You are currently viewing Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Applications

Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Applications

Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Applications – Complete Guide

When it comes to fire safety, the first line of defense is often a fire extinguisher. Quick action with the right extinguisher can prevent a small fire from turning into a life-threatening disaster. But not all fire extinguishers are the same—different types are designed for different classes of fire.

At SSE&S Engineers, we not only supply and install fire extinguishers but also provide annual maintenance, refilling, and training services. In this guide, we’ll break down the types of fire extinguishers and their applications so you can choose the right one for your premises.

🔥 Fire Classes You Should Know

Before understanding extinguishers, it’s important to know fire classes:

  • Class A – Fires involving ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth, plastics)

  • Class B – Fires involving flammable liquids (petrol, oil, paints, solvents)

  • Class C – Fires involving gases (LPG, CNG, propane, methane)

  • Class D – Fires involving metals (magnesium, aluminum, titanium, sodium)

  • Class K/F – Fires involving cooking oils and fats (kitchens, restaurants)

  • Electrical Fires – Fires caused by electrical equipment (panels, wiring, appliances)

✅ Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Applications

1. Water-Based Fire Extinguishers (Class A)

  • How They Work: Use pressurized water to cool burning material.

  • Best For: Paper, wood, textiles, plastics.

  • Not For: Electrical or oil fires (risk of electrocution).

  • Applications: Schools, offices, residential apartments.

2. Foam Fire Extinguishers (Class A & B)

  • How They Work: Foam blankets the fire, cutting off oxygen and cooling flames.

  • Best For: Flammable liquids (petrol, oil) and solid combustibles.

  • Not For: Electrical fires unless labeled safe.

  • Applications: Fuel stations, warehouses, chemical storage.

3. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Fire Extinguishers (Class B & Electrical)

  • How They Work: Displaces oxygen and cools equipment. Leaves no residue.

  • Best For: Electrical fires, flammable liquids.

  • Not For: Class A fires (wood, paper).

  • Applications: Server rooms, offices, IT parks, laboratories.

4. Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) Fire Extinguishers (Class A, B, C, Electrical)

  • How They Work: Powder interrupts the chemical reaction of fire.

  • Best For: Multi-purpose use—Class A, B, C fires and electrical fires.

  • Not For: Confined spaces (visibility issues, inhalation risks).

  • Applications: Industries, factories, workshops, commercial kitchens.

5. Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers (Class A, B, C, Electrical)

  • How They Work: Releases a clean gas (like HFC-236fa or Novec 1230) that extinguishes fire without residue.

  • Best For: Sensitive equipment and electronics.

  • Not For: Large outdoor fires.

  • Applications: Data centers, hospitals, museums, banks.

6. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers (Class K/F)

  • How They Work: Forms a soapy layer on burning oil, cooling and smothering flames.

  • Best For: Kitchen fires involving oils and fats.

  • Not For: Electrical or Class D fires.

  • Applications: Hotels, restaurants, commercial kitchens.

7. Class D (Metal Fire) Extinguishers

  • How They Work: Uses specialized dry powder to absorb heat and smother flames.

  • Best For: Metal fires (magnesium, titanium, sodium).

  • Applications: Factories, labs, aerospace, manufacturing plants.

Infographic showing seven types of fire extinguishers—Water, Foam, Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Dry Powder, Clean Agent, Wet Chemical, and Class D—along with their fire class ratings and applications.

📊 Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher

Selecting the correct extinguisher depends on:

  • The type of fire hazard in your premises.

  • Industry requirements (offices vs industrial plants).

  • IS standards compliance.

👉 At SSE&S Engineers, we help businesses and residential complexes choose and maintain the right extinguishers to stay safe and compliant.

Final Thoughts

Fire extinguishers are a critical first step in fire safety. But they are effective only if you choose the right type, install them correctly, and maintain them regularly.

SSE&S Engineers provides installation, refilling, servicing, and training to ensure your extinguishers are always ready to save lives and property.

📞 Contact us today to safeguard your premises with the most trusted fire safety partner in India.