A fire is a fire, and a fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher, right? Well, not quite. There are actually different types of fires and different types of extinguishers that respond best to each one. So, which is right for you?
We’ll get to that, but first let’s look at the five different fire types, as outlined by the Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association:
- Class A: Fires in ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, cloth, etc.
- Class B: Fires in flammable liquids, like gasoline, or flammable gasses, such as propane.
- Class C: Fires in energized electrical equipment, such as appliances or motors.
- Class D: Fires in combustible metals.
- Class K: Fires in cooking oils and greases, such as animal and vegetable fats.
Selecting a Fire Extinguisher
For each fire class, there’s a fire extinguisher to match, and it’s important to use the right one. For example, an extinguisher rated for Class B fires only might not be appropriate to use on another fire. In fact, it might even be dangerous.
So, how do you pick a fire extinguisher? Do you need several? A good bet is a multipurpose extinguisher, which typically is rated for Class A, B and C fires and available at home improvement stores. This type of extinguisher is typically good for general living areas and will work on small grease fires, as well. Specialized kitchen extinguishers are available, too. (Note: Class K extinguishers are typically for large commercial kitchens.)
No matter which type you choose, you want:
- An extinguisher that’s large enough to put out a small fire but not too heavy to handle safely.
- One that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.
- One for each level of your home, as well as in the garage.
Using a Fire Extinguisher
Before you use a fire extinguisher — or try to fight a fire with any method — make sure you consider the following questions:
- Is the fire small and contained?
- Are you safe from toxic smoke?
- Do you have a way to escape?
- Do your instincts tell you it’s OK?
If you’ve answered “yes” to those questions, the National Fire Protection Association recommends remembering “P.A.S.S.” when it’s time to use your extinguisher:
- Pull the pin.
- Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever.
- Sweep the hose from side to side. Once the fire is out, remain aware, because it can re-ignite.
Maintaining a Fire Extinguisher
It’s easy to just put an extinguisher in your kitchen cabinet and forget about it. But, by doing that, you run the risk of it not working when you need it most.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, some need to be shaken monthly, and others need to be pressure tested periodically. Follow the instructions on your specific extinguisher. Also, check regularly to make sure it’s not damaged, rusted or dirty.
Remember, a fire extinguisher won’t do you any good if it doesn’t work, and it won’t help if you can’t get to it, either. So, ensure it’s in an accessible place, not buried in the back of a closet.
Finally, don’t ever forget that sometimes your best bet is not using an extinguisher at all. It’s using your family escape plan to get you and your loved ones out of danger. If there’s any doubt, get out!
Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.
Discussion
emily bennette
Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 11:41pm EDT
This is some really good information about how you can protect your home from fires. I agree with what you said about making sure your fire extinguisher is well maintained. That does seem like a good idea if you want to protect your home from fires.
Amanda Drew
Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 3:23pm EDT
Thanks for letting me know that a Class A, B, and C type fire extinguisher is a good choice to have in the house. I’m going to be moving into a home soon, and I want to be sure that it won’t burn down. I’ll have to find at least one extinguisher to put into my future home.
Ken Hwan
Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 6:12pm EDT
I had no idea that there were so many different types of fire extinguishers until I read this article. It’s neat that there are even extinguishers for cooking oil/grease fires. I’ve heard that baking powder can help put out a small grease fire if you’re in a pinch and without an extinguisher.
Shammy P
Monday, August 15, 2022 at 2:45am EDT
My favorite part of your blog is when you suggested choosing a fire extinguisher that is not too heavy to handle safely but large enough to out a small fire. This reminds me of restaurants that aim to ensure the safety of their kitchens from fire incidents. I could imagine how they could seek the service of a professional company so they could be guided in choosing the right fire system to use.
Elle Jones
Friday, May 5, 2023 at 1:50pm EDT
This is some really useful information, and I like how you brought out the necessity to occasionally shake and pressure test some fire extinguishers. My husband and I will be purchasing a new set of extinguishers so that we can feel secure in our home. To properly maintain them, we’ll verify the suggestions for those. I appreciate the excellent post.
Danielle Herring [Staff at Members Insurance Center]
Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 10:22am EDT
Absolutely! I know for me personally, this article was extremely helpful since I am a new to owning a home. A lot of great information that you wouldn’t normally think about. I’m glad you enjoyed the article!
Kendall Ryder
Friday, July 1, 2016 at 1:14pm EDT
We always had a fire extinguisher in my house growing up. You never know when you are going to need one, and it is always a good idea to have one handy just in case. Unfortunate accidents can easily happen and being able to hopefully stop the problem can be very beneficial.
Danielle Herring [Staff at Members Insurance Center]
Friday, July 1, 2016 at 1:15pm EDT
Thank you for your comment Kendall! We hope all our client’s and blog readers benefit from articles like this – safety is so important!
Marie Watson
Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 10:53pm EDT
Thanks for explaining the kind of fire extinguisher you should be keeping in your home. You make a good point about how you should be sure there is one in every level of your home. I would think that it is important to make sure you are taking all of the precautions to be safe in your home. I will have to make sure I teach my family about fire safety as well as purchase fire extinguishers for our home.
Danielle Herring [Staff at Members Insurance Center]
Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 11:13am EDT
Hi Marie, we are so glad you found our article beneficial for you and your family. Safety is so important!
April Cook
Friday, July 8, 2016 at 1:15pm EDT
We have a fire extinguisher, but I’ve never thought about actually using it and if I would know how to in an emergency. I really like your tips to make sure the fire is safe enough for me to handle before trying. I think I’ll put a P.A.S.S. tag on it so that I remember those steps. Thanks for this information!
Danielle Herring [Staff at Members Insurance Center]
Monday, July 11, 2016 at 8:49am EDT
Hi April! We are so glad you found our article to be beneficial for you and your family. Safety is so important, so these are very valuable tips!
Jessie Harrison
Monday, August 8, 2016 at 2:54pm EDT
In just the past few weeks we have had some close fire issues. A few of them have been caused by electrical hazards. That just made me realize that almost anything could cause a fire and I need to be prepared. Maybe I can get a fire extinguisher from all the different classes.
Wade Joel
Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 2:55pm EDT
Fire safety is really important. You want to make sure that you can contain a fire if one breaks out in your home. I agree that you should make sure that you are safe before using a fire extinguisher because you do not want to cause more problems.
Kendall Ryder
Friday, August 26, 2016 at 10:43am EDT
I am happy that you mentioned that sometimes it is just best to get out of the place where the fire is! Fire extinguishers can only do so much at times. I would hate to try and put out a big fire to save my home, rather than worry about getting my family and myself out! There are more important things than your home!
Katie Anderson
Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 5:33pm EDT
I had no idea that there was different types of fire extinguishers for different type of fires. I have been thinking about buying one for my home and this tips are great advice. I need to purchase the right fire extinguisher. For sure I’ll be doing more research.
Lillian Schaeffer
Friday, September 23, 2016 at 1:49pm EDT
This is some great information, and I appreciate your point that some fire extinguishers need to be shaken and pressure tested periodically. My husband and I are going to be getting a new set of extinguishers so we know our house is safe. We’ll definitely check the recommendations for those so we can maintain them properly. Thanks for the great post!
Luke Yancey
Monday, November 7, 2016 at 10:25am EST
I had no idea that there were five different extinguishers for each different type of fire. I think in the case of a fire I would be panicking anyway and wouldn’t really know which one to use! What can you recommend doing in such a situation?
Danielle Herring [Staff at Members Insurance Center]
Monday, November 7, 2016 at 10:32am EST
Hi Luke, thank you for your comment! We recommend following the article suggestion and purchasing one of the multipurpose extinguishers unless it is for a large, commercial space.
Joy Butler
Monday, January 9, 2017 at 12:21pm EST
To be honest, I had no idea that there were different classes of fire extinguishers let alone that the classes classify your fire extinguisher in to categories of the different types of fires that it can be used for. It could be useful to verify which class of fire extinguisher that you are in need of before purchasing. It seems like it could ultimately protect you from drastic fire damage by purchasing the correct class of fire extinguisher.
Caden Dahl
Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 2:21pm EST
Thanks for bringing to my attention that a multipurpose extinguisher is a good option. My husband and I live in an older home, and we don’t really have any fire extinguishers. I want to make sure our home is safe, so maybe we could get a few multipurpose ones for the kitchen and near the bedrooms.
Braden Bills
Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10:09am EDT
I’m going to be getting fire extinguishers for my home. I didn’t realize that there were different kinds of them! It seems like each of them have their own special uses. It would definitely be a good idea to have multiple and put them in the areas that they work best!
Gloria Durst
Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 6:14pm EDT
I never knew that you need to pressure test a fire extinguisher. It would seem that whatever patience is needed it would be smart to educate yourself about it. My sister is building a new home, so when she gets a fire extinguisher for it she’ll have to remember to do maintenance on it.
rachel frampton
Monday, November 4, 2019 at 4:53pm EST
I’ve been planning to purchase a fire distinguisher for our home so I’ll be at peace in case of fire emergencies. I never knew that for each fire class, there’s a fire extinguisher to match. I hope I’ll be able to find a fire suppression system before this month ends.
David Norriss
Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 2:46pm EST
It’s good to know that fire extinguishers need to be shaken or pressure tested monthly. I feel like a lot of people that buy a fire extinguisher for their house end up forgetting about it. This is bad because the fire extinguisher is at risk of not working when you most need it in an emergency.
Victoria Addington
Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 10:28pm EST
Thanks for the tips in selecting a fire extinguisher. Since I’m looking for fire safety equipment at home, I’ll follow your advice on selecting an extinguisher that is large enough to put out a small fire but not too heavy to carry. I like that you included the types of fire extinguishers every home should have and explained each of them. With that, I am then hoping to find a supplier.
Taylor Hansen
Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 10:29am EDT
I’m glad you talked about how fire extinguishers need their pressure tested every month. For the most part, I feel like most people that have fire extinguishers forget about them after a while. If I get one, I’ll be sure to test the pressure in case of an emergency that happens.
Zoe Campos
Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 8:39am EST
It’s good to know that we can always have a multipurpose fire extinguisher that we can use in times of emergencies. I wasn’t fully aware that there are different classes when it comes to extinguishers until I read your article. It would also be better to clarify this with an expert to ensure that we have the right one for our household.
ed
Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 2:26pm EST
Great Information. I am interested in helping seniors. One way is to keep them safe with a fire extinguisher. Are there any concerns that would prohibit a senior from using your ideas? I enjoyed your post and will be coming back. Be safe.
Danielle Moscinski [Staff at Members Insurance Center]
Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 2:29pm EST
Thank you for your comment! No immediate concerns come to mind, but we do recommend using the National Fire Protection Association as a resource.