Section 2 - What are the types of fire ?

There are six different types or classes of fire, each of which has extinguishers to tackle the
specific types of fire. Newer fire extinguishers use a picture/labelling system to designate which
types of fires they are to be used on.

Solid
Class A
Liquid
Class B
Gas
Class C
Metal
Class D
Cooking Oil
Class F
Electrical
Electrical
Additionally, the majority of fire extinguishers have a numerical rating which is based on tests
conducted by professional fire-fighters that are designed to determine the extinguishing potential
for each size and type of extinguisher.
In the instance of class ‘A’ fires, the numerical value is the size of fire in cubic metres that the
extinguisher can put out.

For class ‘B’ fires the numerical value represents the amount of litres of flammable liquid that
can be extinguished.

Class ‘C’ fires have no numerical value as flammable gas is very difficult to measure in cubic
metres - it depends on the ratio of gas to air there is in the local atmosphere.

Class ‘D’ fires have a numerical value, this represents size of fire in cubic metres that the
extinguisher can put out.

‘E’ Class fires have no numerical value – please remember once the source of the electricity is
shut down, the electrical fire will revert to a different class.

The numerical value in ‘F’ class fires is the same as in ‘B’ class fires – it represents the amount
of litres of flammable liquid (cooking oils etc) that can be extinguished.
Section 3 - What are the types of fire extinguisher? back to top

Fire Class Description

Extingui
shers
Water Fire WATER FIRE EXTINGUISHERS are especially designed for
Extinguisher tackling Class A fires (wood, paper, straw, textiles, coal etc.).
Foam Fire FOAM FIRE EXTINGUISHERS are ideally suited where both class
Extinguisher A & B fire risks exist. Aqueous Film Forming Foam or AFFF is
particularly suited to fight liquid spill fires such as petrol, oil, fats,
paints etc. and works by forming a film on the liquid to extinguish the
fire. This extinguisher has also passed the electrical conductivity test
at 35kv.
CO2 Fire CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS are suitable for class
Extinguisher B risks involving flammable liquids and especially for electrical
hazards. These extinguishers have been a natural replacement for
Halon. CO2 is harmless to electrical equipment and as such is ideal
for modern offices, electronic risks, and fires caused by the
combustion of liquids such as: oils, fats, solvents, etc.
Powder Fire POWDER FIRE EXTINGUISHERS are especially suited to mixed
Extinguisher fire risk environments and a good all round extinguisher. They are
also suitable for flammable liquid risk, such as methane, propane,
hydrogen, natural gas etc.

Wet Chemical WET CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS are especially designed

Fire for tackling cooking oil / deep fat fryer (Class F) fires, but also have
Extinguishers an effective capability for extinguishing Class A fires (wood, paper,
straw, textiles, coal etc.). This extinguisher has also passed the
electrical conductivity test at 35kv.

Section 5 - What are the regulations for fire extinguishers?

Where to fix your fire extinguisher

Fix an extinguisher where you can reach it quickly. The best place is on an escape route, that is
near an outside door, or on the route from the living areas to an outside door, or adjacent to a
specific risk. It should be properly fixed to the wall at a height where it can be reached. Keep it
out of the reach of children.
Fire extinguishers should be fixed where they can be easily seen. Fixing them inside cupboards
or behind doors will only waste valuable time if a fire breaks out. Do not place them over
cookers or heaters or in places of extreme temperatures.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
The manufacturers instructions will tell you what you need to do to keep your extinguisher in
good working order. After an extinguisher has been used, even if only partially, it must be
recharged according to the manufacturers instructions.
The extinguisher should be serviced annually.

You should always use an accredited company for the supply and maintenance of your fire
equipment or you risk your insurance cover being invalid. More information on this topic
coming soon!

Section 6 - How Many Fire Extinguishers Do I Require?

The amount required is calculated by the size of your premises and the risk involved.

Guidelines when calculating (Please note that these are guidelines and are based on low risk
premises):

• The standards stipulate that no person should be more than 30 meters from a fire
extinguisher
• The general guideline is 1 x 9L Water or Foam per 200sq Meters plus an extinguisher for
special risk such as a Co2 for electrical or liquid fires
• If you have special circumstances or feel unsure please contact your local fire services
(Fire Officer)

Fire Extinguisher - Technical Calculations

• If your premises are single occupancy and not larger than 100sq Meters with an upper
floor area of not more than 100 sq Meters then you will require a minimum fire test rating
of 13A (which is the equivalent to 1 x 9L Water or greater than a 4Kg powder or greater
than a 2Litre Foam) plus you should also have a fire extinguisher to cover any specific
risks (i.e. Co2 for electrical risks or possibility of liquid fires)
• If your building is larger than 400sq Meters then there should be a minimum of 2 fire
extinguishers per floor and each floor should not have less than a fire test rating of 26 A
(2 x 9 L Water or 2 x greater than a 4Kg powder or 2 x greater than a 2 Litre Foam) plus
you should also have a fire extinguisher to cover any specific risks (i.e. Co2 for electrical
risks or possibility of liquid fires). The formula is 0.065 x floor area (in Square meters)
and that will give you the Class A fire test rating that you need as a minimum. (All the
fire extinguishers on our site have their rating printed)
• If you have special circumstances, feel unsure or feel that you may be a high risk please
contact your local fire services (Fire Officer)

Fire Extinguishers - Example Situations

Office
The most common combination and safest cover is 1 x 9L Water or 9L Foam and 1 x 2Kg Co2.
The water or foam covers all Flammable solids like paper, carpet, curtains etc and the Co2
covers all electrical risk such as computers etc
Industrial Premises
The most common are Powder and Foam extinguishers coupled with Co2 for electrical risk. The
Powder covers all risks and especially fires which react with water or foam, Foam is ideal for
flammable liquid fires. Please note that this is for general circumstances, it may vary depending
on what machinery is used and what is being stored.

Industrial Kitchens
This will depend mainly on the methods of cooking, but the most common are Co2 for electrical
fires, Dry Powder for Flammable Gas (Gas Ovens) and Wet Chemical for Deep Fat Fires. There
should also be a fire blanket installed.

Residential
A 1Kg powder or 2 Kg powder should be sufficient to cover all normal risks and this should be
supplemented with a fire blanket. This should always be situated in the kitchen

Vehicle
A 1kg or 2 Kg powder extinguisher should always be situated near the front seats.

Section 7 - Where and how should we install our fire extinguishers ?

The extinguishers should be mounted on the wall (our fire extinguishers come with a ready to
mount bracket) or on a stand with the handle approximately 1m from the ground; they should
have the corresponding Identification Sign mounted above. The fire extinguishers should always
be situated in a conspicuous position where they can readily be seen by persons following the
escape routes. They should be located near room exits, in corridors, on stairway lobbies and
landings on each floor.