|
Water fire extinguisher can be used for Class A fires i.e. solids only, such as wood, paper, plastics and fabrics. They are not suitable for controlling Class B liquid fires e.g. paraffin, petrol, oil based fires, including chip pan fires, or on electrical fires and where electricity is involved unless the supply can be disconnected first. Water fire extinguisher are colour coded with a red label. Do not be confused with the normal red paint finish on the main body of most types of fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher works by water under pressure cooling burning material. |
|
The Co2 (Carbon Dioxide) fire extinguisher is ideal for fires involving delicate electrical equipment and Class B liquid fires. It does not work by cooling the fire and is therefore not recommended for controlling Class A fires involving solids. Co2 fire extinguishers discharge gas under pressure replacing the air with inert Carbon Dioxide gas which does not support combustion. Co2 fire extinguishers are colour coded with a black label. |
|
Foam (AFFF) fire extinguishers are more versatile than water and are lighter in weight compared with water equivalents delivering similar suppressant performance. They can be used for Class A & B fires but are not recommended for fires involving electricity. Foam fire extinguishers are colour coded with a cream label. A foam fire extinguisher discharges a foam solution under pressure that forms a blanket or film on the surface of a burning liquid creating a barrier between the fire vapours and the air necessary to support combustion thereby smothering the fire. |
