Fire Extinguishers: Location & Sign Regulations

Having the proper fire extinguisher on hand can sometimes make the difference between putting out a small fire and losing control of the flames, resulting in severe damage or loss to a structure. Knowing where extinguishers should be located and where to find the the classification sign on the extinguisher can help protect your home or business.

Labeling System

• There are basically five types of hand-held fire extinguishers to combat small fires in homes and businesses. Each extinguisher is labeled using a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) unified color/shape/letter system to reduce confusion that may be due to illiteracy, color-blindness or other barriers to communication. Each classification denotes the type of fire the chemical contained in the extinguisher is best suited for, and is clearly labeled on the body of the canister.

Class A: Ordinary Combustibles

• Ordinary combustibles include materials such as cloth, wood, paper and other household items that are not necessarily labeled combustible, but do serve as fuel for a fire. These extinguishers have a green triangle with the letter A and should be located near areas where these items are most likely to collect, such as a trash collection area, or a common room in a house.

Class B: Flammable Liquids

• Flammable liquids such as grease or oil-based paints require a different chemical compound that can be found in Class B extinguishers, denoted with a red square and the letter B. These extinguishers should be located near areas where flammable liquids are stored, such as garages, sheds and home kitchens.

Class C: Electrical Equipment

• Usually denoted by a blue circle with a C in it, electrical equipment extinguishers can be used on fires that involve appliances or other equipment that uses electricity. These extinguishers should be located near electrical equipment, such as in a kitchen or garage.

Class D: Combustible Metals

• Class D extinguishers are industrial strength and used for combustible metal fires. They are usually found in factories and can be identified by a yellow star with a D.

Class K: Combustible Cooking

• Normally found in commercial kitchens, Class K extinguishers are used on fires caused by cooking oils and fats combined with appliances. A simple K on a white background denotes these types of extinguishers. These extinguishers are also useful in home kitchens.

Multi-Purpose

• For most people, it may not be practical to have one extinguishers for each type of fire, so there are multi-purpose extinguishers available that combine chemical compounds to extinguish multiple fires. Look for a combination of letters and symbols to determine the best extinguisher for your needs.