Types of Fire Extinguishers
Q. Which types of fire extinguishers are in your institute state their locations.
Types of Fire Extinguisher
Many types of fire extinguishers are available with different extinguishing ‘agents’ to deal with different classes of fires.
Water-filled extinguishers: There are two methods of operation.
- Gas cartridge type
- Stored pressure type
With both methods of operation the discharge can be interruted as required, conserving the contents and preventing unnecessary water damage.
Foam extinguishers :These may be of stored pressure or gas cartridge types. Always check the operating instructions on the extinguisher before use.
Most suitable for
- flammable liquid fires
- running liquid fires
Must not be used on fires where electrical equipment is involved.
Dry powder extinguishers : Extinguishers fitted with dry powder may be of the gas cartridge or stored pressure type. Appearance and method of operation is the same as that of the water-filled one. The main distinguishing feature is the fork shaped nozzle. Powders have been developed to deal with class D fires.
Carbon dioxide (CO2): This type is easily distinguished by the distinctively shaped discharge horn.
Suitable for Class B fires. Best suited where contamination by deposits must be avoided. Not generally effective in open air.
Always check the operating instructions on the container before use. Available with different gadgets of operation such as – plunger, lever, trigger etc.
Halon extinguishers : These extinguishers may be filled with carbon-tetrachloride and Bromochlorodifluoro methene (BCF). They may be either gas cartridge or stored pressure type.
