When it comes to fire safety, not all fire extinguishers are created equal. Different types of fires require different extinguishing agents, and using the wrong one can worsen the situation. Understanding the fire extinguisher classes—A, B, C, and K—is essential for choosing the right protection for your environment, whether at home, in an office, or in a commercial kitchen.
Class A Fire Extinguishers: For Ordinary Combustibles
What it handles: Fires involving common materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and plastic.
Extinguishing agent: Typically water or monoammonium phosphate.
Common use cases: Offices, schools, homes, and warehouses where combustible materials are present.
Label: Green triangle with an "A"
Important note: Never use Class A extinguishers on electrical or grease fires.
Class B Fire Extinguishers: For Flammable Liquids
What it handles: Fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, solvents, and alcohol.
Extinguishing agent: Carbon dioxide (CO2), dry chemical (such as sodium bicarbonate or monoammonium phosphate).
Common use cases: Laboratories, garages, kitchens, and workshops.
Label: Red square with a "B"
Important note: Do not use water-based extinguishers on Class B fires as this can spread the flammable liquid.
Class C Fire Extinguishers: For Electrical Fires
What it handles: Fires involving energized electrical equipment like computers, circuit breakers, outlets, and appliances.
Extinguishing agent: Typically dry chemical agents that do not conduct electricity.
Common use cases: Server rooms, offices, schools, and industrial settings.
Label: Blue circle with a "C"
Important note: Once the electrical equipment is de-energized, the fire may fall under a different class (like A or B).
Class K Fire Extinguishers: For Cooking Oils and Fats
What it handles: Fires involving vegetable oils, animal fats, and grease typically found in commercial kitchens.
Extinguishing agent: Wet chemical agents that cool the fire and form a soapy layer to prevent re-ignition.
Common use cases: Restaurants, food trucks, cafeterias, and other commercial cooking environments.
Label: Black hexagon with a "K"
Important note: Required by code in most commercial kitchens. These extinguishers are designed for high-temperature grease fires that other extinguishers may not effectively suppress.
Multi-Class Extinguishers
Many fire extinguishers are rated for multiple classes, such as:
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ABC Extinguishers: Versatile and common, suitable for most environments.
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BC Extinguishers: Found in settings focused on electrical and flammable liquid fires.
Always check the label for class ratings and consult with the team at partscounter.com to ensure proper placement and coverage.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the different classes of fire extinguishers can help you respond quickly and effectively in an emergency. Whether you're outfitting a kitchen, warehouse, or office space, choosing the right extinguisher type could save lives and prevent property damage. Don’t just pick any extinguisher—match the class to the hazard.