Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility! Whether you’re running a business or safeguarding your home, knowing the purpose of a fire extinguisher and its color-coding can save lives and prevent damage.
Different colors on a fire extinguisher indicate what type of fire it’s suitable for. Using the wrong one can worsen the fire or create additional risks.
Here’s a detailed guide to fire extinguisher types by their colors. Understand the basics and ensure your property is equipped for fire protection.
Why Are Fire Extinguishers Color-Coded?
Each fire extinguisher is designed to address specific fire types. Fires can be caused by multiple elements such as flammable liquids, electrical equipment, or combustible materials, each requiring a personalized solution.
Color-coding simplifies identification, assuring the right extinguisher is used in a critical situation.
Improper use of an extinguisher could lead to redundancy, increased risk, or even accidents. Therefore, being familiar with these classifications is critical.
Fire Extinguisher Types and Their Colors
1. Water Extinguisher (Red Label)
- Use for: Fires involving solid combustible materials such as paper, wood, and fabric (Class A fires).
- Not suitable for: Electrical fires or fires involving flammable liquids or gases.
- How it works: This extinguisher works by cooling the burning material and reducing the fire’s temperature.
Example: Keeping a water extinguisher in an office or residential area can help tackle fires caused by upholstery or furniture.
2. Foam extinguisher (Cream Label)
- Use for: Fires involving flammable liquids like petrol, oils, and solvents (Class B fires), and also effective for Class A fires.
- Not suitable for: Electrical equipment or flammable gases.
- How it works: Foam extinguishers smother the fire by creating a barrier between the flames and oxygen while also cooling the surface.
Pro Tip: These are ideal for warehouses or garages storing flammable liquids.
3. Dry powder extinguisher (Blue Label)
- Use for: Multi-purpose extinguisher, suitable for Class A (combustibles), Class B (liquids), Class C (gaseous fires), and electrical equipment fires.
- Not suitable for: Fires in enclosed spaces due to the residue it leaves, which could be harmful to health.
- How it works: The dry powder interrupts the chemical reaction in a fire, extinguishing it effectively.
Where to Keep It: A staple in businesses with heavy machinery or locations storing combustible gases.
4. Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher (Black Label)
- Use for: Electrical fires and flammable liquids (Class B).
- Not suitable for: Solid combustibles like wood or fabric (Class A fires).
- How it works: CO2 extinguishers work by displacing oxygen, suffocating the fire without leaving a residue (safe for electrical equipment).
Tip: Often found in server rooms, data centers, and offices with a significant number of electronics.
5. Wet chemical extinguisher (Yellow Label)
- Use for: Fires involving cooking oils or fats (Class F fires) and some Class A fires.
- Not suitable for: Electrical fires or flammable liquid fires.
- How it works: Wet chemical extinguishers contain a special solution that cools the fire and forms a soapy layer to seal the surface, preventing re-ignition.
Ideal For: Commercial kitchens or restaurants.
Quick Reference Table
| Extinguisher Type | Fire Class | Color Code |
| Water | Class A (solids like paper, wood) | Red |
| Foam | Class A, Class B (liquids) | Cream |
| Dry Powder | Classes A, B, C, Electrical | Blue |
| CO2 | Class B, Electrical | Black |
| Wet Chemical | Class F (cooking oils/fats) | Yellow |
Tips for Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher
- Assess your risk: Identify areas prone to specific types of fires, like electrical rooms or kitchens.
- Check regulation compliance: Ensure your fire extinguisher adheres to local fire safety codes.
- Consult Avalon fire protection.
Protect, Prevent, and Prepare
Fire extinguishers are a crucial part of any fire safety plan, but they’re most effective when properly chosen and understood.
Knowing the color codes and their applications allows you to confidently handle emergencies.
Looking for expert fire protection services in Anaheim to help install fire protection systems?
Contact Avalon fire protection, one of the best fire protection professionals for a consultation.
