The Essential Fire Protection Element
Fire extinguishers are an essential element of fire protection for buildings and vehicles. We cover the installation of extinguishers from our headquarters in Liverpool to the whole of the United Kingdom.
To ensure that the correct fire extinguishers are specified and installed, a fire risk assessment should ideally be carried out beforehand. The fire extinguisher has improved hugely in recent years and with many important developments in extinguishants, there is a type now available for any fire situation.
A monthly visual inspection should be done in-house and recorded in a fire log book and a BAFE approved extinguisher technician should perform a maintenance service to BS 5306, Part 3 once a year - or more if necessary.
Always remember that staff should be trained in the safe use of fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are pressurised containers and should always be handled with caution. Fire extinguishers are divided into four categories, based on the different types of fire that can arise. Each fire extinguisher also has a numerical rating that serves as a guide for the amount of fire the extinguisher can handle. The higher this number, the more fire-fighting power.
Types of fire extinguisher available to purchase include water, dry powder, foam, wet chemical and carbon dioxide. Each type of extinguisher is classified and identified according to the type of fire that it is designed to put out. It is essential that the correct type of fire extinguisher is selected to tackle the right job, otherwise there is the risk of accidently intensifying a fire. For example water and foam based extinguishers should never be used on electrical fires. Not only would the fire intensify but the fire fighter would be at serious risk of a fatal electric shock.
The PowerX Range
We stock the PowerX range of fire extinguishers. All of these extinguishers are kitemarked to BS EN3 and come with a 5 year warranty. The build quality is high with nickel plated brass valve assemblies, coated steel levers and polyester external coating. Some come complete with a wall mounting bracket. Easy gauge testing can be done and all are approved to the Pressure Equipment Directive. You can find out more about specifications below.
Water Extinguishers
Like the foam variant, water based extinguishers are predominately used to treat fires that fall under the Class A category. Materials such as fabrics, wood, cardboard and paper can all be treated using water extinguishers.
These extinguishers should not be used for kitchen fires or other hotspots where electrical appliances and flammable products are plentiful. There can be different types of nozzle for this extinguisher. The standard is a jet nozzle, which focuses the water to a specific point during extinguishing and has a fairly long throw, allowing the fire to be fought from a greater distance. You can also find these extinguishers equipped with either a spray or a mist nozzle. Spray nozzles distributes the water over a much greater surface area, allowing the fire to be put out more rapidly often sacrificing some throw to achieve this. Finally the mist nozzle sprays microscopic water particles in a spray and gives the firefighter the added benefit of a shield of cool water mist to reduce the feel of heat and allows one to get slightly closer to the fire to fight it.
Most premises will have these installed as a requirement of their fire safety risk assessment.
| Type | Water SP | Water Spray SP |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (ltr) | 9 | 6 |
| Fire Rating | 13A | 13A |
| Height (mm) | 620 | 550 |
| Cylinder Diameter (mm) | 184 | 162 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 240 | 225 |
| Filled Weight (kg) | 13.9 | 9.7 |
| Range of Throw (m) | > 2 | > 6 |
| Duration of Discharge (secs) | > 9 | > 9 |
| Working Pressure (at 20°C) | 12 Bar | 12 Bar |
| Temperature Range (°C) | +5 to +60 | +5 to +60 |
| BS EN3 Approved | YES | YES |
| MED Approved | N/A | N/A |
| 35kv Conductivity Discharge Test | YES | YES |
| Pressure Release Valve | YES | YES |
| Low Freeze Additive | NO | NO |
| Part Number | 81/02905 | 81/03404 |
| Model Number | W9 | W6 |
Water Extinguishers (with Additive)
These extinguishers are similar to the water variant, except they contain small amounts of chemical additives, which can help increase the effectiveness of the extinguisher. They also come in a smaller size and are lighter.
The additives will work by removing the natural surface tension of the water, making it stick to the burning source and help tackle the fire more effectively.
All Water Extinguishers, with or without additives need to be placed close to an emergency exit on the floor where the risk of Class A fires have been identified.
| Type | Water Additive SP | Water Additive SP |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (ltr) | 3 | 6 |
| Fire Rating | 13A | 21A |
| Height (mm) | 430 | 553 |
| Cylinder Diameter (mm) | 140 | 162 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 210 | 224 |
| Filled Weight (kg) | 5.5 | 9.5 |
| Range of Throw (m) | > 2 | > 6 |
| Duration of Discharge (secs) | > 9 | > 9 |
| Working Pressure (at 20°C) | 12 Bar | 12 Bar |
| Temperature Range (°C) | +5 to +60 | +5 to +60 |
| BS EN3 Approved | YES | YES |
| MED Approved | N/A | N/A |
| 35kv Conductivity Discharge Test | YES | YES |
| Pressure Release Valve | YES | YES |
| Low Freeze Additive | NO | NO |
| Part Number | 81/03402 | 81/03403 |
| Model Number | WA3 | WA6 |
CO2 Extinguishers
CO2 extinguishers are mainly used for fighting electrical fires and work by helping to remove the oxygen the fire needs to burn. They can also put out Class B fires, caused by flammable liquids.
This type of extinguisher is best placed near to the source of the fire risk - in this case electrical appliances. it should also be placed near to any emergency exits.
| Type | CO2 Steel | CO2 Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (ltr) | 2 | 5 |
| Fire Rating | 34B | 70B |
| Height (mm) | 595 | 770 |
| Cylinder Diameter (mm) | 103.5 | 136 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 155 | 180 |
| Filled Weight (kg) | 6.3 | 14.2 |
| Range of Throw (m) | > 4 | > 4 |
| Duration of Discharge (secs) | > 6 | > 9 |
| Working Pressure (at 20°C) | 65 Bar | 65 Bar |
| Temperature Range (°C) | -30 to +60 | -30 to +60 |
| BS EN3 Approved | YES | YES |
| MED Approved | N/A | N/A |
| 35kv Conductivity Discharge Test | N/A | N/A |
| Pressure Release Valve | YES | YES |
| Low Freeze Additive | N/A | N/A |
| Part Number | 81/02906 | 81/02907 |
| Model Number | K2 | K5 |
Dry Powder Extinguishers
These extinguishers use special dry powder formula to tackle Class A, B and C fire types and because of this they are also known as ABC Extinguishers.
Fires that can be put out with this type of extinguisher can arise from natural materials, flammable liquids and gas and even electrical fires. The powder can tackle up to 1000 V rated electrical equipment but not anything over this value.
Caution needs to be taken when handling this extinguisher. Powder inhalation can be common and is dangerous to the respiratory system so consider a face mask when using these and more residue can be left on the surface nearby after the fire has been successfully fought. This can potentially make the surface slippery if not cleaned up properly.
This extinguisher needs to be placed close to the source of the fire. They are normally placed in rooms where large and extensive equipment can be found, an example being a boiler system.
| Type | ABC Powder SP | ABC Powder SP | ABC Powder SP | ABC Powder SP | ABC Powder SP | ABC Powder SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (ltr) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 9 |
| Fire Rating | 5A 34BC | 13A 70BC | 13A 89B | 21A 89BC | 27A 144BC | 34A 183BC |
| Height (mm) | 330 | 390 | 430 | 495 | 545 | 590 |
| Cylinder Diameter (mm) | 85 | 110 | 125 | 140 | 150 | 184 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 125 | 125 | 170 | 210 | 225 | 240 |
| Filled Weight (kg) | 2.1 | 3.8 | 5.5 | 6.8 | 9.2 | 13.6 |
| Range of Throw (m) | > 2 | > 2 | > 2 | > 4 | > 4 | > 4 |
| Duration of Discharge (secs) | > 6 | > 9 | > 9 | > 9 | > 15 | > 15 |
| Working Pressure (at 20°C) | 14 Bar | 14 Bar | 14 Bar | 14 Bar | 14 Bar | 14 Bar |
| Temperature Range (°C) | -30 to +60 | -30 to +60 | -30 to +60 | -30 to +60 | -30 to +60 | -30 to +60 |
| BS EN3 Approved | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| MED Approved | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 35kv Conductivity Discharge Test | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pressure Release Valve | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Low Freeze Additive | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Part Number | 81/02908 | 81/02900 | 81/03645 | 81/03407 | 81/02901 | 81/02902 |
| Model Number | PG1A | PG2A | PG3A | PG4A | PG6A | PG9A |
AFFF Foam Extinguishers
Foam extinguishers are used for mostly for Class B fires against flammable liquids, however due to the fact they are a derivative of water-based extinguishers, they are well suited to tackling Class A fires too.
This extinguisher works by creating a cooling effect directly on the liquid responsible for causing the fire. The foam creates a barrier between the flammable liquid and the flames that helps to extinguish the fire.
Due to the similarities with water-based extinguishers, this type should not be used on fires that involves electrical equipment in the premises.
This type of fire extinguisher should not be used for fires caused by flammable metals, kitchen fires and fires that involve electrical equipment. Any extinguishers should also be placed by emergency exits on floors or near areas that have been identified as a fire risk for Class A or Class B.| Type | AFFF Foam SP | AFFF Foam SP | AFFF Foam SP | AFFF Multi Use SP | AFFF Foam SP | AFFF Foam SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity (ltr) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 9 |
| Fire Rating | 5A 21B | 5A 34B | 8A 55B | 13A 70B 40F | 13A 144B | 21A 183B |
| Height (mm) | 330 | 390 | 430 | 455 | 550 | 620 |
| Cylinder Diameter (mm) | 85 | 110 | 140 | 130 | 162 | 184 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 125 | 125 | 210 | 217 | 225 | 240 |
| Filled Weight (kg) | 2 | 3.8 | 5.5 | 5.3 | 9.7 | 13.9 |
| Range of Throw (m) | > 1 | > 2 | > 2 | > 5 | > 4 | > 4 |
| Duration of Discharge (secs) | > 6 | > 6 | > 9 | > 13 | > 15 | > 15 |
| Working Pressure (at 20°C) | 12 Bar | 12 Bar | 12 Bar | 12 Bar | 12 Bar | 12 Bar |
| Temperature Range (°C) | 0 to +60 | 0 to +60 | 0 to +60 | 0 to +60 | 0 to +60 | 0 to +60 |
| BS EN3 Approved | N/A | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| MED Approved | N/A | N/A | N/A | NO | N/A | N/A |
| 35kv Conductivity Discharge Test | NO | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Pressure Release Valve | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Low Freeze Additive | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |
| Part Number | 81/03643 | 81/03405 | 81/03406 | 81/03693 | 81/02903 | 81/02904 |
| Model Number | F1 | F2 | F3 | F3K | F6 | F9 |
Wet Chemical Extinguishers
This type of extinguisher is designed for use on Class F fires, involving cooking oils and fats. Wet chemical extinguishers are also effective at getting rid of Class A fires, however it is better practice to deploy and use water or foam based extinguishers for this class of fire.
Such extinguishers work by creating a barrier between the fuel and source of oxygen, therefore smothering the fire.
Kitchens and canteens are locations where this extinguisher should be placed, ideally on a wall near to the appliances which can cause Class F fires.
| Type | Wet Chemical Spray SP | Wet Chemical Spray SP |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (ltr) | 2 | 6 |
| Fire Rating | 8A 40F | 13A 75F |
| Height (mm) | 405 | 550 |
| Cylinder Diameter (mm) | 110 | 162 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 130 | 225 |
| Filled Weight (kg) | 4.5 | 11.23 |
| Range of Throw (m) | > 2 | > 2 |
| Duration of Discharge (secs) | > 9 | > 9 |
| Working Pressure (at 20°C) | 7 Bar | 7 Bar |
| Temperature Range (°C) | +5 to +60 | +5 to +60 |
| BS EN3 Approved | YES | YES |
| MED Approved | N/A | N/A |
| 35kv Conductivity Discharge Test | YES | YES |
| Pressure Release Valve | YES | YES |
| Low Freeze Additive | NO | NO |
| Part Number | 81/03409 | 81/03408 |
| Model Number | W2F | W6F |