GUIDE · 4 MIN READ
Which fire extinguisher do you need?
ABC, CO2, water or foam: what each one is for, and where to keep it.
The right extinguisher depends on what could burn. Fires are grouped into classes, and each type of extinguisher is made for some of them.
The four types
- ABC dry powder: for wood and paper (A), flammable liquids (B) and gases (C). The usual all-round choice for homes, shops and offices.
- CO2: for flammable liquids and electrical equipment. It leaves no residue, so it suits server rooms and panels.
- Water: for wood, paper and cloth only. Never use it on oil, petrol or live electrical equipment.
- Mechanical foam: for solids and flammable liquids, common in fuel and paint stores. Not for live electrical fires.
Where to keep it
Keep it near an exit, within reach and away from the likely source of fire. In a kitchen, that means near the door and not behind the stove.
Size
Smaller units of 1 to 2 kg suit a car or a home. Offices and shops usually need 4 to 6 kg, and factories and warehouses larger units. Check the pressure gauge regularly, and refill on the maker's schedule.
A fire ball or fire blanket is a useful extra, but it does not replace an extinguisher sized for the room.