Overview of fire classes for fire extinguishers
The fire classes for fire extinguishers are defined in DIN EN2. Each fire class stands for a specific material property and regulates which fire extinguisher is suitable for which fire risk. There are fire extinguisher fire classes A, B, C, D and F.
Important: A fire cannot always be extinguished with water and not with every fire extinguisher. The decisive factor is the fire class or the material that is burning and the extinguishing agent in the fire extinguisher. We answer the following questions for you:
- What fire classes are there?
- Which fire extinguisher should be used for what?
Choosing the right fire extinguisher
Fire class A
- Fire material: Fires of solid, non-melting materials. Either formation of an ember and flames.
- Example: Wood, hay, straw, paper, cardboard, textiles, coal, car tires, non-melting plastics.
- Extinguishing agent: Powder extinguisher with ABC powder, water extinguisher, foam extinguisher, grease fire extinguisher
Fire class B
- Fire material: Fires of liquid substances or substances that become liquid.
- Example: gasoline, tar, varnish, oil, alcohol
- Extinguishing agent: ABC and BC powder extinguishers, foam extinguishers, carbon dioxide extinguishers / CO2 extinguishers
Fire class C
- Fire material: Fires of gases
- Example: methane, propane, hydrogen
- Extinguishing agent: ABC and BC powder extinguishers
Fire class D
- Fire material: Fires of metals
- Example: aluminum, magnesium, potassium, sodium
- Extinguishing agent: Powder extinguisher with metal fire powder
Fire class F
- Fire material: fat fires in deep-fat fryers and fat-baking equipment, pots and pans.
- Example: cooking oil, deep-frying fat
- Extinguishing agent: grease fire extinguisher
We show you the different types of fire extinguishers.
Basically, fire extinguishers can be differentiated according to extinguishing agent and technical design.
Download overview fire classes (in german)
Which fire extinguisher for what?
E-car, e-bike or mobile phone on fire
Incipient fires involving objects containing lithium batteries can best be extinguished with a lithium fire extinguisher (fire class D). However, lithium ignites again and again and a lot of water is required to extinguish the fire completely. Until the fire brigade arrives, you can also extinguish the fire with a garden hose.
TV or computer is on fire
It is best to use a carbon dioxide extinguisher (fire class B). Alternatively, foam extinguishers (fire classes A and B) or ABC powder extinguishers (fire class ABC) would also work. The advantage of carbon dioxide is that it does not damage neighbouring electrical appliances. Please do not pour water on electrical appliances!
Gas cooker on fire in motorhome
ABC powder extinguishers (fire classes A, B and C) work best, they are frost-proof and extinguish not only the gas cooker but also cable fires. However, they have the major disadvantage that the electronics or the engine can be severely damaged because the powder settles in every little crack. Alternatively, a foam extinguisher (fire class A and B) could be used, but not for the gas cooker, but for the electronics in the motorhome without damaging surrounding appliances.
Fat or oil burns in the kitchen
If the pan, pot or deep-fat fryer is on fire, the grease fire extinguisher (fire class F) is best suited. Please do not pour water over it and do not use a fire blanket! Water can cause an explosion. The fire blankets only smother smaller flames, with larger flames the fire blanket itself may catch fire or not smother the flame completely.
The basic rule is: personal protection before property protection.
Do not endanger yourself or others. Only extinguish the fire if it is still small. Once the fire has been extinguished
- Stay at the danger zone.
- It is best to use another full fire extinguisher to observe whether glowing or flames form again.
- Repeat the extinguishing attempt until the fire brigade has arrived.
Personal protection before property protection
The basic rule is: personal protection before property protection. Do not put yourself or others in danger. Only extinguish if it is still a small fire. Once the fire is extinguished, remain at the danger point and, preferably with another full fire extinguisher, observe whether there is a renewed build-up of gluten or flames and repeat the extinguishing attempt until the fire department has arrived.