving magnesium, titanium, lithium, aluminum, and other reactive metals.
Class K – Cooking Oils and Fats
Fires that occur in deep fryers, commercial kitchens, and cooking appliances.
Pressurized water extinguishers are highly effective for Class A fires involving wood, fabric, paper, or other common combustibles. They work by cooling the burning material and removing heat from the fire triangle.
Warning: These extinguishers must never be used on Class B, C, D, or K fires due to electrical and reactivity hazards.
Foam extinguishers are primarily used on Class B fires but can also be effective on Class A fires because they are water-based. The foam forms a blanket that cools the fire and prevents re-ignition. While more expensive than water extinguishers, they are still considered cost-effective and widely used.
CO₂ extinguishers are suitable for Class C fires and can be used on Class B fires as well. They discharge pressurized carbon dioxide, which displaces oxygen around the fire.
Because CO₂ leaves no residue, it is ideal for use on electrical equipment, computer rooms, and sensitive devices.
However, CO₂ is not as cost-efficient on flammable liquid fires and has limited reach.
ABC dry chemical extinguishers are the most common due to their versatility, extinguishing Class A, B, and C fires. They are effective and widely available.
However:
The powder can damage electronics
Residue cleanup is difficult
Fires may re-ignite without proper cooling
Inhaling the powder may cause respiratory irritation
Despite these limitations, ABC extinguishers remain the standard for general commercial and residential use.
Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for Class K fires involving cooking oils and fats. They are required in commercial kitchens throughout B.C. because they suppress high-temperature grease fires safely and effectively.
While capable of putting out Class A fires, they are not cost-effective for general use. Pressurized water, foam, or dry chemical extinguishers are better suited for non-kitchen Class A hazards.
Look at the materials commonly present paper, fuels, electronics, metals, cooking oils and determine which fire classes apply.
Use a combination of extinguishers when different fire classes are present.
For example:
Offices → CO₂ + ABC
Workshops → ABC + Class D
Restaurants → K-Class + ABC
A small extinguisher may not provide enough suppression time. Larger extinguishers are recommended for higher-risk areas or larger rooms.
Many properties require more than one extinguisher to fully cover all hazards.
For professional recommendations and compliance verification, you may schedule: Fire Extinguisher Inspection Services
Proper selection, installation, and annual servicing of fire extinguishers are essential to meeting NFPA 10 and local fire code requirements. A certified fire protection company can:
Recommend appropriate extinguisher types and sizes
Evaluate building hazards
Ensure extinguishers are accessible and mounted properly
Perform required annual inspections and maintenance
Otis Fire Protection offers full inspection, refill, and servicing throughout the Lower Mainland. Additional fire protection services include:
Choosing the correct type of fire extinguisher is essential for maintaining a safe home or workplace. By understanding fire classes, evaluating hazards, and selecting extinguishers suited for each environment, you significantly improve your emergency readiness. When in doubt, consulting a certified fire protection company ensures compliance, safety, and peace of mind.
If you need assistance choosing, installing, or inspecting fire extinguishers, Otis Fire Protection is ready to help.
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