Fire extinguishers are devices commonly found indoors such as houses and office buildings. They usually come in a small red canister and are placed in the most fire prone places such as the kitchen.
Fire extinguishers are very important because they are used to stop or prevent the spread of fire. Some fire extinguishers can even douse fires water cannot.
Know the Different Types of Fire
To know more on what fire extinguishers to buy and what they can do, it is important to determine first the different fire types.
Class A- This type of fire is a result from common combustible materials such as wood, paper and cloth.
Class B- Class B fire are fires brought about by the combustion of liquid substances such as fuel, kerosene, gasoline and grease.
Class C- Class C fires are caused by electrical disturbances. Fires of this type can be caused by short circuits, exposed electrical wires, power overloads, and exploding circuit breakers.
Class D- fires caused by combustible metals such as sodium, titanium, potassium and magnesium are considered Class D fires. This type of fire is more common in factories and chemical laboratories.
Class K- Class K fires are common fires in the kitchen that are often caused by cooking oil and lard.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Knowing the different fire types is the first step you should take when buying a fire extinguisher in your home. The next step is to know which type of fire extinguishers to buy for different types of fire. It is best to keep different types of fire extinguishers at home for you’ll never know when a fire will start and what causes it.
Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
The first type of Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers is those that use ammonium phosphate as the extinguishing agent. This type is commonly called multi purpose dry chemical fire extinguishers and is effective in fighting Class A, B and C fires. Most of these fire extinguishers are found in offices, schools and hospitals.
The other type of Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers is the Regular Dry Chemical fire extinguisher that is best for fire Classes B and C. Regular dry chemical fire extinguishers are best suited for your kitchen or garage.
Carbon Dioxide
These fire extinguishers contain liquid Carbon Monoxide and release it in gas form when used. They are best in fighting fire classes B and C. They are also environmental friendly and do not leave any toxic residue.
Water Extinguishers
They should only be used for Class A fires. These fire extinguishers can even spread the fire if used in fire classes B and D. You might also get electrocuted if you use these on Class C fires.
Wet Chemicals
These are used to combat fires originated from cooking oil and other kitchen materials. They can also be used in Class A fires.
Home Inspectors on Fire Extinguishers
During a home inspection, you certified home inspector should do the following:
- Check the fire extinguisher’s expiry date
- Check the canister for dents and cracks
- Locate a fire extinguisher 30 feet away from the kitchen.
- Make sure that the fire extinguisher is placed in a place that is visible and very accessible.
Your certified home inspector can also give you sound advice where to place your fire extinguishers and what type of fire extinguishers to buy.
For more information about Home Inspections in Los Angeles and the South Bay Area please contact South Bay Home Inspection. You can also ask for a sample free home inspection report so you’ll know the coverage and things that our expert home inspector will look for when he visits your house.
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