At VD Fire Safety Adelaide, we’ve seen too many folks grab the wrong extinguisher in a panic. Spraying water on a grease fire? Bad idea. Let’s break down the 4 types of fire extinguishers so you’ll know exactly what to reach for—and when.
Why Knowing Your Extinguishers Matters
Fires aren’t one-size-fits-all. Using the wrong extinguisher can spread flames or even electrocute you. For example:
- Water on an electrical fire = danger zone.
- CO2 on a cooking oil fire = wasted effort.
Here’s your no-nonsense guide to picking the right one.
1. Water (Class A) – For Everyday Flammables
Use case: Paper, wood, fabric, trash.
Looks Like: Red label with “Water” or “Class A.”
Where to Use: Offices, schools, storage rooms.
Where NOT to Use: Kitchens, garages, near electrical gear.
Quick Tip: Never use on grease or electrical fires—it’ll make things worse.
2. Foam (Class A & B) – For Liquids & Solids
Use case: Petrol, oil, paint (flammable liquids) + wood/paper.
Looks Like: Red label with “Foam” or “A/B.”
Where to Use: Workshops, garages, factories.
How It Works: Smothers flames and stops re-ignition.
Warning: Avoid using on electrical fires (foam conducts electricity!).
Real-Life Save: A Mile End mechanic doused a fuel spill fire with foam before it hit the workshop.
3. CO2 (Class B & E) – For Electrical & Liquid Fires
Use case: Electrical fires (wiring, appliances) + flammable liquids.
Looks Like: Black label with “CO2.”
Where to Use: Server rooms, kitchens (near fryers), offices.
Bonus: Leaves no residue—ideal for tech areas.
Pro Tip: Hold the horn! CO2 gets extremely cold—avoid skin contact.
4. Dry Chemical Powder (Class A, B, E & F) – The All-Rounder
Use case: Almost everything—solids, liquids, electrical, cooking oils.
Looks Like: White label with “Powder” or “ABE.”
Where to Use: Kitchens, factories, construction sites.
Downside: Messy powder can damage electronics.
Adelaide Alert: Common in SA restaurants for deep fryer safety.
FAQs
Q: Can I keep just one extinguisher at home?
Dry chemical powder (ABE) is your safest bet for homes. It tackles kitchen fires, electrical issues, and more.
Q: How often should extinguishers be checked?
Monthly visual checks + annual professional servicing (SA law requires it for businesses!).
Q: What’s the expiry date?
5–15 years, depending on type. Check the pressure gauge monthly—needle in the green = good to go.
Q: Can I refill an extinguisher?
Yes! Cheaper than buying new. We test all types of Adelaide homes and businesses.
VD Fire Safety Adelaide: Your Extinguisher Experts
Choosing extinguishers shouldn’t feel like rocket science. Whether you’re a parent, café owner, or factory manager, our fire extinguisher testing specialists in Adelaide can help.
- 🔍 We audit your space to match extinguishers to your risks.
- 🔧 We install & and test all types of fire extinguishers.
- 🧑🏫 We train your team to use them confidently.
Don’t risk guessing—get it right the first time.