Not only are fire extinguishers a legal requirement in any space where there is a risk of fire, but they also provide a first line of defence against the devastation that an uncontrolled fire can cause – helping you to protect what matters until the emergency services arrive.
That’s all well and good, you might think, but how do you decide which type of fire extinguisher you need? Since there are different variants for different fire types, it’s important to consider the fire extinguishers suitable for the unique fire protection requirements of your business.
Here, we’ll take a look at five commercial fire extinguishers, setting out their intended use and the type of fires they’re suitable for.
AFFF Foam (for Class A and Class B fires)
Foam fire extinguishers are among the most common types of extinguishers found in commercial premises across the UK. Known as AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) extinguishers, they work by forming a barrier to prevent the spread of gases and flames.
AFFF extinguishers are suitable for use on a variety of flammable substrates, including both solids and liquids. However, since they contain PFAS, these types of extinguishers are considered bad for the environment and public health, so are scheduled to be phased out under evolving fire safety legislation by 4 July 2025.
Good to know: Foam fire extinguishers are easily identified by their classic cream label, complete with the industry-standard “Foam” insignia. In short, you can’t miss them.
Carbon dioxide (Class B and electrical-based fires)
Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers are typically used in situations involving electrical equipment as well as some flammable liquids (class B). Since they leave no residue, they’re considered clean extinguishants that carry minimal risk to environmental and public health.
Typical uses for CO2 fire extinguishers include offices, server rooms, and other commercial spaces with a high volume of electrical equipment (be it music venues or retail stores). And since businesses are beginning to rely more heavily on electrical appliances versus manual or fuel-powered machinery, carbon dioxide extinguishers are rapidly becoming the go-to choice for organisations across a variety of sectors.
Good to know: CO2 extinguishers should never be used to tackle oils and fats, so they’re not typically recommended for commercial kitchen use.
Water (only to be used on Class A fires)
Water fire extinguishers were among the earliest forms of fire extinguishers brought to market, and remain a useful – though limited – type of extinguishant today.
Often labelled with the chemical formula for water, H2O, these extinguishers are safe to use on class A fires only – including materials like wood, fabric, coal and paper goods. One of their key benefits is the fact that they’re able to penetrate and cool a fire at source, preventing dangerous reignition while reducing the health risks posed by lingering smoke and fumes.
Good to know: Water-based fire extinguishers are not suitable for use on flammable liquids or gases, so they’re not recommended for use in commercial kitchens and other spaces where flammable liquids and gases pose a fire risk.
Dry powder (Fires in Classes A, B and C)
One of the key advantages of dry-powder fire extinguishers is their multi-functionality. Safe for class A, B, and C fires, they can be used effectively on flammable liquids, gases, and solid substrates including electrical equipment.
On the flip side, one of the main drawbacks of dry powder extinguishers is the residue and mess they can create (although this is, of course, preferable to the devastating effects of an out-of-control fire). However, this does mean that they’re particularly well-suited to certain outdoor environments with mixed fire risks – whether that’s workshops, petrol station forecourts, or industrial boiler rooms.
Good to know: Since dry powder fire extinguishers come in a range of sizes from compact to XL, they’re perfect for use in commercial vehicles like buses, taxis, trains, and HGVs.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers (for Class F fires)
Specifically formulated to tackle fires resulting from flammable oils and cooking fats, wet chemical extinguishers are the go-to choice for fighting class F fires in commercial kitchen environments – be it a pub, a restaurant or a catering van.
The main “active” fire-fighting ingredient found in wet chemical extinguishers is potassium. Applied in a fine mist, potassium coats the flammable liquid in a soapy film, ultimately smothering flames and preventing reignition.
Good to know: Unless otherwise stated on the tank, wet chemical fire extinguishers are not suitable for use on other chemical and gas fires, specifically petrol and diesel fires.
Talk to our experts about your commercial fire safety requirements
Fire extinguishers are one of several commercial fire prevention technologies that our highly trained specialists are able to deploy, maintain and test on your business premises.
Not only do we supply a complete range of fire extinguishers for every fire class, but we also provide annual testing in line with BS 5306-3:2009 – ensuring that your extinguishers are ready to go should the worst happen.
We can also remove old fire extinguishers that are no longer safe or compliant, offering expert guidance and recommendations on extinguishants better suited to your business.
Ready to get started? Talk to our experts today on 0808 239 6805 and we’ll be happy to help.
