Our Class AB and C (& K) Fire extinguisher can Protect your $100K RV investment

One thing you never wanted to imagine is the fire alarm going off in your RV. Your RV is a home on wheels and is a significant investment representing freedom and adventure. A devastating fire can reduce your dream to ashes in minutes. Unlike a stationary home, your RV combines fuel sources, electrical systems, and living quarters in a compact space, meaning a small fire can escalate rapidly into a catastrophic event. 

RV's are full of potential fire hazards, making robust fire protection an absolute necessity. This article will be your comprehensive guide to understanding the types of fires that can occur in your RV. Element fire extinguishers are so compact you can easily travel securely with multiple units. Always have Element in arms reach without sacrificing valuable space.

Why Do We Have Different Types of Fire Extinguishers Classes?

There are many different types of fires which require different kinds of fire extinguishers. The world of fire suppression is categorized by fire classes, reflecting the nature of the materials fueling the fire.  Fire extinguisher classes help us determine which type of extinguisher is most effective for each fire based on the fuel of the fire. 

The four main fire extinguisher types are Class A, B, C, and K. Thanks to proprietary engineering, Element provides effective protection against the four major fire classes. Having a successful outcome when a fire starts depends entirely on having the appropriate tool. For example, trying to put out a Class B fire fueled by a flammable liquid (like oil) with a water extinguisher is disastrous, spreading the fire instead of extinguishing it. Proper fire safety in your RV hinges on this having an extinguisher suitable for class A,B, C and K.

What is a Class A Fire? And How Do They Affect Your RV? 

Class A Fires: involve common, everyday combustibles like wood, paper, cloth, trash, and plastics, all abundant materials in an RV. Think of furniture, bedding, clothing, and the RV's very structure. 

In an RV, the density of Class A materials is high. The walls, cabinets, flooring, and all furnishings are potential fuel sources. A small flame, perhaps from an overlooked candle or your stovetop left on, can rapidly turn bedding or curtains into a major fire hazard.

 

Let’s Talk About Class B and C Fires Together

Class B Fires: are fueled by flammable liquid and gases, which in an RV typically means gasoline, diesel, and propane. These fires involve vapors and quickly spread, making them extremely dangerous. The risk of Class B fires is concentrated in areas like the engine compartment (gasoline/diesel), fuel lines, and the exterior propane storage tanks that power the stove and other devices.

Class C Fires: are energized by electrical current. These are fires where the current is flowing and creating a shock hazard. Since RVs are complex networks of wiring and appliances, the potential for a fire to involve electrical equipment is high.

What are Class K fires And How To Treat Them?

Class K fires: are specific types of fires that involve cooking oils and fats, the kinds of fires involving cooking oils are common in RV kitchen fires. A traditional fire extinguisher designed for classes A, B or C will make these particular fires in the kitchen worse because pressurized extinguishers can push the fire deeper into the oil and cause an explosion. The oils in a Class K fire requires a specialized approach for complete fire extinguishing.

This is where Class K fire extinguishers come in. Recognizing the unique threat of kitchen fires is crucial for fire safety. Utilizing fire suppression technology designed for Class K fires like Element, is a more practical and effective solution for the unique fire hazards of an RV kitchen rather than a traditional B extinguisher or C extinguisher. Element's discharge is not pressurized and non-corrosive. This means that after you put out a fire, you won't face thousands of dollars in secondary damage to your RV's electronics, upholstery, or kitchen components.

You NEED An Extinguisher for ALL The Major Classes of Fire

Element fights Class A and B fires just as effectively as Class C and K fires.

When selecting an extinguisher for your RV the fire protection should account for the 4 primary classes: Class A fire (solids), Class B (liquids/gases) Class C (electrified) and Class K (cooking oils & fats).

• Element is rated for Class A, B, C, & K fires
• Different fire extinguishers are designed for different fire types
• ABC fire extinguishers offer good general protection to put out fires but they do not provide protection from Class K fires
• Ensure you have portable fire extinguishers strategically placed in your RV (kitchen, cabin, near exits and sleeping areas) and that everyone knows how to use a fire extinguisher
• Element is the right type of fire extinguisher for the major classes of fire: ABC and K