The ABCs of Home Fire Extinguishers

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Most household extinguishers can put out a home fire and electrical fire at the same time.

The ABCs Of Fire Extinguishers At Home

The unique shape, markings, and color of the fire extinguisher have long been established and accepted. Therefore, when standing near a small fire, everyone knows to look for the long, red cylinder to use for fire suppression. What most people do not know is that there are different types of classifications of household fire suppressors, and once purchased, the chemicals inside are not good forever.

Classifications

The fire extinguisher has been around for over 150 years. Originally designed to put out combustible fires with potassium carbonate, as times changed and fires evolved, so did the fire suppressors. The units now come in three types:

Class A is for use on ordinary household combustibles.
Class B can be used on flammable gas or liquid.
Class C units are designed for use on electrical fires.

Although the specially designed fire containment containers used to be manufactured with only one of the various class of chemicals, the new and modern versions often contain all three. For that reason, most household extinguishers can put out a home fire and electrical fire at the same time.

Longevity

Fire repair and restoration teams stress the importance of understanding that fire extinguishers are not meant to last forever. Depending on the brand you buy, the manufacturers typically state that most expiration dates fall somewhere between five and fifteen years from purchase date. If the label does not have a date, or there is no inspection tag attached to the unit, look at the pressure gauge and recharge as soon as the needle falls below the green area.

Safety

Your home in Chamblee,GA may be your castle, but if you do not have a fire preparedness plan in place, that castle could quickly burn down. Keep your fire extinguisher handy, do not store it away in inaccessible areas. It only takes a few moments for a fire to overwhelm a room, but if you have the suppressor close at hand, you can be on top of the fire and not let it grow out of control.