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, Flame Tamers disclaims all warranties
(expressed and implied) as to any product’s performance or any
information provided. |
