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Fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are an essential element of fire protection, and it is required to use the correct type of fire extinguisher to fight different fire classes effectively.

What are the different types of fire classes or fire classifications ?

CLASS
A

CLASS
B

CLASS
C

CLASS
D

CLASS
F

ELECTRICAL
FIRES

CLASS A

Class A fires which are combustible materials such as wood, tires, furniture, plastics, etc

CLASS B

Class B fires which are flammable liquids such as paint, thinner, petrol, etc

CLASS C

Class C fires which are flammable gases such as LPG.

CLASS D

Class D fires are fires involving combustible metals e.g. potassium, magnesium, titanium, sodium, lithium and zirconium.

CLASS F

Class F fires are fires involving cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats) in cooking appliances.

ELECTRICAL FIRES

There is no recognized classification for this additional type of fire. Electricity in itself does not burn but can cause fires in class A, B, C, D and F materials.

Fire extinguisher types and colour codes

There are several types of fire extinguishers in Singapore. Each of the different types of fire extinguisher is suitable for different fire classes.

It is important that you purchase the right fire extinguisher for your needs:

ABC dry powder fire extinguishers

  • ABC powder fire extinguishers have a blue label.
  • They are versatile and can be used on class A, class B, class C and electrical fires.
  • Available in a range of sizes from 1 – 9kg
  • Ideal for application in environments containing mixed fire risks.
  • Not suitable for confined spaces

Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers

  • CO2 fire extinguishers have a black label.
  • They were originally designed for use on flammable liquid fires and therefore have a class B fire rating.
  • They can be used on electrical fires, as CO2 is not a conductor and they do not leave behind any harmful residue.

Water fire extinguishers

  • Water fire extinguishers have a red label and a class A rating.
  • They are suitable for fighting fires involving solid combustibles such as wood, paper and textiles.
  • A few models are safe on electrical equipment if di-electrically tested. Otherwise, care must be taken near electrical equipment.

Foam fire extinguishers

  • AFFF foam fire extinguishers have a cream label.
  • Highly effective on class A and class B fires (the foam agent helps to prevent re-ignition).
  • If foam extinguishers have been dielectrically tested they can be used on electrical appliances.

Wet chemical fire extinguishers

  • Wet Chemical fire extinguishers have a yellow label.
  • Designed specifically for use on fires involving combustible cooking media such as burning oil and fat.
  • They have a class F rating and a special lance applicator nozzle.
  • They usually have an additional class A rating.
  • Normally not designed for use on class B fires (petrol, diesel, paint, paraffin etc.