Can Class K Fire Extinguishers Be Used on Any Type of Fire?

Due to increased vegetable oil heating used in restaurants, Class K rated fire extinguishers are mandatory where commercial cooking hoods and fire suppression systems exist. These must be stored within 30 feet of oil cooking appliances.

Components

• Potassium bicarbonate and wet chemicals are the most common Class K components.

Locations

• Class K extinguishers must be in commercial cooking operations like restaurants, cafeterias, and almost anywhere else food is cooked.

Indications

• Class K extinguishing agents are electrically conductive. This type of extinguisher should be accompanied by a wall placard stating, “In case of appliance fire, use this extinguisher only after the fixed fire suppression system has been actuated.” Before activating a Class K extinguisher, turn off all electrical power to the appliance.

Other Types of Fires

• Because Class K extinguishers are designed to work in conjunction with a kitchen’s fixed fire suppression system, they are not recommended for use on other fires.

Alternatives

• Traditional range hoods and Class B extinguishers may not successfully extinguish deep fryer fires. Class A water or CO2 extinguishers should never be applied to a deep fryer, because an explosive reaction may occur.