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Fire Extinguisher Types

In the unlikely event of a fire, the proper tools will make it easier to protect people and property. Fire extinguishers come in a variety of types and are separated into classes. Each fire extinguisher type is specifically designed to put out a particular type of fire.

  1. Class A

    • Class A fire extinguishers are meant to put out fires that involve what are called ordinary combustibles. This includes wood, paper and products made of similar materials. The symbol for a class A fire extinguisher is a capital A in black surrounded by a green background. There is also a numerical rating on any class A fire extinguisher. The numerical rating refers to the amount of water kept in the extinguisher and how much fire it can put out.

    Class B

    • A class B fire extinguisher is specifically formulated to put out fires that involve flammable liquids. This includes oil, gasoline and grease. These fire extinguishers also have a numerical rating, but the rating is the number of square feet of flammable liquid that a non-expert should be able to put out with the extinguisher. The symbol for a class B fire extinguisher is a capital letter B surrounded by a red background.

    Class C

    • Class C fire extinguishers are meant to put out electrical fires. Fires that involve live wires or electrical outlets should be put out using class C extinguishers. There is no a numerical rating, but the C indicates that the chemical agent isn't conductive, which means there is no risk of you getting shocked while putting out the fire. The symbol is a capital letter C surrounded by a blue background.

    Class D

    • Class D fire extinguishers are meant to be used on specific, flammable metals. Metals like magnesium, which can burn at extremely high temperatures, can be put with class D extinguishers. Class D extinguishers are marked by a capital D set in a yellow star.

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