NEVER use water or other liquids that might serve as a conductor for electricity. Look for an extinguisher with the symbol to the left if you need to extinguish a class 'B' fire.Ĭlass C - Live Electrical Equipment (Motors, Appliances, Switches, etc.)įires ignited by live electrical equipment (not ordinary, liquid, or metallic) such as computers, appliances, and switches are classified as a 'C' fire. DO NOT throw water on a class 'B' fire as it will not extinguish the fire and often will cause the burning liquid to splash. To extinguish a class 'B' fire, either physical or chemical smothering must occur. Look for an extinguisher with the symbol to the left if you need to extinguish a class 'A' fire.Ĭlass B - Burning Liquids/Gases (Gasoline, Cooking Fats, Oils, etc.)įires fueled by liquid (not ordinary, electric, or metallic) combustibles like gasoline, kerosene, propane, cooking fats, and oils would be classified as a 'B' fire. Class 'A' fires can either be smothered or drowned to extinguish them. Since they are the most common, the majority of fire extinguishers can extinguish a class 'A' fire. Most fires we encounter are class 'A' fires. Class A - Ordinary Combustibles (Wood, Paper, Cloth, etc.)įires whose fuel is paper, wood, cloth or other ordinary combustibles (not liquid, electric, or metallic) would be classified as an 'A' fire. All new fire extinguishers will use the larger symbols below as opposed to the previous style (a letter in a colored shape) shown next to each class name. They indicate which type of fire the extinguisher should be used on. The following symbols and/or letters should be visible on the fire extinguisher label. Recharging is required after every use, no matter how brief. When required, have the unit recharged by a qualified professional-you can usually find these professionals listed under Fire Extinguishers in your Yellow Pages. The needle on the gauge indicates whether the unit is operable or in need of recharging. There are no numeric ratings for C class (electrical) fires, because the C rating simply means that the extinguishing agent in the unit is not electrically conductive.Ĭheck the dial gauge on your fire extinguisher monthly. For example, a 4-A rating means that the unit will put out twice as much Class A fire as a unit with a 2-A rating. As a rule, fire extinguishers rated A, B, and C are best for home use.Īll fire extinguishers also receive a numeric rating that indicates the size of the fire a particular unit is capable of fighting. Class B fires involve flammable liquids, such as gasoline, paint thinner, grease, motor oil, and solvents. Class A fires involve paper, wood, cloth, rubber, and some plastics. according to the types of fires they are designed to put out. It will also discuss the different classes and types of extinguishers and their uses.įire extinguishers are rated by Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc. The following guide is designed to help you determine how many, what size, and what type you need. Fire extinguishers are a necessary safety item that should be in every home and business.
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