You might not think about fire extinguishers often, but when a fire breaks out, they are the first thing you hope is close by. The challenge is that in an emergency, you do not have time to read labels or figure out which extinguisher to use. That is exactly why choosing the right type of fire extinguisher beforehand is so important.
Having the right fire extinguisher ready means avoiding serious cases. The reality is that different fires need different solutions. What puts out a paper fire might fuel an oil fire, and what works on fabric could be useless against electrical flames. That is where understanding fire extinguisher types becomes your safety net.
No matter if you are setting up a factory, a restaurant, an office, or your own home, Hitco has all the different kinds of fire extinguishers out there that are really important for keeping you safe.
Different Types of Fire Extinguishers
Everywhere you look, you see a variety of fire extinguishers hanging on walls. Have you ever wondered why?
You might be surprised to learn that fire extinguishers are actually quite sophisticated. Each type uses a different method to stop fires. Some starve the flames of oxygen, others cool the burning material, and some interrupt the chemical reaction that keeps fire burning.
Each one is truly a specialist tool made for a particular fire emergency, so it’s not just red-painted decoration. Some emit foam, some spray water, and some even emit gas or powder. Knowing which extinguisher works best could mean putting out a little fire fast and letting it get out of control.
The different types of fire extinguishers are as follows:
1. Dry Chemical (Powder) Fire Extinguishers
Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers are the “jack-of-all-trades” of extinguishers. They shoot out a fine powder that interrupts the fire.
Best for: Homes, offices, cars, and mixed-use spaces where fire risks vary.
Two main types:
- ABC dry chemical: This handles paper, wood, liquids, and electrical fires.
- BC dry chemical: It is used on flammable liquids and electrical equipment. It is perfect for kitchens and workshops.
At HITCO, we have:
Product Name | Type | Price (NPR) |
ABC Dry Powder | 1,750.00 | |
ABC Dry Powder | 4,320.00 |
2. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Fire Extinguishers
CO₂ fire extinguishers eliminate flames without leaving any mess behind. They release carbon dioxide gas that displaces oxygen around the fire, suffocating it while keeping your valuable equipment completely clean.
Best for: This fire extinguisher is best for server rooms, laboratories, electronics areas, and precision equipment spaces.
Why Choose CO₂:
- No cleanup required: Equipment stays spotless and functional
- Electrically safe: Won’t conduct electricity through sensitive circuits
- Quick clearing: Gas dissipates fast, so you can resume operations
At HITCO, we have:
Product Name | Type | Price (NPR) |
CO₂ | 7,000.00 | |
CO₂ | 12,250.00 | |
CO₂ | 6,200.00 |
3. Foam Fire Extinguishers
Foam Fire Extinguishers are smothering liquid fires that stop them from reigniting. The foam creates a thick, protective blanket over flammable liquids, blocking oxygen and trapping dangerous vapors that love to reignite when you least expect them.
Best for: This fire extinguisher is best for workshops, garages, fuel storage areas, and anywhere you are dealing with oils, gasoline, or other liquid fuels.
Why Choose Foam:
- Two layers of protection: Puts out the fire and keeps it from returning.
- Blanket effects: Seals off gasoline vapors that can spark again later.
- Temperature control: Cools down hot liquids to reduce the risk of fire.
At HITCO, we have:
Product Name | Type | Price (NPR) |
Mechanical Foam | 6,050.00 | |
Mechanical Foam | 7,350.00 | |
Mechanical Foam | 4,200.00 |
4. Water-Based Fire Extinguishers
Rapidly, that fire simply can’t keep going. They are budget-friendly, require no special disposal, and work exactly as you’d expect them to.
Best for: Ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, fabric, and similar Class A materials.
Types of water-based:
- Water spray: Wide coverage for larger fire areas
- Water mist: Fine droplets that cool efficiently with less mess
- Water jet: Concentrated stream for precise targeting
5. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Wet chemical extinguishers handle the grease fires that can turn a kitchen into a dangerous situation in seconds. They change the chemistry of burning cooking oil, turning it into a soap-like substance that cannot reignite.
Best for: This fire extinguisher is best for commercial kitchens, food trucks, restaurants, and any space with deep fryers or heavy cooking operations.
Why Choose Wet Chemical:
- Chemical reaction: It converts burning oil into non-flammable soap.
- Cooling action: It brings the oil temperature down below the ignition point.
- Protective barrier: It forms a lasting foam that prevents re-ignition.
Stop threats before they start. Visit HITCO now
Classes of Fire
Imagine your first reaction when you see a grease fire in your kitchen is to get a glass of water. That one-second choice might cause a hazardous explosion that would leave your kitchen splattered with scorching oil.
The table shows examples for each fire class:
Fire Class | Examples |
Class A | That overflowing trash can, yesterday’s newspaper, and the cardboard boxes in your garage |
Class B | Spilled gasoline, paint thinner, that bottle of rubbing alcohol you knocked over |
Class C | Your computer is having a meltdown, frayed extension cords, and that outlet that’s been sparking |
Class D | Metal shavings from your workshop, magnesium parts, and aluminum dust that decided to ignite |
Class K | Your deep fryer is having a bad day, that pan of oil you left unattended, stovetop grease fires that spread fast |
Fire Extinguisher Color Codes
Have you ever faced an emergency and been unsure which fire extinguisher to grab? Those colored bands you see are a smart safety design. They help you to make quick decisions when you are in an emergency.
Most fire extinguishers include color bands that make them simple to identify:
Color | Extinguisher Type |
Red | Water |
Cream | Foam |
Blue | Dry Powder |
Black | CO₂ |
Yellow | Wet Chemical |
Buy a Fire Extinguisher from HITCO
Hitico is the oldest fire extinguisher supplier since 1975. It stands as a leading provider of premium industrial and safety solutions in Nepal. We are at the forefront of safety, offering a wide selection of fire extinguishers and hydrants. We supply the extinguishers from trusted brands like New Age, Ceasefire, SRI, and Safe Pro. With decades of expertise and a dedication to quality, we are your partner in excellence.
But with so many types on the market, here is why you should choose HITCO:
- Expert Guidance: We help you identify the right fire extinguisher types based on your business needs and environment.
- Certified Quality Products: Our extinguishers meet all safety standards for reliable fire protection.
- Comprehensive Service: From supply to maintenance and recharging, we keep your fire safety equipment ready to perform.
- Prompt Support: Emergencies can’t wait, neither can our customer service
Where to Place Fire Extinguishers?
In a fire emergency, every second counts. Smart placement is not just about meeting safety codes; it’s about creating a network of protection that works when your building’s occupants need it most.
A good rule of thumb: if you can’t see it, you might not use it in time. Mount extinguishers:
- Near exits and entrances
- In kitchens and utility rooms
- Besides fire hazard zones
- Where people gather
Need layout advice? Schedule a fire safety walkthrough with HITCO
Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are pressurized devices with chemicals that can degrade, seals that can fail, and components that can corrode over time. A neglected extinguisher in an emergency is worse than no extinguisher because it gives you false confidence when you need absolute protection.
An extinguisher sitting in a corner for five years would not do much.
Monthly check: Pressure gauge, rust, or leaks
Yearly inspection: Done by a professional
Recharge after every use, even if it seems full
Replace if the unit is over 10–12 years old
Choose Industry-Specific Fire Extinguisher
Different environments create different fire risks, and what works perfectly in your home office could be wrong for a busy restaurant kitchen or manufacturing floor. It’s like choosing the right tool for the job; you wouldn’t use a screwdriver to hammer nails, and you shouldn’t use the same fire extinguisher strategy everywhere.
Setting | Recommended Extinguishers |
Homes | ABC dry chemical, Wet chemical in the kitchen |
Offices | CO₂ and ABC |
Factories | ABC and Class D for metal work |
Restaurants | Wet chemical, foam |
Cars and Trucks | ABC (compact units) |
Final Thoughts
Fire extinguishers are a safety tool that must be used regardless of the type of fire risk present. Every business, home, or industrial site must take fire prevention seriously. Investing in the correct extinguisher types, maintaining them properly, and training staff can save lives and protect property.
Stay safe, stay prepared because fire doesn’t wait.
HITCO is here to help. Let’s fireproof your business together
FAQ’s
What’s the best fire extinguisher for home use?
For most homes, the best option is an ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher. It can deal with ordinary home fires, such as a fire involving wood, paper, burning liquid, and electrical fires. It is multi-tasking, simple to handle, and a good, comprehensive defensive strategy.
Can I use a water extinguisher on an electrical fire?
No, using water on an electrical fire is extremely dangerous because water conducts electricity. It could cause a severe electric shock or make the fire worse. Instead, use a CO₂ or dry chemical extinguisher, which is safe for electrical fires.
How frequently should I replace fire extinguishers?
Fire extinguishers usually need replacing every 10–12 years, depending on the model. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to be sure. Regularly inspecting your extinguisher ensures it will work when you really need it.
What is a Class K fire extinguisher used for?
Class K extinguishers are specifically designed for kitchen fires involving oils, fats, and grease. They are commonly found in restaurants and used in commercial kitchens as well as in residential kitchens with deep fryers. They work by cooling and smothering the fire safely.
Do fire extinguishers expire?
Fire extinguishers do go out of date. Pressure may be lost or the gases in there may become ineffective. This is the reason why they should be checked, and changed when a necessity arises.
Can I use a fire extinguisher without training?
Yes, you can use a fire extinguisher even without formal training. Most are designed to be simple and straightforward to operate. However, learning the proper technique makes using it much safer and more effective in an emergency.
