Types of Fire Extinguisher

Care should be taken to ensure the correct type of extinguisher is ordered to cover the risk options on the type of fire extiguisher.

Including:

  • Water fire extinguishers
  • CO2 fire extinguishers
  • dry powder fire extinguishers
  • foam fire extinguishers

If in doubt, please email us.

COLOUR CODING OF EXTINGUISHERS?

BS EN3 Explained

This is the new European Standard, covering portable Fire Extinguishers. It replaces the former BS 5423: 1987, which was withdrawn in 1997. Until then the U.K. had a unique colour coding system to identify the various Fire Extinguishers. BS EN3 requires that at least 95% of the extinguishers body must be coloured red, allowing only 5% colour coded zones on the extinguisher.

THE OLD COLOUR CODES
  • Red - Water
  • Cream - Foam
  • Blue - Dry Powder
  • Black - Co2 ( Carbon Dioxide )
  • Green - Halon ( Should be withdrawn from service )

WATER

Water extinguishers are suitable for Class A fires involving combustible materials such as paper, wood, plastics and textiles. Water is a fast and efficient means of extinguishing these materials. It works by having a rapid cooling effect so that insufficient heat remains to sustain the burning and continuous ignition ceases. They are not suitable for electric type fires.

Colour code is red extinguisher body and red label.

DRY POWDER

Dry powder extinguishers are suitable for Class A, B and C fires. Class C fires involve flammable gases such as propane and butane. Powder is also highly effective for electrical hazards and against petrol and volatile liquids, which makes them ideal for vehicle protection. A good all-rounder makes dry powder an excellent choice for both industrial and domestic premises.

The powder interferes with the combustion process and provides rapid fire knock down.

Colour code is red extinguisher body and blue label.

AFFF FOAM

Foam extinguishers are a multi purpose extinguisher and are ideal where both Class A (combustible materials) and Class B (flammable liquid risks) are most likely to be found. Class B fires also includes oils, spirits, greases, fats and certain plastics. Highly effective against petrol and volatile liquids, forming a flame smothering seal over the surface and hence also preventing re-ignition, ideal for multi risk usage in areas such as workshops and garages. The 6 Litre model is ideal for shops and offices where less weight is preferred.

The spray provides rapid flame knock down which smothers the flame and prevents re-ignition of flammable vapours by sealing the surface of the solution.

Colour code is red extinguisher body and cream label.

Co2 (CARBON DIOXIDE)

Carbon Dioxide is a time proven clean agent, CO2 extinguishers are most suitable for electrical type fires and flammable liquids. The non-conductive and non-corosive qualities of CO2 make it an ideal choice for fires involving electrical equipment such as electrical appliances and machinery.

Colour code is red extinguisher body and black label.