Which Fire Extinguisher is Right For You?
Although all fire extinguishers look the same, they are not built equally. This just means that there are different fire extinguishers for different uses. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to pick the right fire extinguisher for your situation.
The Hazards you Face
The types of issues you can face in your home or office are important to take into account when selecting a fire extinguisher. Whether that be the possibility of an electric fire or a flammable liquid type situation it is important to take these things into account.
The classification of a fire extinguisher is based on what type of fire they are able to put out. Classifications are listed in different shapes depending on the age of the fire extinguisher. For example an older extinguisher will list it in a shape with the letter on it whereas newer ones will show an image of hazards it can extinguish. Here is the list of classes:
Class A: Paper, Cloth, and any other regular household items
Class B: Grease, Gasoline, and Oil
Class C: Electrical
Class D: Metals
Class K: Cooking Oils
Most Fire Extinguishers purchased though are multi-purpose meaning they are good for anything ranging from a class A to C fire.
UL Rating
If you are unsure what a UL Rating is, it’s listed on all fire extinguishers and is of utmost importance. UL stands for Underwriters Laboratory and it is the place in which all extinguishers are tested for safety. The ratings allow you to compare the effectiveness of various fire extinguishers.
Size
The fire extinguisher you choose needs to be large enough to put out the fire but also not too heavy. You should also take into account the size of the room the fire extinguisher is in and how far a fire can spread.
Other Things to Consider
Most important thing to note no matter which extinguisher you choose is to ensure you know how to use it. Therefore being trained or practicing is important. White Palms Fire is your one stop shop for all you fire equipment needs. They can answer any questions you may have and help you find the right fighting fire extinguisher for your needs.
