Fire extinguishers are the first choice for fighting incipient fires. Fire extinguishers can be found in every business - whether office, industry or catering - and are required by law. However, not every fire extinguisher is suitable for every fire. We therefore explain:
- What types of fire extinguishers are there?
- Which fire extinguisher should be used for what?
We show you the different types of fire extinguishers. Basically, fire extinguisher types can be differentiated according to extinguishing agent and technical design.
Fire extinguisher types based on the extinguishing agent
Foam extinguisher
Foam extinguishers are characterized by their good extinguishing performance and low residue formation. The extinguishing foam is usually easy to remove after use. Foam extinguishers are suitable for fire classes A and B. The devices function reliably at ambient temperatures between 0 °C and +60 °C.
Important note: The use of fluorine-containing foam extinguishing agents is being phased out. Switching to fluorine-free alternatives early on offers you economic advantages and legal certainty. Our experts will be happy to advise you individually and work with you to develop a suitable solution.
Powder extinguisher
Powder extinguishers are among the most powerful fire extinguishers and are versatile. They are suitable for fire classes A, B, C and, in certain designs, also for fire class D. This makes them suitable for fighting fires involving solid, liquid and gaseous substances as well as metal fires. However, it should be noted that powder extinguishers can cause considerable contamination. The extinguishing powder settles in the smallest cracks and can damage or render electronic devices unusable. Contact with moisture also poses a risk of corrosion damage.
Powder extinguishers work in a wide temperature range from -30 °C to +60 °C and are therefore also well suited for use in garages or outdoors.
Water extinguisher
Water extinguishers are considered particularly sustainable fire extinguishers. They offer impressive extinguishing performance while having a low environmental impact. The residues left after use are minimal, which reduces the amount of cleaning required.
Water extinguishers are used exclusively for class A fires, i.e., solid materials. They can only be used in env
Carbon dioxide extinguisher / CO2 fire extinguisher
The CO2 extinguisher has good extinguishing performance and protects surrounding electrical equipment. This means that there is no extinguishing damage after use. It is suitable for fire class B. It is also frost-proof (-30 °C to +60 °C), making it suitable for garages or outdoor areas.
However, it is important to exercise caution when using it: in small, enclosed spaces, CO2 can cause suffocation. Therefore, it should be used either from a safe distance or from outside the room.
Grease fire extinguisher
Grease fire extinguishers are specially designed for fires involving cooking oils or fats in kitchens, canteens, or catering establishments. They enable fast and effective firefighting with minimal residue.
In addition to fire class F, these extinguishers are often also suitable for fire classes A and B. Due to their frost resistance (-30 °C to +60 °C), they can also be used outdoors.
Other types of fire extinguishers
Fire extinguisher types based on the technical construction
In general, fire extinguishers can be divided into two types, regardless of the extinguishing agent: Permanent pressure extinguishers and rechargeable extinguishers.
Permanent pressure extinguisher
The permanent pressure extinguisher consists of a container and is constantly under pressure. It is available as a foam, powder, water and CO2 fire extinguisher. It is possible that the pressure can escape over time. This means that the fire extinguisher would no longer be functional in an emergency. The pressure should therefore be checked regularly using an attached pressure gauge, which can also be done by non-professionals. The permanent pressure extinguisher is usually cheaper to purchase, but more expensive to maintain, as maintenance is more complex due to the permanent pressure.
Rechargeable extinguisher
The rechargeable extinguisher consists of an extinguishing agent container in which a propellant bottle is installed. The propellant (gas) is only released when activated, making it safer and preventing it from escaping. Rechargeable extinguishers are available with foam, powder and water as extinguishing agents. Rechargeable extinguishers are more expensive to purchase, but inexpensive to maintain.
What types of fire extinguishers are there?
Choosing the right fire extinguisher is crucial in the event of a fire. It is therefore important to be familiar with the different types of fire extinguishers.
Use our guide, ‘Types of fire extinguishers and fire classes’, to familiarise yourself with the different types of fire extinguishers and ensure you act correctly in an emergency.
