Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers give you fast, reliable control over small fires, protecting people, equipment, and continuity of operations. The right unit reduces damage, limits downtime, and helps meet safety codes and insurance requirements, aligning with NFPA 10 and OSHA guidelines.

Understand fire classes to choose correctly. Class A covers ordinary combustibles, B flammable liquids, C energized electrical, D combustible metals, and K commercial cooking oils. Common agents include ABC dry chemical (broad everyday coverage), CO2 (no residue for electrical and sensitive electronics), water or water mist (Class A, and water mist safe around energized equipment), foam (Class B spill fires), Class D powders (magnesium, sodium), and wet chemical (Class K kitchen hoods and fryers). UL ratings, such as 2A:10B:C, indicate relative firefighting capacity—higher numbers mean more knockdown power.

Select by environment and risk: home, office, server room, warehouse, vehicle, marine, or construction site. Choose cylinder size (2.5 lb to 20 lb), refillable vs disposable designs, metal valves for serviceability, included wall or vehicle brackets, temperature range, and corrosion- or vibration-resistant builds for harsh locations. Clean agent units protect electronics without cleanup. Look for clear labeling, user instructions, and tamper indicators.

Placement and upkeep matter. Mount units near exits and hazards, with signage and unobstructed access. Perform 30-day visual checks, annual inspections, and periodic maintenance including 6-year teardown and hydrostatic testing per manufacturer and local code. Verify pressure gauges, pins and seals, hoses and nozzles. Train staff on PASS—Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep—and replace or recharge immediately after any discharge.

Before purchasing, verify UL, CE, or equivalent certification, date of manufacture, and warranty. Consider packages with cabinets, ID signs, and fire blankets. For ongoing compliance, schedule extinguisher inspection, refilling, and service with a certified technician. Popular options include 5 lb ABC for homes, CO2 for labs, and Class K for commercial kitchens too.