No matter where you live or work, there is always the risk, albeit often small, that a structural fire may start. A conveniently positioned fire extinguisher should be your first line of defense, and may save a life and property. Fire extinguishers are mandatory at places where the probability of fire is higher than normal, notably places like gas stations and restaurants.

Fire extinguishers come in a variety of sizes. There are the very large types that you would find at places like shipyards. These ones may require several people to carry them conveniently. Then you have the smaller portable types that you find in small shops or homes.

There are four main ‘classes’ of fire extinguishers. They are categorized based on the types of fires that they are designed to extinguish. We have Class A extinguishers which are designed to extinguish fires comprised of solid fuels. The next class of extinguishers are the Class B types which are designed to put out liquid fires. This fire fighting equipment is designed for flammable liquids such as gasoline. Class C extinguishers are used for fires when there is energized electrical power involved. This type of fire extinguisher will not provide a return conduction path back to the fire fighter and is safe to use if there is the slightest suspicion that an electrical charge may be present. The last style of extinguishers are the ‘Class K’ versions. These units are used on cooking oil fires in restaurants.

In terms of how fire extinguishers operate, we have two main types of extinguishers. There is the stored pressure design, and the cartridge design. The stored pressure variation has the substance that extinguishes the fire, along with a propellant of some kind stored directly inside the tank. As you depress the trigger, the extinguishing agent is expelled from the extinguisher unit and a resulting powder gushes out from the nozzle to extinguish the fire. In the second design (the cartridge variant), there is no such pressure. Instead of this you have a tiny carbon dioxide cartridge that discharges into the cylinder when you depress the extinguisher’s trigger. This way, it becomes identical to a stored pressure extinguisher which then puts out the flames.

As a general rule, you should store the fire extinguisher in a place that is simple to reach. It is most logical to store them near escape routes or near or behind doors. You should not locate them higher than four feet off the ground, otherwise you will need some time to get it down. You should also keep them in places where they can be spotted quickly. It is not recommended to keep them inside cupboards or closets. As a safeguard make sure that you inform your children about where your extinguishers are and what they need to do in case a fire breaks out.

Fire extinguishers require ongoing upkeep. Generally they are serviced at regular intervals by the manufacturer or by the Fire Department. Servicing involves cleaning, inspecting for corrosion and charging of the powder which may have gone stale. The technicians will also check out the discharge nozzle and triggers to make sure they are in working condition.

Fire extinguishers are useful pieces of equipment. They can help to protect your home, property and lives against fire. A small investment in their purchase can save you from huge losses and a great deal of inconvenience.

Tags: Home Security