There
are three types of common fires and two specialty classes. It
is important to match the proper fire extinguisher to the size
of the area you are protecting and the potential hazard. This
is why fire extinguishers contain different agents and are listed
for specific classes of fire. Fires are classified into five groups: |
 |
Class
A
Class A fires involve common combustibles such as wood, paper,
cloth, rubber, trash and plastics. They are common in typical
commercial and home settings, but can occur anywhere these types
of materials are found. Examples include: Trash, wood, paper and
cloth. |
 |
Class
B
Class B fires involve flammable liquids’ gases, solvents,
oil, gasoline, paint, lacquers, tars and other synthetic or oil-based
products. Class B fires often spread rapidly and, unless properly
secured, can reflash after the flames are extinguished. Examples
include: Flammable liquids, gases and solvents. |
 |
Class
C
Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, such as
wiring, controls, motors, data processing panels or appliances.
They can be caused by a spark, power surge or short circuit and
typically occur in locations that are difficult to reach and see.
Examples include: Electrical Equipment. |
 |
Class
D
Class D fires involve combustible metals such as magnesium and
sodium. Combustible metal fires are unique industrial hazards
which require special dry powder agents. Examples include: Combustible
Metals. |
 |
Class
K
Class K fires involve combustible cooking media such as oils and
grease commonly found in commercial kitchens. The new cooking
media formulations used for commercial food preparation require
a special wet chemical extinguishing agent that is specially suited
for extinguishing and suppressing these extremely hot fires that
have the ability to reflash. Examples include: Combustible Cooking
Media. |
| Copyright
© 1999 Kidde Fyrnetics. All rights reserved. This information
is provided “as is” and is not to be considered a warranty
of product performance or as an authoritative informational page.
Due to the diverse field conditions and other variables which can
affect a product’s performance, Calolympic Safety disclaims
all warranties (expressed and implied) as to any product’s
performance or any information provided. |
