Sometimes Fire Extinguishers need to be recharged

Regular dry chemical fire extinguishers are filled with sodium bicarbonate and are used in combating Class B and C fires. The sodium bicarbonate agent is non-corrosive, non-toxic and easy to clean after it has been deployed.   

Dry chemical fire extinguishers, both regular and multi-purpose, are commonly found in schools, homes, hospitals and offices.

The multi-purpose dry chemical is filled with ammonium phosphate and is used in fighting Class A, B & C fires. Unlike the regular dry chemical fire extinguishers, the multi-purpose dry chemical ammonium phosphate is corrosive. This requires that its residue be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned from surfaces to prevent damage.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers contain a liquid form of Co2. When the fire extinguisher is used, the Co2 is deployed in the form of a gas, which is effective in fighting Class B and C fires. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are environmentally friendly because they do not leave any harmful residue when used.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are commonly found in computer rooms, laboratories and other areas where sensitive electrical equipment is found. This is because the Co2 does not affect the computer or other electronic components whereas other extinguishing agents could.

Water fire extinguishers are effective in fighting class A fires but should never be used to fighting Class “B,” “C” or “D” class fires. The reason for this is because Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as oil, Class D fires involve metals such as magnesium, titanium and other metals. A good example to demonstrate this is oil from a ship that is burning on top of an ocean or lake. If you were to use a water fire extinguisher to fight these types of fires, the force of the extinguisher being discharged could spread the fire, worsening the extent and scope of damage. Class C fires are electrical fires and because water is conductive, the user is at risk of being shocked by the electrical current. Electrical fires are common in computer rooms, locations of faulty wiring, in motors or appliances. Being limited in their use, water fire extinguishers are usually less expensive than other types of fire extinguishers.

Wet chemical fire extinguishers contain potassium acetate as the extinguishing agent and are designed for Class K fires. Wet chemical fire extinguishers are ideal for commercial kitchens and restaurants where the fuel source of the fire may be oil, gas or grease. When the fire extinguisher is discharged, the potassium acetate is disbursed in a mist form which will not cause the grease fire to splash onto surrounding surfaces and cause the fire to spread. Additionally, wet chemical fire extinguishers can extinguish class A fires.