Why Each Fire Class Needs A Specific Fire Extinguisher

Different fire classes exist because a fire is fundamentally defined by the material that is burning. The classifications were established by organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), to ensure the correct extinguishing agent is used to interrupt the fire triangle (heat, fuel, oxygen) safely and effectively. A simple example illustrates this: applying water to a grease fire will not extinguish it but will likely cause the flammable liquids to splash and spread, increasing the danger and potential for injury. This is why recognizing the fuel source is the first step in successful firefighting and prevention.

Fire services know that certain fires require certain fire fighting techniques. The properties of the fuel material determine the chemical and physical processes necessary to extinguish the fire. Failure to use the appropriate extinguisher type can lead to devastating damages, including escalating the fire or causing electrical shock or even an explosion. The classification system is therefore a critical safety measure, guiding the selection of the correct portable fire extinguishers. Element is a modern solution graded to fight the 4 major fire classes (Class A,B,C &K) which we will explain here in this article.  

What Materials Make A Class A Fire? 

A Class A fire is defined as a blaze involving ordinary combustible materials. These materials are carbon-based, organic substances that burn and typically leave an ash behind. This class is prevalent in virtually all environments, from residential homes and office buildings to medical and retail spaces, because the fuel source is ubiquitous. The most common fires are fueled by everyday materials such as wood, paper, cloth (textiles), rubber, and many common plastics. Once ignited the materials sustain a blaze primarily through glowing combustion and pyrolysis. 

Our Element extinguisher discharges for up to 50 seconds allowing the materials some time to cool down after interrupting the combustion process by separating the oxygen from the fire. 

How To Determine When To Use Class B Fire Extinguishers?

A Class B fire is defined as a blaze involving flammable/ combustible liquids and gases. These fuels do not leave an ash residue; instead, they produce vapours that ignite rapidly, leading to fast-spreading fires. It is important to note these blazes are frequently encountered in industrial areas, laboratories, auto repair shops, and fueling stations. The critical characteristic that distinguishes a Class B fire is that the fire burns on the surface of the liquid or gas cloud and cannot be effectively cooled by water, as the water will simply sink and spread the burning liquid. Therefore, the primary method of extinguishment involves cutting off the oxygen supply and disrupting the chemical reaction.

Element fire extinguishers are highly effective against interrupting the chemical chain of Class B fires. When activated, a cloud of zero pressure Potassium agent is released, the agent stops the combustion almost instantly. This gentler application means it will not physically disturb or splash the burning liquid, reducing the risk of fire spread and increasing the operator's ability to contain the fire.

Class C Fires And Effective Fire Extinguishers 

A Class C fire is defined as a blaze involving energized electrical equipment. This means the fire is occurring while the equipment is still connected to a live power source. These fires don't involve a unique fuel source in the traditional sense; rather, they are fires involving ordinary combustibles (Class A) or flammable liquids (Class B) that have been ignited by an electrical fault. Think short-circuiting wires, overloaded circuits, or overheating components. Class C is a precautionary classification that designates the presence of an electrical hazard.  

The Element fire extinguisher is highly effective on Class C fires because its unique extinguishing agent is completely non-conductive and leaves no residue. This combination directly addresses the core hazard of an electrical fire: the risk of electrocution and the potential for damaging sensitive equipment. Additionally, Element is certified for use on fires up to 100,000 Volts.

Understanding Class K Fires And When To Consider Class K Fire Extinguishers 

A Class K fire is a unique type of blaze involving combustible cooking oils, high-temperature animal fats, and grease typically found in deep fryers and other kitchen equipment. This classification was established because the ignition temperatures of cooking oils are significantly higher than those of ordinary flammable liquids (Class B), making standard extinguishers ineffective and often dangerous.

Element fire extinguishers are particularly effective against Class K fires because of the non-pressurized delivery system. When activated, a fog-like chemical vapour is released neutralizing the flame's chain reaction, immediately suppressing the visible combustion above the flammable liquid. By suppressing the flames chemically and being effective without the discharge pressure that can cause an uncontrolled spread, the Element provides a safe and clean method for bringing kitchen fires under immediate control.