Fire classes and extinguisher types: which one for which fire?
· 2 min read
An extinguisher suited to one fire can be ineffective, or even dangerous, on another. That's why fires are sorted into classes, and extinguishers are identified by the classes they work on. Here are the essentials (European classification).
Fire classes
| Class | Fuel | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| A | Solids | wood, paper, cardboard, fabric |
| B | Flammable liquids | petrol, oils, solvents, paint |
| C | Gases | butane, propane, natural gas |
| D | Metals | magnesium, sodium, powdered aluminium |
| F | Cooking oils and fats | fryers, commercial kitchens |
Electrical fires aren't a class of their own in Europe: cut the power if you can, then pick an agent suitable for live equipment.
The main types of extinguisher
- Water (with or without additive): effective on solids (class A). Never use it on an oil fire or on live electrical equipment unless the unit's label says otherwise.
- Foam: solids and flammable liquids (A and B).
- Multi-purpose powder (ABC): solids, liquids and gases. Very common, but the powder makes a mess and can damage sensitive equipment.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂): suited to liquid fires and electrical equipment. It leaves no residue, but is weak on deep-seated solid fires.
- Class F agent: designed for cooking oils.
- Special powder (class D): reserved for metal fires.
Reading the label
Every unit carries a label with pictograms showing the fire classes it is designed for, and illustrated instructions. That label also has to be legible and facing the user during a visual check.
Why it matters to a professional
The type of unit determines its servicing: a weight check for a CO₂ unit, a pressure check for a pressurised one, different inspection intervals. A record per unit, with its type and capacity, lets you apply the right rule at the right time.
In Extinguo, each unit is recorded with its type, capacity and history, so nothing depends on a technician's memory.