HOW TO CHOOSE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Armour Fire Safety's extensive guides on fire extinguishers, ul rated fire extinguishers, types of fires, and how to use a fire extinguisher can all be found below.
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UL RATING GUIDE
All Fire Extinguishers are tested by the Underwriters Laboratory for safety and performance. They are rated based on the type of fire that they will put out, and their classification is determined by the size of fire they will put out.
Do you already know the UL Rating for the fire extinguisher(s) you need?
Shop Fire Extinguishers by UL Rating:
Classes of Fires:
Shop Fire Extinguishers by UL Rating:
Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).
The numerical rating for a Class A Fire extinguisher refers to the amount of chemicals/agent in the extinguisher. The number represents the chemical/agent's equivalent to gallons of water the extinguisher holds. Multiply the number in front of A by 1.25 to figure out the equivalent to gallons of water.
• Example: A Fire Extinguisher with a rating of 2A would contain the equivalent to 2.5 gallons of water (2 x 1.25)
Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
The numerical rating for a class B fire extinguisher refers to the number of cubic feet that the Fire Extinguisher will be able to extinguish.
• Example: A Fire Extinguisher with a rating of 1A:10B:C would contain agents equal to 1.25 gallons of water (1 x 1.25) and would be able to extinguish 10 square feet of a class B fire.
(The extinguisher would also be rated non-conductive due to the C rating)
Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
Class C do not have a numerical classification. When "C" is present in the classification/UL rating, it indicates that the agents in the fire extinguisher are non-conductive, meaning that you can use them on an electrical fire (meaning anything that is plugged in).
• Example: A Fire Extinguisher with a rating of 5B:C would be able to extinguish 5 square feet of a class B fire and could also be used on a Class C fire (electrical- anything plugged in) due to it's non-conductive properties.
Class D: Metal fires involving magnesium, sodium, potassium and sodium-potassium alloys.
Class D Fire extinguishers are generally not given a numerical rating. They are simply classified as a "Class D" extinguisher.
Class K: Commercial Deep Fat Fryers (cooking oil fires).
Class K Fire extinguishers are have been rated to be used on Kitchen fires involving cooking oils and deep fryers. Class K are not given a numerical rating.
• Example: A Fire Extinguisher with a rating of 2A:K would contain the equivalent to 2.5 gallons of water (2 x 1.25) and would also be approved to be used on a Class K (cooking oil) Fire.
Choosing a Fire Extinguisher - Help Guide
Shop by Use:
Fire Extinguisher Depot sells a fire extinguisher for any purpose. Shop by your specific use or location you'll need your fire extinguisher below!
Shop by Type:
If you already know the type of fire extinguisher you need, the guide below is a great starting point to learn more about each fire extinguisher chemical and it's use.
ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Best option for homes, offices, hallways, apartment buildings, vehicles, boats and RVs.
ABC Fire Extinguishers are "tri-class" or "multi-purpose" extinguishers which can be used on Class A, B, or C fires.
- Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).
- Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
- Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
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Carbon Dioxide (Co2) Fire Extinguishers
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers meet many hospital medical equipment requirements. Co2 Extinguishers are also used for mechanics and factories as they leave no residue.
Carbon Dioxide (Co2) Fire Extinguishers are used for class B flammable liquids fires as well as Class C Electrical fires as they are electrically non-conductive. Carbon Dioxide is a clean, non-contaminating, odorless gas.
- Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
- Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
Class D Fire Extinguishers
Class D Fire Extinguishers are m ainly used for the aircraft industry, auto body shops, factories that work with metals, and other metal fire hazards.
Class D Fire Extinguishers are used for fighting class D Fires.
- Class D: Metal fires involving magnesium, sodium, potassium and sodium-potassium alloys.
Shop Class D Fire Extinguishers
High Performance Extinguishers
High Performance Extinguishers are the ultimate choice in fire extinguishers for high hazard, frequent use and extreme environmental applications.
High Performance Extinguishers fight high hazard fires dealing with flammable liquids, oil, and gas. They fight class B and C fires (and sometimes A fires).
The following Models fight class B & C Fires: (568, 595, 580, 584, 569, 599, 566, 591)
- Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
- Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
The following Models fight class A, B & C fires. (models 594, 581, 567, 582, 592, 564, 589)
- Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals):
- Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
- Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
Water Extinguishers
Water Extinguishers use a stream of water to fight mainly class A Fires. Most commonly used in the Medical Field.
Model Amerex 240 - 2.5 Gal. Water Pressure is the best option for emergency first response vehicles as it fights class A fires.
- Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).
Model Amerex B272NM is the best option for MRI rooms as it is non-toxic and non magnetic. B272 fights class A and Class C Fires.
- Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).
- Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
Class K Fire Extinguishers
Class K Fire Extinguishers are ideal in kitchens and in the restaurant industry.
Class K Fire Extinguishers are used for fighting class A and class K fires.
- Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals)
- Class K: Commercial Deep Fat Fryers (cooking oil fires).
Halon Fire Extinguishers
Halon Fire Extinguishers are recommended for protection of delicate, sensitive and expensive computers, electrical equipment, tapes and film, automotive and aircraft engines, laboratory chemicals and equipment. Halon Extinguishers can also be used in bedrooms, home offices, home kitchens, cars, and garages.
Halon Extinguishers are used for fighting class B and class C fires (And sometimes A Fires). Halon uses a liquefied gas, pressurized with nitrogen, which discharges as a vapor causing no cold or static shock and no impairment of the operator's vision.
Halon Extinguishers size 1.25 lb, 2.5 lb, 3 lb and 5 lb have a BC rating, and can be used on class b and c Fires. (Amerex Models A344T, C352TS, C354TS, and B355T)
Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
- Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
Halon Extinguishers size 9 lb, 13 lb, and 17 lb have an ABC rating, and can be used on class a, b, and c Fires. (Amerex Models B369, B371 and 361)
- Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).
- Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
- Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
Halon Extinguishers are USCG Approved for Marine/boat use with Bracket listed on UL Label (except model A344T)
Halotron Extinguishers
Halotron Extinguishers are ideal for data centers, military electronics, laboratories, warehouses, manufacturing plants, general office areas, computer rooms, control rooms, vehicles, boats, and other areas with electronic equipment. Halotron Extinguishers can also be used in bedrooms, home offices, home kitchens, cars, and garages.
Halotron Extinguishers are used for fighting class B and class C (and sometimes class A) fires near electronic and data equipment.
Halotron Extinguishers size 1.4 lb, 2.5 lb, and 5 lb have a BC rating, and can be used on class b and c Fires. (Amerex Models A384T, B385TS, B386T)
Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
- Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
Halotron Extinguishers size 11 lb and 15.5 lb have an ABC rating, and can be used on class a, b, and c Fires. (Amerex Models 397 and 398)
- Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).
- Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
- Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
Halotron Extinguishers size 5 lb, 11 lb, and 15.5 lb are USCG Approved for Marine/Boat use with Bracket listed on UL Label (Amerex Models B386T, 397 and 398)
Marine Fire Extinguishers
Marine Fire Extinguishers are United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved and carry a BC and sometimes an A rating.
- Class A: Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).
- Class B: Flammable Liquids-Gasoline, oil, grease, acetone (includes flammable gases).
- Class C: Electrical Fires, Energized electrical equipment fires (anything that is plugged in).
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
P.A.S.S.
It is important to know how to operate a fire extinguisher. By using the acronym P.A.S.S., you can easily remember how to use your fire extinguisher in the event of a fire.
P: Pull the safety pin from the handle.
A: Aim the extinguisher nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. (not directly at the flames)
S: Squeeze the handle slowly to discharge the agent.
S: Sweep from side to side, while maintaining a safe distance from the fire.
All extinguishers are furnished with a detailed “Owners Manual” containing valuable information.
The manual contains information on the installation, use and maintenance of the extinguisher.
The extinguisher nameplate (label) contains specific information on “HOW TO USE” the particular
extinguisher. The label instructions vary slightly according to type and size. All potential operators
should be totally familiar with the instructions on any extinguisher they might be required to use.
Remember:
- Hold Fire Extinguisher upright while pulling safety pin
- Start back 8-10 feet from fire
- Aim at base of fire
- Squeeze lever
- Sweep side to side
TYPES OF FIRES
Class A Fires:
ORDINARY COMBUSTIBLES: wood, paper, rubber, fabrics and many plastics
- ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher
- Halotron Fire Extinguisher
- Water Fire Extinguishers
Class B Fires:
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS & GASES: gasoline, oils, paint, lacquer and tar
- ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher
- CO2 Fire Extinguishers
- Purple K Fire Extinguishers
- Halotron Fire Extinguisher
Class C Fires:
FIRES INVOLVING LIVE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
- ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher
- CO2 Fire Extinguishers
- Purple K Fire Extinguishers
- Halotron Fire Extinguisher
Class D Fires:
COMBUSTIBLE METALS OR COMBUSTIBLE METAL ALLOYS
- Class D Fire Extinguishers
Class K Fires:
FIRES IN COOKING APPLIANCES THAT INVOLVE COMBUSTIBLE COOKING MEDIA: vegetable or animal oils and fats
- Class K Fire Extinguishers
