Outfitting your home or business with fire extinguishers is one of the best ways you can improve safety. However, there are different types available that specialize in stopping or containing various types of fires. You should understand the differences so that you invest in the equipment that’s most relevant to your property’s fire risk.

How to Use the Most Popular Fire Extinguishers

1. Carbon Dioxide

A carbon dioxide extinguisher releases strong bursts of gas at a flame, effectively cutting off its supply of oxygen and suffocates the fire. It’s most effective against electrical fires and those that involve gas or flammable liquids, as it doesn’t include water or conduct electricity. It also doesn’t require additional clean up afterward, as there is no residue.

2. Foam

These extinguishers spray a foam that expands when it hits the fire source, cooling the flames and blocking it from its source of oxygen. It’s most effective against fires on solid materials, like wood or paper. However, these models leave considerable waste where you spray them and will need professional cleaning to remove it.

3. Wet Chemical

Fires that start in a kitchen and involve cooking oil or grease are challenging to put out with traditional means, as water can spread the fire. However, wet chemical extinguishers spray a liquid mist that includes potassium, cooling the flames and preventing any additional oxygen from feeding the fire. This variety will also need professional cleaning after use, especially in a kitchen.

4. Water Mist

These extinguishers spray a fine mist of deionized water on a flame. This cools it and prevents it from reaching additional oxygen. Since the water is deionized, it doesn’t conduct electricity, and you can use it around electrical fires. It’s also effective for a wide array of sources, such as wood, cloth, trash, and other materials that leave behind ashes after burning.

5. Clean Agent

Clean agent extinguishers are similar to carbon dioxide ones because they spray a gas around flames to starve them of oxygen. However, the gas is usually halon and other clean compounds that don’t negatively impact the environment. These extinguishers are safe for industrial and commercial facilities where machines would face damage from water, foam, or other materials. This is because clean agent fire extinguishers leave no mess behind.

If you need fire extinguishers for your business or facility, Advanced Fire & Safety Inc., in Dothan, AL, can help. The company has been serving customers around the area for 25 years, providing fire protection equipment, inspections, and maintenance services. The team can also train employees on proper fire safety procedures. Visit the website to read about their full selection of services. To request a consultation, call (334) 671-4596.