Different types of fire extinguishers

1.7 Different types of fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are used to put out small fires. They are of different types with each made to deal with a specific class of fire. They are classified according to firefighting material in the equipment.  The following are the most commonly used:

Water Extinguishers

Usually used to put out fires on burning solid materials.

Foam Extinguishers

Used to put out fires on burning oils and chemicals.

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

Used to fight fires on burning gases or vapours.

Dry Powder Extinguishers

Used to deal with fires on burning, flammable liquids and some solids, such as wood and paper.

Water and foam are conductors of electricity. Therefore, they should never be used to fight electrical fires unless the supply of electricity is disconnected; carbon dioxide and dry powder extinguishers are recommended Instead.

Other Extinguishers

Besides the above commercially made fires extinguishers, sand, soil and other covering materials may be used to fight fires