There are a number of types of portable fire extinguishers available in Australia. Each type of extinguisher has a rating for one or more classes of fire. In some cases, specific extinguishers prove ineffective against certain fire classes and can even pose a danger if used in those situations. Portable fire extinguishers come in various sizes and ratings; a higher rating indicates the extinguisher can handle a larger fire. Larger and heavier extinguishers have higher ratings. They are more difficult to manage, especially for lighter individuals.
This is where Melbourne Fire And Electrical can assist by ensuring you choose the correct unit for your needs.
There are several classes of fire :
- Class A Ordinary Combustibles
- Class B Flammable and combustible liquids
- Class C Flammable gases
- Class D Combustible metals
- Class E Electrically energised equipment
- Class F Cooking oils and fats
Portable fire extinguishers are distinguishable by their labels and their colouring. In 1999, someone changed the standard colors of some portable fire extinguishers. You may encounter two extinguishers of the same type with different colorings.
The most common types of extinguishers are:
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Water – solid red
Suitable for Class A fires. Not considered effective for Class B and Class C fires, and dangerous if used for electrically energised equipment or cooking oils or fats.
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Foam – red with blue band or label (previously solid blue)
Suitable for Class A and Class B fires, with limited effectiveness for Class F fires. Not considered effective for Class C fires, and dangerous if used for electrically energised equipment.
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Powder – red with a white band or label
These extinguishers have an ABE or BE rating. ABE-rated extinguishers effectively combat Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class E fires. They do not work for Class F fires. BE rated extinguishers effectively handle Class B, Class C, and Class E fires, and they may provide limited effectiveness for Class F fires.
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Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – Red with a black band or label
Suitable for Class E fires. Has limited effectiveness on Class A, Class B and Class F fires.
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Vaporising Liquid – Red with Yellow band or label
Suitable for Class A and Class E fires. Has limited effectiveness on Class B fires. Not considered effective for Class F fires.
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Wet Chemical – Red with an Oatmeal band or label (previously oatmeal colour)
Effective for Class F fires and suitable for Class A fires. Not considered effective for Class B or Class C fires and dangerous if used on Class E fires.
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Class D fires require special purpose extinguishers.
Older types of extinguishers include reversible soda acid extinguishers, foam extinguishers, and halon 1211 (BCF) extinguishers. Halon 1211 has been found to be an ozone depleting substance. BCF extinguishers are banned. Return them to a fire protection supplier or the fire brigade promptly unless special exemptions exist.