How to Decide the Type and Capacity of a Fire Extinguisher?
- March 19, 2025
If a fire broke out now, do you have the right type of fire extinguisher to stop it? Many people assume that any fire extinguisher can extinguish a fire, but that’s not true. Using the wrong extinguishers to douse the fire makes the situation even worse. And yes, the capacity of your extinguishers should be enough to control a fire before it spreads. That’s why before investing in extinguisher equipment, it is important to search for the ideal type and capacity of extinguisher as a step toward true fire safety.
Identify Potential Fire Hazards
Look around your area for potential fire hazards and then select an extinguisher. Consider asking yourself:
● Are there combustible liquids, like gasoline, oil, or solvents?
● Is electrical fire danger from wiring or appliances a risk?
● Do you have cooking fats and oils that can ignite in a kitchen?
● Are there combustible metals, such as magnesium or aluminum shavings, in an industrial environment?
Understanding which material can catch fire easily helps you decide on the right type of fire extinguisher.
Understand Fire Extinguisher Classes
Fire extinguishers are differentiated based on the types of fires they can extinguish:
● Class A: It occurs from common combustibles like paper, wood, and cloth. ABC Fire Extinguishers and Water & Foam Fire Extinguishers are suitable for extinguishing this type of fire.
● Class B: This type of fire starts with flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and grease. To suppress this class of fires, use ABC Fire Extinguishers, BC Fire Extinguishers, or Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers.
● Class C: Electric Fires or Class C fires start from electric appliances, wiring, or circuit breakouts. CO₂ Fire Extinguishers, ABC Fire Extinguishers, and Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers are the safest tools for dousing these fires.
● Class D: This type of fire happens because of combustible metals like magnesium and aluminum. Our Special Application Fire Extinguisher is best for suppressing these fires.
● Class K: Class K fires occur from cooking oils and fats. K-type fire extinguishers are specially made to suppress this type of fire.
Choosing the right one makes sure that you can actually fight the fire without making it worse.
Determine the Required Capacity
Fire extinguisher size is as important as type. Consider:
Fire risk size: Big spaces need higher-capacity extinguishers. A small extinguisher (e.g., 1.1 kg) is only suitable for a car, while a 4.5–9 kg model is more appropriate for industrial use.
User capability: Large extinguishers contain more fire-fighting capability but can be difficult to use. Choose a size that is easy to use for the people in the area.
Regulatory specifications: Commercial buildings typically require multiple extinguishers with specific sizes based on square meters and hazards.
Consider Environmental and Regulatory Factors
Certain environments need specialized extinguishers. A cold storage area, for example, needs low-temperature-rated extinguishers, and chemical plants may employ special fire suppression agents. Always adhere to local fire codes and industry standards to be safe and legally compliant.
Selecting the proper fire extinguisher is not just about picking any extinguisher, it requires a careful decision of hazards, types of fires, and capacity requirements. By properly learning about the right extinguisher for your space, you can ensure better protection of lives and property in case of a fire.
Kanex Fire is a trusted brand when it comes to fire safety, providing top-class fire extinguishers for various fire risks. They have different capacities and types in their line, providing the best protection for homes, offices, and industries.
