Fire Extinguisher Class
On the tag, you will find each fire extinguisher is either Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class K or a combination of classes.
These classifications refer to the type of fires your extinguisher can put out.
- Class A: These extinguishers are suitable for common combustibles, including wood, paper, rubber, cloth and several types of plastics.
- Class B: These extinguishers help dissolve fires caused by most flammable liquids, such as gasoline and alcohol, and you should use them carefully.
- Class C: These extinguishers refer to fires caused by energized electrical equipment.
- Class D: These extinguishers can help combat fires related to combustible metals, and you should use them carefully to avoid worsening the fire.
- Class K: You will often find these extinguishers in commercial kitchens, as they help treat cooking oil-based fires.
- Combination classes: Extinguisher labels list combination classes as “Class ABC,” “Class DC” or something similar. This designation means the fire extinguisher can put out each of those types of fires. These are sometimes known as multipurpose fire extinguishers.
Your fire extinguisher has different substances inside, depending on its classification. For example, a Class A fire extinguisher contains pressurized water, while a Class D extinguisher has a dry, powdered form of sand or sodium chloride. Understanding the limitations and intended use
of your extinguisher is crucial for eradicating fires quickly, safely and without accelerating the spread.
Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Fire extinguishers require regular checkups. If a status tag indicates that it has been five or more years since its last inspection — or if there are no recorded reviews — have the extinguisher reviewed and charged by a professional immediately.
The following are the four types of inspections fire extinguishers must regularly undergo to remain safe and effective.
Annual Inspections
All extinguishers should have a thorough inspection by a certified technician once each year. This examination verifies that the extinguisher is in good condition, is up to date on any necessary service — internal inspections, hydrostatic tests, etc. — and is compliant with
applicable codes and standards.
Regarding annual inspections, the tag should distinctly list the following information:
- The inspecting company’s name and contact information
- The inspecting technician’s extinguisher certification or license number
- The fire extinguisher’s chemical type indicated via hole-punch
- Validation of inspection indicated via a hole-punch under “Serviced”
- A hole-punch indicating the month and year in which the inspector completed their checks, which is valid for one year from the date indicated
It is advisable to keep a separate record log to track all annual inspections, so you know when to schedule the next one. Record logs are also an excellent way to back up the information for your records, should something happen to the tag.