A fire extinguisher is part of every household's basic equipment. But which fire extinguisher is suitable for what? This article provides an overview of the different types of fire extinguishers and their respective areas of application in the home.
Understanding the different fire classes!
Before choosing a fire extinguisher for your home, it is important to know the different fire classes:
- Fire class A: Solid, ember-forming materials (wood, paper, textiles)
- Fire class B: Liquid substances (petrol, oil, grease)
- Fire class C: Gaseous substances (natural gas, propane)
- Fire class F: Cooking oils and fats
The most important fire extinguishers for the home
Foam extinguishers
They are ideal for residential areas as they leave hardly any residue. They are suitable for fire classes A and B. Foam extinguishers are particularly effective for fires involving furnishings and small quantities of flammable liquids.
Water extinguishers are an alternative. However, they are only suitable for fire classes A.
Grease fire extinguisher
A class F grease fire extinguisher is especially recommended for the kitchen. It is the only safe extinguisher for burning cooking oils and fats.
Normal fire extinguishers can cause dangerous flames and explosions in grease fires.
Powder extinguishers
They are a classic among fire extinguishers and are suitable for fire classes A, B and C. They are inexpensive and versatile.
However, they are very dirty and can damage electronic devices. They are therefore only suitable for living areas to a limited extent.
Tips for handling home fire extinguishers
- Fire extinguishers should be installed so that they are easily accessible
- Operating instructions should be read in advance
- Regular maintenance (every 2 years) is also important for home fire extinguishers
- The extinguisher must be replaced once the expiration date has passed
- The correct extinguishing technique should ideally be learned in a training course
A combination of different types is recommended for comprehensive fire protection in private households.
A foam extinguisher for general protection and a grease fire extinguisher for the kitchen are sensible basic equipment. Quality products should be used and regular maintenance should not be neglected.
The investment in suitable fire extinguishers may seem high at first, but it is more than justified in view of the protection of life and property. Smoke detectors should also be installed and tested regularly.