The type of fire extinguisher you need will depend on the class of fire that is most likely to occur at your premises.
Many powder fire extinguishers are good “all-rounders” and can be the safest option to keep at hand in case of an emergency.
Powder fire extinguishers work by coating the fuel of the fire in a solid mass which effectively douses the flames. This coating prevents the fuel from feeding upon the oxygen in the air, which is needed for the fire to keep burning.
- Class A Fires – these are fires which are caused by burning organic solids like wood, fabric, plastic, paper including most different types of rubbish. These are the ordinary combustible materials which are found all over the place. This type of fire is relatively common and can be caused by something as simple as a carelessly discarded cigarette butt or similar. Keep one near the waste paper bin.
- Class B Fires – are liquid fires. We’re talking petrol, oil and paraffin, and it’s a good idea to keep a powder extinguisher handy in the garage or garden shed just in case you need it. Don’t be tempted to use this type of fire extinguisher on a chip pan blaze.
- Class C Fires – powder fire extinguishers can also deal with flammable gas fires. These are the fires caused by methane, butane, propane etc. If you have a gas barbecue it’s a great idea to keep one of these fire extinguishers handy just in case more than the sausages start burning.
- Electrical Fires – you can tackle this sort of fire with a multi-purpose powder extinguisher too. It is important, however that you pay close attention to the fire after you’ve sprayed it. The powder may be effective at dowsing the initial flames but doesn’t always penetrate the root of the fire. It could continue to smoulder and even flare up again if you stop paying attention to it.
- Specialist Powders – With our specialist Powder fire extinguishers, such as the Monnex, you’re also able to safely tackle Class D fires involving flammable metals.
For all of the above reasons, it makes perfect sense that the multi-purpose powder fire extinguisher should be the extinguisher of choice in the home, the garage, the office and the car.
A Word Of Warning
There are many powder fire extinguisher uses but you must take extra care when using one in a building or enclosed space and a danger of inhaling the powder which can get into your lungs and cause breathing problems, which can impact your ability to make a safe exit.
The clean up after applying a powder extinguisher is also problematic as the powder causes damage to soft furnishings and computers. However, this is obviously preferable to loss of life or severe structural damage to the building.