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Having fire extinguishers at your business protects property and people during an emergency. These devices use different suppression agents to put out a range of blaze types. Here are some possibilities to explore and where they are best used.

What Products Do Fire Extinguishers Use?

1. Dry Chemicals

Dry-chemical suppression agents interrupt the chemical reactions between oxygen, heat, and fuel.

Multipurpose varieties can be used in Class A (combustible solids, like wood), B (flammable gases and liquids), and C (electrical) fires. Ordinary dry-chemical devices are only effective on Class B and C flames.

2. Wet Chemicals

These remove heat and block oxygen and fuel elements with thick substances that prevent re-ignition.

They are used for Class K fires, which typically involve cooking products, including grease, fat, and oils. They’re common in commercial kitchens, especially near fryers.  

3. Foam

fire extinguishersFoam removes heat and separates it from oxygen. It expands when released into the air, depriving the blaze of fuel.

The substance also has a cooling effect that works on ignited liquids and combustibles. These properties make these extinguishers effective against Class A and B fires.

4. Clean Agents

Clean-agent devices use halon and halocarbon agents to disrupt a blaze’s chemical reaction and remove heat. Carbon dioxide (CO2), for example, is a clean agent, eliminating oxygen and lowering heat with a cold discharge.

These systems work for Class A, B, and C blazes. However, CO2 is ineffective against Class A fires. Their contents are stored as liquids, which turn gaseous when released. They leave no residue behind, making them safe for fragile equipment, including computers.

5. Water

Water decreases oxygen and cools heat. It’s only effective against Class A fires since it can cause dangerous sparks in electrical systems and spread flammable liquids. 

Water mist technology, however, can work against most fires. Since the mist is de-ionized, it doesn’t conduct electricity.

 

When you need fire extinguishers for your business, Fire Protection Specialists helps you decide what works best. Serving Bangor, Eau Claire, and La Crosse, WI, the company offers an array of fire suppression systems as well as hands-on training. They also provide 24-hour emergency services. Call (800) 658-9463 to discuss your needs or visit them online to learn more about the devices they install.

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