What Type of Fire Extinguisher Do I Need?

Fire extinguishers provide the first line of defense and controlling flames before they turn into an uncontrollable, destructive or deadly blaze.  They are a critical component of any fire prevention system but battling a fire with the wrong type of extinguisher could be completely ineffective and a dire mistake. Know exactly what type of fire extinguisher you need for the type of fires that could erupt in your building or on your property based on a thorough risk analysis.

A knowledgeable fire and safety systems provider can help in your risk analysis and determination of the correct type of extinguishers needed, and the proper locations according to code requirements.

Classes of Fires

The various types of fires are referred to as classes and are as follows:

·         Class A fires erupting from ordinary combustibles such as paper, cloth, wood, rubber and many plastics are labeled as class A fires.

·         Class B fires include flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline, oil-based paints, petroleum greases, alcohol, solvents, and flammable gases such as butane and propane. Class B fires do not include fires from cooking grease and oils.

·         Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment such as motors, transformers, appliances, and computers.

·         Class D fires include combustible metals such as lithium, titanium, zirconium, magnesium, sodium and potassium.

·         Class K fires referred to fires starting from hot grease or oil in a commercial kitchen setting

Types of Extinguishers for the Different Classes of Fires

• Dry Chemical fire extinguishers are the most widely used type of portable extinguisher found in businesses and public places, and is effective on Class A, B and C fires. The dry chemical extinguisher is effective by creating a barrier between the fuel elements and oxygen. Be sure your dry chemical extinguisher is rated for class A, B and C, as some ordinary dry chemical extinguishers are effective on only class B and C fires.
• Water and Foam extinguishers are effective on Class A fires only and will not be effective and should not be used on Class B or C fires.
• Carbon Dioxide extinguishers work by removing the oxygen elements and also removing the heat with an extremely cold discharge. I went outside extinguishers are effective and can only be used on Class B and C fires and are ineffective on Class A fires.
• Dry Powder fire extinguishers should be used for Class D combustible model fires only and will be ineffective on all other classes of fire.
• Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are typically used in commercial cooking facilities and kitchens were deep fat fryers are used. These are effective by removing the heat in creating a barrier between the fuel and oxygen elements.

It is vitally important to use the correct type of fire extinguisher for the class of fire creating potential risk. Contact an experienced and knowledgeable fire and safety systems expert for the proper type of extinguisher and correct placement to meet all code regulations.

High-rise security systems is and experienced and knowledgeable fire and safety system design, integration and consulting firm offering high-performing, reliable equipment and monitoring 24/7/365. We are knowledgeable on all classes of fires and proper portable extinguisher placement. Contact us today to speak with a fire detection and prevention specialist experienced in all commercial applications.

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Companies in Chicago

If you need a fire extinguisher inspection company near Chicago, High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire and safety system specialists serving the Chicagoland and surrounding areas for over 15 years. HRSS understands the importance of prompt and knowledgeable attention, excelling in customer service and value-added services.

Portable fire extinguishers are a critical component of fire detection and protection systems, providing the means to extinguish flames before they become an uncontrollable, costly or deadly blaze.  

High-Rise Security Systems Provides Fire Extinguisher Inspections

HRSS employees only licensed field and factory trained technicians to provide thorough inspections as mandated by local municipalities.  We are experienced in NFPA 10 which is recognized as the portable fire extinguishers standards required by most authorities having jurisdiction and local municipalities as the guidelines required to provide optimum performance.

Our fire extinguisher inspection checklist includes:

• Visual inspection of entire unit, checking for rust or corrosion
• Location and placement of the extinguisher must be easily accessible and properly mounted
• Safety pin must be in place and not damaged
• Pressure gauge must show an agreement and not pointed to recharge and should be fully pressurized
• The discharge hose and nozzle must be free of cracks and in good working order
• The lever and handle should operate smoothly and be clean and free from dust or debris
• The manufacture date must be tracked is all extinguishers need additional service at six years and again at 12 years from date of manufacture
• Additional maintenance such as hydrostatic testing is performed when required
• Proper identification and certification tags are provided on all extinguishers

High Rise Security Systems is certified to the national Institute for engineering technologies, NICET, and knowledgeable of all code requirements for any type of commercial structure including the city ordinances of Chicago, local and state regulations and federal code requirements.

We ensure that your building is up to code for all NFPA regulations, International Building Code, IBC, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, and all local and state requirements. We are familiar with low-rise and high-rise structures, multi-unit structures and sprawling campuses.

High Rise Security Systems is recognized as a leading fire and safety systems expert, often called upon for our input and guidance in the design and integration of intelligent fire detection and prevention systems. Contact us today to learn more about our fire system services including fire extinguisher inspections.

Are You Looking for a Fire Extinguisher Service Company?

Maintaining your fire extinguishers is a critical component of an effective fire prevention plan and is mandated by code regulations. Fire extinguishers provide the first response to extinguishing a fire before it erupts into an uncontrollable blaze.  It is vitally important to have the proper fire extinguisher in good working order in the right location to control a fire, thus saving property, equipment and lives.

Fire Extinguisher Service for All Types

Make sure that your portable fire extinguisher company has experience and knowledge with various types of fire extinguishers rated for all types of fires including Class A, B, C, D or K fires. The most common type of portable fire extinguishers located in businesses and public places are rated for Class A, B and C fires. These are dry chemical, multi purpose extinguishers that work by interrupting the chemical reaction occurring in the fire.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are ineffective for class A fires and are only rated for Class B and C fires. The guidelines for maintenance and use of carbon dioxide extinguishers are detailed in NFPA 12, issued by the National Fire Protection Association.

Class D fire extinguishers are effective only on class D fires and would be ineffective on any other type of fire. Class D extinguishers operate with a dry powder rather than a dry chemical, and work by separating the oxygen from the fuel source which removes the heat.

Wet chemical fire extinguishers are effective in treating class K fires which occur when a hot oil or grease is ignited such as in the kitchen of a restaurant. Class K extinguishers are often located in an overhead kitchen hood as part of an automatic extinguisher system. NFPA 17A details the recommended guidelines when using my chemical extinguishers.

NFPA 10 contains the guidelines for all portable fire extinguishers and recommendations to maintain maximum working performance.

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, is a leading fire and safety system specialist offering licensed fire extinguisher services in the state of Illinois. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable technician for help with your fire extinguisher maintenance program.