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How to Choose a Fire Extinguisher


Fire Extinguishers are your first line of defense. When a portable fire extinguisher is used to fight a small, contained fire, it extinguishes the fire usually within the first two minutes significantly minimizing death, injury and property damage. They are often the first item a fire inspector looks at when checking for compliance. Why, then, should they be treated as less by your fire protection service provider? The answer is, they shouldn't!
 
GENERAL USAGE GUIDE
 
Extinguisher Type Agent Class Sample Applications
Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical Monoammonium Phosphate ABC Offices, Hotels, Schools and Warehouses
Regular Dry Chemical Sodium Bicarbonate BC Vehicles, Training and Laboratories
Purple K Dry Chemical Potassium Bicarbonate BC Oil Industry, Airport Ramps, Military and Fuel Services
CO2 Carbon Dioxide BC Factories and Food Processing Plants
Halotron Halotron I ABC & BC Military, Computer Rooms, Aircraft and Museums
Water H2O A Storerooms, Barns and Attics
Foam AR AFFF AB Fueling Areas, Manufacturing and Construction Sites
 
RESIDENTIAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER SELECTION
 
For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle. Remember, a the weight by which an extinguisher is classified is the NET weight (weight of the extinguishing agent).  Therefore, a 2.5lb ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher actually weighs about 4.5lbs, a 5lb
ABC extinguisher weighs about 8.5 pounds, etc.  One needs to take into account the actual GROSS weight of the fire extinguisher.  You can find the gross weight on the downloadable specification sheets under each extinguisher type
available at www.safetysupercenter.com.  There are three general classes of residential fire extinguishers from
which to choose:
  • Class A: For fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and plastics.
  • Class B: For fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, solvents and oil-based paint.
  • Class C: For fires involving energized electrical equipment such as wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery and appliances.

For residential purposes, the most effective, safest and least expensive extinguisher to use is an ABC Multipurpose Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher.  Either 2.5lb or 5lb units are the easiest to use because of the gross weight of the extinguisher.  Make sure you install at least one fire extinguisher on each level of your home and in the garage.  If you have specific questions about selecting fire extinguishers for your home, please call us at 1.888.447.7336 and we'll be happy to help.

 
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER SELECTION

Fire Extinguisher Tips

  • When choosing a fire extinguisher, bigger is always better. Larger fire extinguishers last longer, giving you more time to fight the fire and get to safety.
  • Select an extinguisher with an easy-to-read pressure gauge and clear instructions.
  • Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.
  • Install a fire extinguisher within reach on every level of your home or business, close to exits, and in the kitchen and garage.
  • Include all locations where there is a potential for accidental fire.

Remember the PASS Word

Stand 6 to 8 feet away from the fire and follow the four-step PASS procedure recommended by National Fire Protection Association:

P - Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you.
A - Aim low at the base of the fire.
S - Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly to discharge the extinguishing agent. (When the agent first hits the fire, the fire may briefly flare up. This should be expected.)
S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side, moving carefully toward the fire. Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire.
 
 

Use Safely 

Fire extinguishers are only one element of a complete fire survival plan.

 Only use your extinguisher after making sure:

  • All residents of the home or business have been evacuated to safety
  • The fire department has been notified
  • There is a clear exit behind the person using the extinguisher

Use your extinguisher only to keep a small self-contained fire from growing, only when the room is not filled with smoke, or to create a safe pathway out of the home. Read the instructions and become familiar with your fire extinguisher's parts and operation before a fire breaks out.