{"id":8006,"date":"2017-04-06T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-04-06T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/blog\/tipos-usos-extintores-incendio\/"},"modified":"2023-05-26T12:50:25","modified_gmt":"2023-05-26T10:50:25","slug":"types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/","title":{"rendered":"Types, uses, and classification of fire extinguishers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">When we talk about the risk of fires, we often don&#8217;t stop to think that there are different classes. Depending on the materials, the origin, or the conditions of the fire, the fire is classified into types, for which specific extinguishers are used.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fire extinguishers are the last line of defense when it comes to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-prevent-fire\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>preventing a fire<\/strong><\/a>, acting as a barrier to prevent the spread of fire when it starts to get out of control or occurs accidentally. Let&#8217;s see what types of fires there are and which extinguishers are suitable for each case.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Today, at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>HotFireDoor<\/strong><\/a>, we will talk about the different types of fire extinguishers available in the market and their respective uses. We will tell you everything about extinguishers and their properties.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contenidos:<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a4c771d49c57\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a4c771d49c57\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Classification_of_fires_according_to_their_origin\" >Classification of fires according to their origin<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Class_A_Fires_involving_solid_organic_materials\" >Class A: Fires involving solid organic materials<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Class_B_Fires_involving_liquids_and_flammable_materials\" >Class B: Fires involving liquids and flammable materials<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Class_C_Fires_of_electrical_origin\" >Class C: Fires of electrical origin<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Class_D_Combustible_Metal_Fires\" >Class D: Combustible Metal Fires<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Class_K_Kitchen_Oil_and_Grease_Fires\" >Class K: Kitchen Oil and Grease Fires<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Types_of_Fire_Extinguishers_and_Their_Applications\" >Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Applications<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Water_Extinguishers\" >Water Extinguishers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Foam_Extinguishers\" >Foam Extinguishers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Carbon_Dioxide_CO2_extinguishers\" >Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Dry_chemical_powder_extinguishers\" >Dry chemical powder extinguishers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Potassium_Acetate_extinguishers\" >Potassium Acetate extinguishers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Selection_and_maintenance_of_extinguishers\" >Selection and maintenance of extinguishers<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Selection_of_the_appropriate_extinguisher\" >Selection of the appropriate extinguisher<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Maintenance_and_Care_of_Fire_Extinguishers\" >Maintenance and Care of Fire Extinguishers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Training_in_the_Use_of_Fire_Extinguishers\" >Training in the Use of Fire Extinguishers<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Fire_Extinguisher_Courses_and_Training\" >Fire Extinguisher Courses and Training<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/types-uses-fire-extinguishers-fire\/#Regulations_and_Standards_for_Fire_Extinguishers\" >Regulations and Standards for Fire Extinguishers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Classification_of_fires_according_to_their_origin\"><\/span>Classification of fires according to their origin<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Fires <strong>are classified according to the type of material that is burning<\/strong>, which determines the type of extinguisher that should be used to combat them. There are five main classes of fires, <strong>identified by letters and different colored symbols:<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Class_A_Fires_involving_solid_organic_materials\"><\/span>Class A: Fires involving solid organic materials<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>These fires involve materials such as wood, paper, cardboard, and fabric. They are identified by the letter A within a green triangle.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Class_B_Fires_involving_liquids_and_flammable_materials\"><\/span>Class B: Fires involving liquids and flammable materials<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Class B fires involve substances such as gasoline, oil, alcohol, wax, and plastics. They are represented by the letter B within a red square.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Class_C_Fires_of_electrical_origin\"><\/span>Class C: Fires of electrical origin<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>These fires occur in electrical equipment, such as computers, electrical panels, and outlets. They are identified by the letter C within a blue circle.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Class_D_Combustible_Metal_Fires\"><\/span>Class D: Combustible Metal Fires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Class D fires involve metals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and aluminum, especially in the form of powder. They are represented by the letter D inside a yellow five-pointed star.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Class_K_Kitchen_Oil_and_Grease_Fires\"><\/span>Class K: Kitchen Oil and Grease Fires<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Class K fires involve cooking oils and greases, which are difficult to extinguish with water. They are identified by the letter K, usually inside a white hexagon or square.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Fire_Extinguishers_and_Their_Applications\"><\/span>Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Applications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">There are various types of fire extinguishers, each designed to combat different classes of fires. Some extinguishers can be effective against multiple types of fires, while others are specific to a single type. It is essential to select the appropriate extinguisher to ensure safety and effectiveness in fighting the fire. Having one of these on hand is a way to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/tips-home-safe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>keep our home safe<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3751 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/tipos-de-extintores-1.jpg\" alt=\"types of fire extinguishers,Fire extinguishers,fireworks\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/tipos-de-extintores-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/tipos-de-extintores-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/tipos-de-extintores-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Water_Extinguishers\"><\/span>Water Extinguishers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>These extinguishers are effective for Class A fires but should never be used on electrical fires (Class C). <strong>Water spray extinguishers<\/strong>, an improvement over traditional water extinguishers, can also be used on Class C fires.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Foam_Extinguishers\"><\/span>Foam Extinguishers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The foam cools and smothers the flames, making these extinguishers suitable for Class A and B fires. The <strong>foam forms a barrier<\/strong> that prevents access to oxygen and hinders the spread of fire.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Carbon_Dioxide_CO2_extinguishers\"><\/span>Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>CO2 extinguishers are ideal for Class B and C fires. The <strong>carbon dioxide is stored at high pressure in the extinguisher and, when released, rapidly cools the burning material<\/strong> and displaces the oxygen fueling the fire.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dry_chemical_powder_extinguishers\"><\/span>Dry chemical powder extinguishers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>These extinguishers are effective for Class A, B, and C fires. The <strong>dry chemical powder melts under heat and creates a barrier<\/strong> that smothers the fire. Specific dry chemical powder compounds are used for Class D fires, depending on the type of metal involved.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Potassium_Acetate_extinguishers\"><\/span>Potassium Acetate extinguishers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Specifically designed for Class K fires, these extinguishers use potassium acetate, which upon contact with oil, <strong>turns into soap<\/strong> and extinguishes the fire.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Selection_and_maintenance_of_extinguishers\"><\/span>Selection and maintenance of extinguishers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To ensure safety and effectiveness in fire fighting, it is essential to select the appropriate type of extinguisher and keep it in good condition.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Selection_of_the_appropriate_extinguisher\"><\/span>Selection of the appropriate extinguisher<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When choosing an extinguisher, make sure it is designed to combat the types of fires that could occur in the environment where it will be installed. For example, a CO2 extinguisher would be suitable for an area with electrical equipment, while a potassium acetate extinguisher would be appropriate for a kitchen.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maintenance_and_Care_of_Fire_Extinguishers\"><\/span>Maintenance and Care of Fire Extinguishers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It is important to perform <strong>regular inspections and maintenance of fire extinguishers<\/strong> to ensure their proper functioning in case of emergency. This includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Checking the expiration date and replacing expired extinguishers.<\/li>\n<li>Regularly inspecting the extinguisher for damage or corrosion and repairing or replacing as necessary.<\/li>\n<li>Checking the pressure gauge to ensure that the extinguisher has the appropriate pressure.<\/li>\n<li>Performing professional maintenance annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Training_in_the_Use_of_Fire_Extinguishers\"><\/span>Training in the Use of Fire Extinguishers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher in case of a fire is essential to ensure safety and minimize damages. Training in the use of fire extinguishers should include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Identification of fire types and the appropriate extinguishers for each.<\/li>\n<li>Techniques for proper use, such as the PASS method (pull the safety pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger, and sweep the hose).<\/li>\n<li>Understanding when it is safe to fight a fire and when it is necessary to evacuate and call emergency services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fire_Extinguisher_Courses_and_Training\"><\/span>Fire Extinguisher Courses and Training<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are numerous courses and training programs available to teach employees and individuals how to properly use fire extinguishers and handle fire situations. These courses may include theoretical and practical training, as well as fire drills to ensure that participants are fully prepared in case of a real emergency.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Regulations_and_Standards_for_Fire_Extinguishers\"><\/span>Regulations and Standards for Fire Extinguishers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is essential to comply with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boe.es\/diario_boe\/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2017-6606\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local and national regulations and standards regarding the installation, maintenance, and use of fire extinguishers<\/a>. These regulations may vary depending on the country and jurisdiction but usually include requirements such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Installation of extinguishers in accessible and visible locations.<\/li>\n<li>Placement of extinguishers at a specific distance from each other and in relation to emergency exits.<\/li>\n<li>Inclusion of proper signage to indicate the location of extinguishers.<\/li>\n<li>Regular inspections and maintenance of extinguishers.<\/li>\n<li>Training of personnel in the use and handling of extinguishers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When we talk about the risk of fires, we often don&#8217;t stop to think that there are different classes. Depending on the materials, the origin, or the conditions of the fire, the fire is classified into types, for which specific extinguishers are used. Fire extinguishers are the last line of defense when it comes to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3760,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Types, Uses, and Classification of Fire Extinguishers","_seopress_titles_desc":"Today on HotFireDoor, we&#039;re going to talk about the different types of fire extinguishers available on the market and the specific uses for each of them.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[197],"tags":[345,381,471],"class_list":{"0":"post-8006","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-fire","8":"tag-fire-en","9":"tag-fire-extinguishers","10":"tag-fire-extinguishers-classification"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8006","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8006"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8006\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9327,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8006\/revisions\/9327"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3760"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8006"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8006"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8006"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}