Fire Extinguisher Buying Guide – How to Choose the Right One for Your Property

Step 1: Identify the Fire Hazards at Your Location

Before you choose a fire extinguisher, it is very important to know what type of fire risks or hazards might take place in your workspace. Here’s how you can decide which type of fire extinguisher to use for fire hazards:

Class A Fires: This equipment is used for everyday materials like paper, wood, plastic, and cloth, where they are used to extinguish fire in homes, offices, schools, and stores.
Class B Fires: For fires caused by flammable liquids like petrol, paint, oil, etc., class B extinguishers can be used in warehouses, garages, and workshops.
Class C Fires: If you are choosing a fire extinguisher for your data centers, IT rooms, factories, etc., make sure the fire extinguishers are suitable for electrical equipment like circuit panels, wires, and servers.
Class K Fires: Class K fires can happen with materials like cooking oil or grease, which are found in deep fryers and other equipment that are found in restaurants, commercial kitchens, hotels, etc.

Step 2: Select the Fire Extinguisher As per to the Potential Hazard

As per the hazards or risks, choose the right fire extinguisher that works best to prevent the fire:

ABC Powder Extinguisher

Suitable for Class A, B, and C fires or general use in warehouses, homes, offices, and apartments.
Not recommended for use in confined indoor spaces, as it may leave a powder residue.

CO2 Extinguisher

Can extinguish fires caused by liquids (Class B & C fires) and electrical equipment as well.
Does not leave any residue and doesn’t damage any electronics, which is ideal for IT or server rooms.
Not to be used for Class A fires, as it becomes ineffective.

Water-Based Extinguisher

Works well for putting out wood fires and other fires caused by materials like plastic and paper.
Recommended for work or living spaces that do not have any more electrical setups.
Do not use near electrical panels or fires that are caused by oils.

Foam Extinguisher

Recommended for both Class A and B fires.
The foam inside the equipment can stop oxygen supply and put out fires.
This equipment can be used in petrol bunks, warehouses, storage facilities, etc.

Clean Agent Extinguisher

It is effective in protecting electronics or delicate equipment.
Works best to extinguish Class B and C fires does not leave any residue.
Seen in labs, server rooms, and hospitals.

K-Type Extinguisher

Made for fires that occur in commercial kitchens and food areas.
Can be used in hotels, fast food joints, etc., where grease and oil are used.
Not recommended to be used in offices or other general areas.

Step 3: Choose Based on the Property You’re Protecting

Once you identify the fire hazards and choose the right type of fire extinguisher, consider your property type as well.

Offices & Commercial Buildings

Place ABC extinguishers in common areas, and CO2 fire extinguishers can be placed near computer systems, servers, and electrical equipment.

Residential & Apartments

In kitchens, balconies, or apartment hallways, use ABC extinguishers. For bedrooms or living areas, select a water-based extinguisher.

Factories & Warehouses

For areas that handle combustible liquids, use foam extinguishers. Use ABC types in general locations, and clean agent fire extinguishers are used near sensitive devices.

Restaurants & Hotels

In commercial kitchens of hotels or restaurants, place K-Type fire extinguishers near fryers and cooking stations. ABC fire extinguishers can be used near exits and areas dedicated to dining.

Hospitals, Clinics & Labs

Clean Agent extinguishers are suitable for labs or patient areas in hospitals. ABC types can be placed in hallways or easy access locations for increased safety.

Step 4: Consider Size & Quantity

If you’re planning to install fire extinguishers in small offices or flats, the ideal size of fire extinguishers ranges from 2 to 4 kg.
In factories or bigger spaces, use 6 to 9 kg extinguishers that are installed with wall brackets
At every 600 sq. ft or close to the exit points, place 1 extinguisher.

Step 5: Check for Certifications

When choosing a fire extinguisher, always choose the equipment that are:

BIS-certified (IS 15683)
Manufactured by trusted brands like EXCELLENT, SAFEX, and KANNEX
NFPA 10 compliant and follow local fire safety regulations/codes

Still Unsure? Let Our Experts Help

As a well known fire extinguisher supplier in Hyderabad, our team will help you select the right extinguisher type, placement, and number of equipment based on your needs by inspecting your premises.

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