Practical Guide To Using 5 Common Types Of Fire Extinguishers

Jul 10, 2026

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Portable Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher

Operating Method

Simple Operation Steps: Pull, Remove, Hold, Press

  • 1. Pull: Lift the fire extinguisher from the storage location.
  • 2. Remove: Remove the safety pin.
  • 3. Hold: Hold the nozzle and aim it at the base of the flame.
  • 4. Press: Press the handle and sweep the powder from side to side across the fire source.

Applicable Fire Classes

Dry powder fire extinguishers are suitable for:

  • Class A Fire: Solid combustible material fires (Wood, Paper, Cotton, Textiles).
  • Class B Fire: Flammable liquid fires (Gasoline, Diesel, Cooking oil).
  • Class C Fire: Flammable gas fires (Natural gas, LPG).
  • Class E Fire: Electrical equipment fires.

Key Precautions

  • Stand Upwind: Operate from the upwind or side-upwind direction.
  • Prevent Re-Ignition: Monitor materials after flames are extinguished.
  • Prevent Dust Inhalation: Ensure ventilation and avoid prolonged exposure.
  • Consider Cleaning: Avoid using near sensitive precision equipment due to corrosive residue.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Fire Extinguisher

Operating Method

Simple Operation Steps: Pull, Remove, Hold, Press

  • 1. Pull: Lift the extinguisher.
  • 2. Remove: Remove the safety pin.
  • 3. Hold: Hold the horn handle or insulated grip. Do not touch the metal discharge horn directly to avoid frostbite.
  • 4. Press: Press the handle and discharge CO₂ close to the fire source.

Applicable Fire Classes

  • Class B Fire: Flammable liquid fires.
  • Class C Fire: Flammable gas fires.
  • Class E Fire: Electrical equipment fires below 600V.

Recommended Applications

CO₂ extinguishers are especially suitable for valuable equipment, archives, computer equipment, and precision instruments. Because CO₂ leaves no residue after discharge, it helps reduce equipment contamination.

Key Precautions

  • Prevent Frostbite: Always hold the insulated handle or the rubber discharge tube. Never touch the metal horn during operation.
  • Avoid Use in Confined Spaces: CO₂ can reduce oxygen concentration. Use carefully in enclosed areas and evacuate quickly after discharge.
  • Residue-Free Extinguishing: CO₂ leaves no powder or foam residue, making it suitable for clean environments.

Water-Based Fire Extinguisher 

Operating Method

Simple Operation Steps: Pull, Remove, Hold, Press

  • 1. Pull: Lift the extinguisher.
  • 2. Remove: Remove the safety pin.
  • 3. Hold: Hold the spray nozzle or discharge gun.
  • 4. Press: Spray onto the surface of the burning material to create a cooling layer and reduce oxygen contact.

Applicable Fire Classes

  • Class A Fire: Solid combustible material fires (Wood, Paper, Fabric).
  • Class B Fire: Flammable liquid fires (Some formulations are specifically designed for these).
  • Class F Fire: Cooking oil and fat fires (Kitchen oil fires).

Special Application & Precautions

Some water mist extinguishers are designed for electrical fires below 36kV if certified for insulation. However, do not use on water-reactive chemicals (e.g., Sodium, Potassium) or electrical equipment without power isolation unless specified.

  • Prevent Freezing: Store under suitable temperature conditions in cold environments.
  • Environmental Benefits: Water-based agents are generally environmentally friendly and effective for cooking oil fires.

Wheeled Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher

Operating Method

Simple Operation Steps: Move, Deploy, Open, Spray

  • 1. Move: Two operators should move the extinguisher close to the fire area, usually 8–10 meters away.
  • 2. Deploy: Extend the discharge hose. One operator holds and controls the spray nozzle.
  • 3. Open: The second operator opens the cylinder valve counterclockwise or activates the discharge mechanism.
  • 4. Spray: Aim at the base of the flame and sweep from side to side.

Applicable Fire Classes

  • Class A Fire: Solid combustible materials.
  • Class B Fire: Flammable liquids.
  • Class C Fire: Flammable gases.
  • Class E Fire: Electrical equipment fires.

Recommended Applications

Suitable for large-scale fire risks such as chemical plants, warehouses, oil storage areas, and large workshops. The wheeled design provides higher extinguishing capacity for large fire areas.

Key Precautions

  • Two-Person Operation Required: One person controls the spray hose while another operates the valve system.
  • Secure The Extinguisher: Apply wheel brakes before spraying to prevent movement.
  • Maintain Proper Position: Operate from the upwind direction.
Trolley Fire Extinguisher

 

Cabinet-Type Heptafluoropropane Fire Suppression System

Operating Method

Step 1: Confirm the fire situation and ensure all personnel have evacuated the protected area.

Step 2: Activate the system through:

  • Automatic Activation: Smoke or heat detectors trigger agent discharge.
  • Manual Activation: Break cover and press emergency start button outside the area.
  • Mechanical Activation: Remove safety pin and operate valve handle in the cylinder room.

Applicable Fire Classes

  • Class A: Solid combustible materials.
  • Class B: Flammable liquids.
  • Class C: Flammable gases.
  • Class E: Electrical equipment fires.

Special Applications

Especially suitable for areas where water-based systems might damage equipment, such as data centers, communication rooms, power distribution rooms, archives, and control rooms.

Key Precautions

  • Evacuate Personnel: Ensure all people leave before agent release.
  • Maintain Sealing: Room must have airtightness to ensure concentration.
  • Ventilate After Suppression: Ventilate to remove harmful decomposition products before re-entry.
  • Fixed System: This is a fixed installation, not a portable device.

Summary

Different fire extinguishers are designed for different fire risks and environments. Selecting the correct extinguisher depends on:

  • Fire classification
  • Protected area conditions
  • Equipment sensitivity
  • Safety requirements

Proper selection, correct operation and regular maintenance are essential for effective fire protection.

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