Leader in Fire, Electrical & Safety Compliance Services

Home >  Blog >  The Common 4 Fire Extinguisher Types

The Common 4 Fire Extinguisher Types

Posted on 3 June 2022
The Common 4 Fire Extinguisher Types

 

In Australia, fire is never too far away. From the bushfires that ravage NSW to the kitchen fires in Melbourne, the threat is there. For those who live in high-risk areas, the ability to fight a fire should not be overlooked or underrated. And while firefighters consider using a fire extinguisher as a last resort, they are sometimes our best bet in fighting a fire until help arrives. But as important as it may be, many of us don't know much about fire extinguishers and what types of fires they can fight. When a fire breaks out, it's important to have an effective fire extinguisher. Depending on the type of fire you may need to use a different extinguisher. Read on to learn about the different types of fire extinguishers and when you should use each one.

 

 

 

 

When it comes to having a fire extinguisher, the most common question is, "What type of fire extinguisher should I get?" Fire is one of the most likely ways to have a home destroyed by natural causes. Fires happen often and they can spread rapidly. Fires can also lead to dangerous situations such as smoke inhalation, burns, unconsciousness and other problems. Having a fire extinguisher will help put out the fire and save your home from danger!

The four common fire extinguisher types in Australia are water, powder, foam and gas. Each is designed to put out fires using different methods. Spray water onto flames to decrease temperature and the length of time a fire burns. Water-based agents can also be used in areas prone to electricity-related fires due to the conductivity of water. Powder extinguishers are essentially metal particles dispersed at high speeds. This smothers flames by negating the fuel source of most combustible fires.

Foam extinguishers are another popular choice because they can be used on both electrical and non-electrical fires as well as on flammable liquids such as oil or gasoline. Foam works by reducing oxygen flow to the flame; it's also useful for putting out grease fires that might otherwise reignite themselves if left unattended for too long.

Gas fire extinguishers work by dousing flames with carbon dioxide (CO2), which displaces oxygen around the area affected by the fire so it cannot support combustion anymore. CO2 fire extinguishers are often preferred over CO2 cylinders (which require constant refilling) because they don't require any extra equipment beyond what's already installed in most homes and businesses already--namely a CO2 tank mounted on an outside wall somewhere nearby. Regardless of the type of fire you encounter, having a working fire extinguisher on hand is an essential component for keeping your home or business safe.

 

Based on the information above you should be able to choose an extinguisher to use. But before you do, there are a couple of things you should know. Firstly, never try to extinguish a fire if you have not been trained. It is easy to make mistakes and no one wants a fire to get worse instead of better. Secondly, remember extinguishers require recharging after they have been used. Thirdly, use caution around flames and don't take any unnecessary risks because the risk of injury or even death is very real.

Although the common 4 fire extinguisher types are quite similar, they are each suited for different uses. Contact us today to learn how to select the right fire extinguisher for your commercial property or industrial building. Also, be sure check out our https://fireservicesmackay.com.au/about-us/ on upcoming fire safety tips, news and updates. The advice above will come in handy for anyone looking for a professional fire extinguisher company.

 

We Are Proud To Service over 16,581 Clients

Latest News

Hotel Owners Should Know About Fire Safety Standards

Posted by FCF on 28 November 2024
avatar
Every hotel is at risk of fire, which may present a serious risk to guests, property and also the business' reputation...

Emergency and Exit Lighting System

Posted by Francis on 4 April 2024
avatar
Emergency and Exit Lighting System
Emergency and Exit Lighting system stand as silent sentinels in the realm of commercial infrastructure across Au...

Smoke Alarm Inspections and Compliance

Posted by Francis on 4 April 2024
avatar
Smoke Alarm Inspections and Compliance
Smoke alarms are crucial for early fire detection and can save lives. They are designed to detect smoke and emit a lo...
Read all
FCF - AUSTRALIAN FIRE, ELECTRICAL, SAFETY AND TRAINING SERVICES
  • memberships

  • FCF - AUSTRALIAN FIRE, ELECTRICAL, SAFETY AND TRAINING SERVICES
  • FCF - AUSTRALIAN FIRE, ELECTRICAL, SAFETY AND TRAINING SERVICES
  • FCF - AUSTRALIAN FIRE, ELECTRICAL, SAFETY AND TRAINING SERVICES

FCF Head Office

2/58 Islander Road
Pialba, QLD 4655