A house fire is one of the worst things that can happen to a family. It is one incidence that happens in just a few minutes but decimates a whole life’s worth of hard work. This is why the National Fire Protection Association requires at least one fire extinguisher per house. Extinguishers are one of the quickest possible responses to a fire available to the home owner. Fire suppressants as well as extinguishers are designed for one reason and that is to kill fire (in a small scale). However, there are different kinds which serve different purposes. This is why knowing which one fits the environment is important.
What are the different kinds of fire extinguishers?
Class A. This kind of fire extinguishers is for ordinary combustible materials like paper, cardboard, wood, and most plastics. The numerical ratings on this type of fire suppressants indicate the amount of water it holds and the amount of fire it can extinguish.

Class B. This kind is for those that are involved inflammable or combustible liquids like gasoline, oil, kerosene and grease. The numerical ratings on this type of fire suppressants indicate the estimated number of square feet of fire it can extinguish.

Class C. This kind of fire suppressants is for those involving electrical equipment such like wiring, outlets, breakers, and appliances. This does not have a numerical rating which means the extinguishing agents are non-conductive. Fires classified as class C should not be suppressed with water as the risk of being electrocuted is far too high.

Class D. This is commonly used in chemical laboratories. This is for fires that involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium, and sodium. This does not have a numerical rating or a multipurpose rating since it is designed only for class D fires. 

Class K. This is made for fires that involve cooking and cooking appliances. This is commonly found in restaurants and cafeteria kitchens and usually small in size.
What is the right size for the environment?

10 pounds. This is best used in a garage or a home workshop where a fire can grow in size before being noticed. Rechargeable models with hose are highly recommended for additional user-safety and ease of use.

5 pounds. This fire suppressant size is perfect for a quick grab in a kitchen or in a laundry room. Rechargeable models with hose are recommended for budget-minded people and for ease of use.

Getting the right fire extinguisher for the environment is very important. Extinguishing a fire before it eats everything is what anyone would want. Although prevention is better than cure, having a fire suppressant for fire protection would still be a great addition to the safety of a home.
yuxi
3/27/2018 04:18:59 pm

Thanks. These are interesting facts

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3/6/2023 10:50:24 am

It's good to know that you should get a class C extinguisher for electrical fires. My brother was at my house yesterday afternoon for lunch and talked about how he needs to get fire extinguishers for the industrial company he plans to open in the summer. I'll pass this information along to him so he can know how to choose the right kind for his company!

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3/6/2023 10:45:27 pm

Thanks for elaborating on how choosing the right fire extinguisher for the correct types of fire makes it easier to control them! I learned that there are different types of fire extinguishers while walking around my uncle's home. I will consider your suggestion if I end up owning a property in the future.

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6/14/2023 03:22:21 pm

It's good to know that class-A extinguishers are best for paper, wood, and other combustible materials. My sister was at my house yesterday afternoon for lunch, and she talked about how she wants to make sure she gets the right fire extinguishers for the office building she plans on starting her company. I'll pass this information along to her so she can know to get a class-A extinguisher.

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