Types of Fire Extinguishers in Singapore

Firefighting equipment present in homes and commercial buildings can truly make a difference when an accident occurs. Fire extinguishers are the most common products for fighting fires, and they give you a good chance at limiting the damage and containing the fire until the emergency services reach the site.

Fire Guard offers a wide selection of fire safety equipment, and we supply home owners and businesses alike with quality fire extinguishers for your protection in Singapore.

When you want to extinguish a fire, you need a good and reliable fire extinguisher. Depending on the content of the extinguisher, several types are identified, as follows:

ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers – Class A, B & C (Solids, Flammable Liquids & Gas Stove)

They are very useful for stopping fires classified as A, B and C. A special chemical in form of powder is stored under pressure inside the metallic cylinder, and, once it is released, it can stop the source of the flames and save your property. ABC powder extinguishers are very common and they can help you in dire situations.

CO2 Fire Extinguishers – Class B (Flammable Liquids & Gas) & Electrical Fires

They serve for putting away electrical fires. Carbon dioxide is a good ally when you are dealing with flammable liquids and gases as well. The main quality of this chemical substance is that it instantly removes all the oxygen from the immediate vicinity of a fire, therefore removing the one thing that keeps the fire alive.

Foam Fire Extinguisher – Class A & B (Solids & Flammable Liquids)

Foam Based Fire Extinguishers are used for Class A & B fires (flammable liquids and gases). It stops fire through separating the oxygen element from the other elements.

These cannot be used for electrical fires because they make a mess and the chemical used can also corrode the wiring, making it impossible for you to salvage anything from the devices affected by the fire.

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher – Class A & F (Solids & Kitchen Fires)

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers are used on Class F fires which involve cooking oil and fat like lard, olive oil, butter and sunflower oil. The wet chemical will kill the flames by removing the heat element, cool the burning oil and the chemical reaction will form a soap-like solution which seals the surface and prevents fire from reigniting. They can be also used on Class A like fires caused by flammable solids like paper and clothing.

Water Based Fire Extinguisher – Class A (Solids)

Water Based Fire Extinguishers can only be used for Class A fires like wood and papers. It stops fire through removing the heat element of the fire triangle.

Attempting to stop fires caused by other types such as Class B or C (Liquid or Gas) or electrical fires may lead to a disaster as it may spread the flammable liquid or make a shock hazard through the gas.

Class D Fire Extinguisher – Combustible Metals

Class D Fire Extinguishers are highly specialized and used to stop fires caused by combustible metals. The contents in it include metals or sand which are used to stop fires and are usually used by businesses handling such substances.

How To Know the Type of Fire Extinguisher You Need

Singapore regulations are very detailed and they instruct business owners on what types of fire extinguishers they need on site. When selecting the appropriate fire extinguishers for your home or office, the most important detail is what kind of flammable products and substances you have on site.