subject: Knowing about the Different Classes of Fire Extinguishers [print this page] In UK, 6 different classes of fire extinguishers have been made. Different classes of Fire Extinguishers are used in order to differentiate which type of extinguisher is going to be used. These classes of the different fire extinguishers are made on the basis of different types of fires and the main thing is that these fire extinguishers are also color coded. The main reason behind this is that no extinguishing agents are available with us. The classification of the fire is done under the British Standard EN-2 which is basically for extinguishing purposes.
Class A: The solid materials which are mostly organic in nature when catches fire are placed under the Class-A. These are the materials which basically contain the carbon and its compounds and commonly generate the glowing embers. Some of these materials are plastics, furniture, curtains and textiles. The fires which are placed under the Class-A can be extinguished by using a water fire extinguisher. The color of this extinguisher is red and has an A-classification.
The fire extinguishers which are coded using red color are the most common fire extinguishers. But the main thing that has to be remembered is that water can't be used for all types of fires. The main reason behind this is that water is conductive in nature. Some of the areas where you can find these fire extinguishers are offices, schools, and stockroom and even at homes. They are the cheapest of all the appliances because water is the sole material that is being used.
A fire of Class-A can also be extinguished with the help of foam fire extinguisher and the color code of this fire extinguisher is cream. The appliances which are coded by cream color can also be used for the Class-B fires. Such types of fire mainly include the flammable liquids. The foam appliances help in taming the flaming and a result it prevents the re-flashing. Foam floats on the flammable liquids or the ignitions which are categorized under Class-B. Such types of flammable liquids are paint-thinner, paints, oil and petrol. This Class of appliances is not recommended for the home purpose and is mainly used workshops, vehicles, garages and even some factories.
When you are using the foam extinguisher, don't aim to jet into the liquid in direct manner. Suppose if the fire is in container then try to point at the surface near the liquid which is burning and then let foam to build up near the surroundings of the liquid.
Knowing about the Different Classes of Fire Extinguishers
