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Advantages And Disadvantage Behind Using C02 Extinguishers |
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Written by Matthew Kerridge
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Sunday, 29 November 2009 09:13 |
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A variety of fire extinguishers exist to chosen from. Choosing the correct one for a home can seem overwhelming. Each home should have at least one fire extinguisher but, having the correct one is also very important. Experts in fire protection advise having one for the workshop, garage and kitchen. Dry chemical extinguishers have a benefit over c02 extinguishers because they use a non flammable material that decreases the chance of the fire reigniting.
by MatthewKerridge
A variety of fire extinguishers exist to chosen from. Choosing the correct one for a home can seem overwhelming. Each home should have at least one fire extinguisher but, having the correct one is also very important. Experts in fire protection advise having one for the workshop, garage and kitchen. Dry chemical extinguishers have a benefit over c02 extinguishers because they use a non flammable material that decreases the chance of the fire reigniting.
Four groups exist for fire extinguishers according to the type of fire. Number ratings are used to inform you of the amount of fire the extinguisher can put out. The higher the number is, the more fire it can handle. Listed below are the groups used for classifying the extinguishers.
Class A fire extinguishers are for flammable items like some plastics, cardboard, wood and paper. The amount of water contained in the extinguisher, and the amount of fire it can handle, is indicated by the number.
Kerosene, gasoline, oil and grease need a class B extinguisher. To know how much square footage can be controlled with this extinguisher, pay attention to the rating on the canister.
Wiring, appliances, outlets and circuit breakers are electrical fires that call for class C extinguishers. Using water to put these fires out is not recommended because of the risk of electrocution. Non conductive material is used in these extinguishers so there is no number rating.
Chemical labs use class D extinguishers. This extinguisher is for certain metals like magnesium, sodium, potassium and titanium. They are not used for multiple purposes and do not have a number rating.
Because a combination of materials may be involved in a fire, it is wise to select an extinguisher with multiple ratings like ABC.
The most widely used extinguishers are:
For fires involving normal flammable items, use a water extinguisher, otherwise known as an APW. These are suited for class A fires and are pressurized by water. Using this class of extinguisher on grease or electrical fires will cause the fire to spread.
Class A, B and C fires can have dry compound extinguishers used on them. These extinguishers use a foam or powder and are pressurized by nitrogen.
Extinguishers with sodium and potassium bicarbonate are classified as BC extinguishers. They are a dry element extinguisher that leaves a corrosive residue behind. This means that the clean up must be done immediately to stop any items from being damaged.
ABC extinguishers are a multiple purpose fire extinguisher. This type contains monoammonium phosphate which is a yellow powder that leaves a sticky residue. It can damage appliances like computers.
CO2, also known as carbon dioxide, extinguishers are meant for class B and C fires. A non flammable gas known as carbon dioxide is used. It is not uncommon to see dry ice come out of the nozzle because of the amount of pressure. These are not suggested for A fires. It is possible that enough oxygen may not be displaced to put the fire out, which can result in the fire reigniting.
The residue left behind by c02 extinguishers is not damaging which gives them an advantage over other extinguishers. They are good for putting out electrical fires.
Choosing the wrong type of extinguisher can result in life threatening situations.
These are merely a list of common forms of fire extinguishers. A variety of others are available as well. Use the classification and your needs to select the right one for you.
About the Author:
Matthew Kerridge is an expert in home alarms. If you want further information about CO2 extinguishers or are searching for a trusted fire extinguisher company please visit http://www.adt.co.uk |
