Fire Extinguisher Classes

The fire classification system is designed to categorise fires into groups based on the type of fuel
involved. Each fire class is represented by a letter of the alphabet (with the exception of
electrical which are simply referred to as "electrical fires") and an icon. This helps users to select
an appropriate fire extinguisher in the event of a fire.

Class Icon Name of Class Type of Fire / Fuel

Solid Combustibles
Class A Fires
Fires involving solid combustible materials such as wood,
textiles, straw, paper, coal etc.
Flammable Liquids

Class B Fires Fires caused by combustion of liquids or materials that liquify

such as petrol, oils, fats, paints, tar, ether, alcohol, stearin and
paraffin.
Flammable Gases
Class C Fires
Fires caused by combustion of gases such as methane, propane,
hydrogen, acetylene, natural gas and city gas
Flammable Metals

Class D Fires Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium,

aluminium, lithium, sodium, potassium and their alloys.
Combustible metal fires are unique industrial hazards which
require special fire extinguishers.
Combustible Cooking Media

Fires involving particularly hot or deep oil and grease fires,

such as deep fat fryers in commercial kitchens or overheated oil
pan fires in homes. Normal water-based extinguishers with
Class F Fires large droplets would cause an 'explosion' of steam and carry
burning oils and fats from the container. Equally, a CO2
extinguisher's jet would carry burning oil out of the container
and also would have insufficient cooling effect to stop re-
ignition. Wet chemical extinguishers, on the other hand, lay a
cooling foam layer on top of the burning fat/oil and react with
the liquid, stopping air supply to the fire.
Electrical Appliances
Electrical Fires
Fires involving electrical appliances such as computers,
electrical heaters, stereos, fuse boxes etc.
Different Types of Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are available in different types with each one having specific fire classes that
they are suitable for use on. Fire extinguishers meeting BS EN3 should have a red red body
(RAL 3000) and an agent specific colour band covering between 5-10% of the surface relating to
the extinguisher's contents.

WATER
Water fire extinguishers have a class A rating and are suitable for fighting fires involving solid
combustibles such as wood, paper and textiles.

Electrical equipment should be avoided when using a water extinguisher (unless water with
additive are used). as water is a conductor.

AFFF FOAM
AFFF foam fire extinguishers are highly effective on class A and class B fires (the foam agent
helps to prevent re-ignition).

Some foam extinguishers have been dielectrically tested to 35000 Volt (35kV) and can be used
on or near electrical appliances.

CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)

CO2 fire extinguishers were originally designed for use on flammable liquid fires and therefore
have a class B fire rating.

They are ideal for electrical fires, as CO2 is not a conductor and they do not leave behind any
harmful residue.

ABC POWDER
ABC powder fire extinguishers are extremely versatile and can be used on class A, class B, class
C and electrical fires.

They are available in a range of sizes from 1 - 9kg and are ideal for application in environments
containing mixed fire risks. However, there is a risk of inhalation when using powder
extinguishers indoors. Powder fire extinguishers are therefore not recommended for use within
small rooms, homes and offices.

WATER MIST
Water mist fire extinguishers are highly effective on class A, B, C, F and electrical fires.

The unique design of the water mist extinguishers' supersonic nozzle creates a microscopic mist
curtain, reducing the oxygen content. Water mist extinguishers are also safe on fires caused by
electricity, as the water mist does not conduct electricity and the water mist does not form
puddles which could lead to electrocution.

WET CHEMICAL
Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are designed specifically for use on fires involving combustible
cooking media such as burning oil and fat.

They have a class F rating and a special lance applicator nozzle. They usually have an additional
class A rating and are normally not designed for use on class B fires (petrol, diesel, paint,
paraffin etc), although the 3ltr Gloria wet chemical fire extinguisher is an exception.

Fire Classification