The multi-purpose feature of powder fire extinguishers

In today’s fast paced lifestyle, multi-tasking is the in thing. Any item that can do more one than task becomes highly popular like, for example, a mixer that comes with a grinder, blender and juicer. In the case of powder fire extinguishers too, it is the same quality that made it a favourite in private residences as well as commercial buildings. A powder fire extinguisher can put out fires of three different classes, A, B and C.



Even though a water fire extinguisher can put out the class A fire, that is all it can do. When it comes to fires originating from other sources, you need a powder extinguisher, which is what differentiates it from others. Class A fire is the one that involves, paper, cloth, wood, etc. which are comparatively of less risk than others. As you are aware, these are common items that are stored in every building, be it residential or commercial. However, while water extinguishers can actually enter into these items and mitigate the fire and powder extinguishers can only act from outside, the latter is often chosen due to its multiple potential, that of mitigating class B and C fire as well.



So what are class B and C fire? The fire that involves flammable liquids like petrol, oils, diesel, etc. comes under class B. Class C involves the fire that erupts from flammable gases like propane, butane, methane, etc. Both these classes of fire are more liable to occur in factories and storage rooms and often in high quantities. For the same reason, when there is a fire chances are it is going to be really huge and thus dangerous.



Powder fire extinguishers come in different varieties and these are cylinders filled with powder, often monoammonium phosphate, and pressurized with nitrogen. While using the extinguisher, make sure that you operate it just as it is given in the instruction manual. You need to hold the lever and aim the jet towards the base of the fire. Spreading it towards the flames will not help here. Also, once the fire is extinguished, make sure that it is put out completely. You should not be inhaling this powder and therefore try not to be in a small or confined space while using it.



powder fire extinguishers are a big comfort in your home or office; however, while buying it make sure that you learn how to use it immediately and not wait till there is an actual fire break out. Also, it would be a good idea to learn some technical aspects of the fire and its classes and some details about the fire extinguishers like when and how to use it. Today you can easily find a lot of such information online and even check out and purchase a powder fire extinguisher from some of the quality websites that sell fire safety equipments.



Nationwide fire extinguishers stocks a range of kitemarked powder fire extinguishers.