Every business needs the proper fire safety equipment to adhere to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations. A protection design always includes fire extinguishers, but the type you need depends on your industry. The guide below will help you understand how these products vary.

What Are the Different Types of Fire Extinguishers?

1. Class A

These put out fires created by paper, cloth, or wood. These fires are some of the most common in offices, especially when there are documents around. These extinguishers use monoammonium phosphate to eliminate blazes.

2. Class B

If your business deals with flammable and combustible liquids or gasses, these are essential pieces of fire safety equipment. Flammable liquids include gas, alcohol, and oil-based paints, and gasses include butane and propane. These fire extinguishers use chemical reactions to smother flames. 

3. Class C

Class C fires are fueled by electrical equipment, such as motors, electric transformers, and appliances. Electrical fires can occur in all types of businesses, as even frayed wires on a fridge or workstation can spark them. These extinguishers use non-conductive chemicals to prevent reactions with electricity.

4. Class D

These put out fires started by combustible metals. These incidents often occur in laboratories that use potassium, magnesium, titanium, and aluminum. Since water can fuel such fires, these extinguishers use dry-powder agents to eliminate flames.

5. Class K

Class K fires are caused by flammable liquids, like grease, animal fat, cooking oil, and vegetable fat. These are the most common pieces of equipment in commercial kitchens, although Class B and C extinguishers may also be used for other parts of a restaurant. These extinguishers use wet chemicals to put out fires.

Looking for the right fire safety equipment for your business? Trust Fire Protection Specialists in Bangor, Eau Claire, or La Crosse, WI. Their highly trained staff determines what class of fire extinguisher you need to protect your guests and employees. They carry well-known brands, like Ansul® and Amerex®, and perform ongoing maintenance. They also stay up-to-date on cleaning and inspections standards with NFPA®-96, the International Mechanical Code, and the International Fire Code. Visit their website to learn more about their installation services, or call (800) 658-9463 for assistance.