Understanding the differences between fire extinguisher types is vital. Using the wrong device can be ineffective at best and fatal at worst. The U.S. categorizes fires into four classes. These class labels indicate suitability of the device.

Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cardboard and paper. Class B fires involve combustible and flammable liquids such as grease, oil, gasoline, and kerosene. Class C fires involve an electrical source such as appliances and wiring and require a non-conductive extinguisher. Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as potassium and sodium, and require fire extinguishers dedicated solely to Class D fires.

The two most common types of fire extinguishers are dry chemical and air-pressurized water extinguishers. Water extinguishers are pressurized with oxygen are suitable for class A fires only and can be extremely dangerous if used in the wrong scenario.

Dry chemical extinguishers are pressurized with nitrogen and filled with foam or powder. They come in a variety of class combinations, the most common of which is the BC extinguisher. This extinguisher leaves behind a corrosive residue that can be damaging to many surfaces and requires immediate cleaning. The ABC dry chemical is a multipurpose extinguisher but can be quite damaging to electrical appliances.

Carbon Dioxide extinguishers that are used for class B and C fires. Unlike BC dry chemical extinguishers, they can be used on electronic devices and do not leave behind a corrosive residue. Carbon Dioxide extinguishers are, however, not well suited to the most common class of fires, the class A fire.

These are the most prevalent types of fire extinguishers. When looking for a fire extinguishers, it is important to consider what class of fires it is that you are exposed.

List of Fire Extinguishers Suppliers