Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Uses (As Per International Standards)
Introduction
A fire extinguisher is often the first line of defense when a fire breaks out. But not all extinguishers are the same — using the wrong one can be ineffective or even deadly.
International standards such as:
- NFPA 10 (USA) – Portable Fire Extinguishers
- EN 3 (Europe) – Portable Fire Extinguishers
- ISO 7165 (Global) – Fire Extinguishers Classification
categorize extinguishers by agent type and fire classes (A, B, C, D, K/F).
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the main types of fire extinguishers, their uses, color codes, compliance standards, and examples.
International Fire Extinguisher Standards
| Standard | Region | Key Classes Recognized | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFPA 10 | USA | A, B, C, D, K | Class K = Kitchen Oils |
| EN 3 | Europe | A, B, C, D, F | Class F = Kitchen Fires |
| ISO 7165 | Global | Aligns with A, B, C, D, F/K | Ensures international compatibility |
| AS 1841.5 | Australia | A, B, C, D, F | Similar to EN 3 |
👉 Key difference: USA uses “K”, Europe uses “F” for kitchen fires.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
1. Water Fire Extinguishers (Class A Fires)
- Standard Compliance: NFPA 10, EN 3
- Color Code: 🔴 Red (with label “WATER”)
- Extinguishing Agent: Pressurized water
Uses:
- Effective on ordinary combustibles: wood, paper, textiles, rubbish
Examples:
- Furniture fires
- Paper or cardboard fires
- Rubbish bin fires
- Forest/brush fires
Limitations:
- Not for electrical fires (shock risk)
- Not for flammable liquids (spreading risk)
- Not for metal fires
💡 Best suited for: Schools, offices, residential buildings.
2. Foam (AFFF) Fire Extinguishers (Class A & B Fires)
- Standard Compliance: NFPA 11, EN 3
- Color Code: 🔴 Red (with cream label)
- Extinguishing Agent: Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF)
Uses:
- Smothers flammable liquid fires (petrol, oil, paint)
- Can also be used on solids (wood, cloth)
Examples:
- Petrol station fires
- Paint or solvent spills
- Burning alcohol
- Plastics and packaging fires
Limitations:
- Not for electrical fires
- Not for reactive metals
💡 Best suited for: Fuel storage, chemical plants, garages.
3. CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) Fire Extinguishers (Class B & C Fires)
- Standard Compliance: NFPA 12, EN 3
- Color Code: 🔴 Red (with black label)
- Extinguishing Agent: Compressed carbon dioxide
Uses:
- Ideal for electrical fires (safe, non-conductive)
- Effective on flammable liquids
Examples:
- Electrical panel fires
- Server room fires
- Gasoline laboratory fires
- Solvent tank fires
Limitations:
- Not effective on Class A (solids)
- Not for Class D (metal fires)
- Risk of suffocation in small rooms
💡 Best suited for: Offices, IT rooms, labs.
4. Dry Chemical (ABC Powder) Fire Extinguishers (Class A, B, C Fires)
- Standard Compliance: NFPA 10, EN 3
- Color Code: 🔴 Red (with blue label)
- Extinguishing Agent: Monoammonium phosphate / sodium bicarbonate
Uses:
- Multipurpose – solids, liquids, electrical fires
- Common in industrial and residential areas
Examples:
- Office fires (paper + wiring)
- Vehicle engine fires
- Household mixed fires
- Industrial equipment fires
Limitations:
- Not for Class D (metals)
- Not for Class K/F (cooking oil)
- Leaves residue (damages electronics)
💡 Best suited for: Homes, vehicles, warehouses.
5. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers (Class K/F Fires)
- Standard Compliance: NFPA 17A, EN 3
- Color Code: 🔴 Red (with yellow label)
- Extinguishing Agent: Potassium acetate or citrate solution
Uses:
- Specifically for cooking oils and fats
- Cools fire + creates a soapy layer to prevent reignition
Examples:
- Deep fryer fires
- Restaurant kitchen grease fires
- Animal fat cooking fires
Limitations:
- Not for Class A, B, C, D fires
💡 Best suited for: Restaurants, hotels, food industries.
6. Specialized Extinguishers (Class D – Metal Fires)
- Standard Compliance: NFPA 484, EN 3
- Color Code: 🔴 Red (with yellow “D” label)
- Extinguishing Agent: Sodium chloride or graphite powder
Uses:
- Only for combustible metals (magnesium, titanium, lithium, sodium)
Examples:
- Magnesium alloy fires
- Lithium battery fires (in labs/industry)
- Titanium machining sparks
- Sodium/potassium lab accidents
Limitations:
- Never use water or foam (causes explosions)
💡 Best suited for: Laboratories, aerospace, metal industries.
Fire Extinguishers – Quick Comparison
| Extinguisher | Class | Best For | Avoid Using On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | A | Paper, wood, textiles | Electrical, oil, metals |
| Foam (AFFF) | A, B | Fuels, solvents, plastics | Electrical, metals |
| CO₂ | B, C | Electrical, flammable liquids | Solids, metals |
| Dry Powder (ABC) | A, B, C | Mixed home/workplace fires | Cooking oils, metals |
| Wet Chemical | K/F | Kitchen oils & fats | Solids, gases, metals |
| Class D Powder | D | Combustible metals | All other fires |
Fire Safety Tips with Extinguishers
- ✅ Train staff in PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
- ✅ Place extinguishers in accessible locations
- ✅ Conduct annual inspections (NFPA 10 & EN 3 requirement)
- ✅ Replace/refill after every use
- ✅ Match extinguishers to hazards (kitchen vs. office vs. factory)
Conclusion
Fire extinguishers save lives — but only if you use the right one.
- Water & Foam → Solids & liquids
- CO₂ → Electrical & liquids
- Dry Powder → Multipurpose (A, B, C)
- Wet Chemical → Kitchens (K/F)
- Class D → Metals
By aligning with NFPA, EN, and ISO standards, businesses and homes can ensure safety and compliance.
👉 Always check your local fire codes and train employees/family members. Preparedness prevents disasters.
External Link: OSHA Fire Extinguisher Standard 1910.157
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Fire Safety Toolbox Talk – Prevention, Response, and Evacuation
FAQs on Fire Extinguishers
Q1. What are the main types of fire extinguishers?
Water, Foam (AFFF), CO₂, Dry Chemical, Wet Chemical, and Class D powder.
Q2. Which extinguisher is best for electrical fires?
CO₂ and Dry Powder (ABC). Never water or foam.
Q3. Why is Wet Chemical used in kitchens?
It reacts with oils/fats, forming a barrier that prevents reignition.
Q4. Can one extinguisher fight all fires?
No — ABC is versatile but not for metals or grease fires.
Q5. What does OSHA require for workplaces?
OSHA (29 CFR 1910.157) mandates appropriate fire extinguishers based on workplace hazards.
