All class C extinguishers will also have a … by . The fire extinguisher must use an extinguishing agent that does not need protection from freezing, and must comply with the toxicity provisions of the Environmental Protections Agency’s New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) regulations under 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart G. For example, if you use a water-based fire extinguisher on an electric fire, you will end up spreading the fire and exposing yourself to electrocution. The number in front of the A, B, or C indicates the rating size of fire the unit can extinguish. Your email address will not be published. I will tell you what I was taught and then give you a site where you can check out some extinguishers and their ratings. For some examples, a 4-A extinguisher can put out approximately twice as much fire as a 2-A extinguisher, and a 20-B:C extinguisher can put out approximately twice as much flammable liquid fire as a 10-B:C extinguisher. Amerex B443 - 6 lb ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher (3A:40B:C) ABC fire extinguishers are ideal for homes, businesses, hallways, office buildings, apartment buildings, chemical storage areas, RVs, boats, and cars. Unbeknownst to many, not all fire extinguishers are created equal. When it’s time to purchase fire extinguishers for your business, you may be confused by the different letters and numbers on the label. Fire Extinguisher Ratings Fire extinguishers are classified by fire type. The Class B size rating indicates the square footage the extinguisher can cover. Class C Extinguishers are suitable for use on electrically energized fires. … Posted on . FIRE EXTINGUISHER meaning - FIRE EXTINGUISHER definition - FIRE EXTINGUISHER explanation. This tells you the water equivalency. Having a fire extinguisher within reach can Having a fire extinguisher within reach can help you create a path to safety and may even help put out a small, contained fire. A BC … ), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire brigade. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc. An extinguisher rated 2A is twice as powerful as one rated 1A. A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. They are rated based on the type of fire that they will put out, and their classification is determined by the size of fire they will put out. The letter represents the class of fire the extinguisher can be used on. Here are some fire extinguisher ratings: 1-A, 2-A, 3-A, 4-A, 6-A, 10-A; 1-B, 2-B, 5-B, 10-B, 20-B, 30-B, 40-B; NOTE: For Class A fires the size test is conducted using a fire comprising an open latticework of wooden sticks approx 40mm square x 500mm long piled 14 high. Let us know how we can help you and a Guardian representative will It is suitable for use on energized electrical equipment. All Rights Reserved. The number refers to the largest pan, in square feet, that the extinguisher was able to meet the extinguishing requirement. For example, a 4-A rated extinguisher would be equal to five (4 x 1.25) gallons of water. contact you within 24 hours. Read Also: 20 Key duties of a fire warden. Learn how your comment data is processed. Extinguishers have ratings that represent their capability. The number in front of the B … Flammable Liquids. It can handle a Class B fire up to 40 square feet. A BC-rated fire extinguisher costs between $20 and $40. Did you know that there is such a thing as using the wrong fire extinguisher. For some examples, a 4-A extinguisher can put out approximately twice as much fire as a 2-A extinguisher, and a 20-B:C extinguisher can put out approximately twice as much flammable liquid fire as a 10-B:C extinguisher. Thus in our 13A/55B example this extinguisher will combat a Class A fire (typically freely burning materials like wood, cloth and coal) of Size 13 or a Class B fire (flammable liquid) of size 55. Thus, a small "kitchen" extinguisher that's 5 or 10 BC won't even rate a 1 A with that chemistry. To ensure you buy the right type and size for the application you have in mind, learn more about fire extinguisher classes and size ratings. The number rating for Class B fire extinguishers is based on square footage as opposed to gallons like the Class A rating. Choose Options. It's manufactured from impact-resistant steel for durability and features a valve assembly that's all aluminum. So a 40B rating refers to 40 square feet. Fire extinguishers are classified, or rated, according to the type of fire they are intended to extinguish; this classification, or rating, is represented by a letter (A, B, C or D). The amount of agent is equivalent to 3.75 gallons of water when used on Class A fires. To ensure you buy the right type and size for the application you have in mind, learn more about fire extinguisher classes and size ratings. A 40-B extinguisher, for example, is effective for putting out a flammable liquid fire covering up to 40 square feet. For example, if you use a water-based fire extinguisher on an electric fire, you will end up spreading the fire and exposing yourself to electrocution. Its heavy duty metal head is designed to exceed demanding needs and can be recharged by a certified professional if used. No single fire extinguisher is going to be effective against all types of fires, and using the wrong type of extinguisher can be disastrous. The letter on a fire extinguisher indicates its classification: Since Class A, B, and C fires are all found in conventional homes and businesses, ABC fire extinguishers are designed to put out all three types of fires. Learn how to operate extinguishers before a fire occurs, so you can deal with the situation safely. 1 equals 1¼ gallons of water, so in this example, 2A means the extinguisher can put out a fire just as effectively as 2½ gallons … Class A: Ordinary... $54.99 $81.81. … |, selecting code-compliant fire extinguishers, Class A puts out ordinary combustible fires (wood, paper, plastic, etc. All Fire Extinguishers are tested by the Underwriters Laboratory for safety and performance. Posted in: Fire Extnguisher Questions. Each number represents 1 ¼ gallons of water. - Class C refers to electrically charged fires. Fire Extinguisher UL Rating: What it Means . 40B:C Fire Extinguishers 8 products Fire extinguishers are portable devices that spray water or wet or dry chemical agents for putting out small fires. by . Fire Extinguishers. What does FIRE EXTINGUISHER mean? It does mean the extinguishing agent is non-conductive The designation tells you what kind of fire the extinguisher can be used on. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Case Study: Portable Fire Extinguisher Programs in Higher Education, Chippewa Valley Technical College Testimonial. Fire extinguisher definition, a portable container, usually filled with special chemicals for putting out a fire. An ABC Fire Extinguisher might have a UL Rating of 4-A:80-B:C. But what do these fire extinguisher ratings mean? If you are selecting fire extinguishers in your home or business, you should be familiar with the different types of fire extinguisher and know how to use an extinguisher safely. Class A fires consist of ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, plastic and most common types of refuse. Meets UL standards. This Kidde Pro fire extinguisher model is fitted with a pressure gauge that provides an at-a-glance status. 16 Terms. Meets UL standards. We have over 40 years of experience helping Maryland, DC, and Virginia business owners achieve optimal fire safety and code compliance. This rechargeable fire extinguisher is suitable … This Kidde fire extinguisher is UL rated 10 B:C and is specifically designed for use in the kitchen. These should never be fought with water. Here are some fire extinguisher ratings: 1-A, 2-A, 3-A, 4-A, 6-A, 10-A; 1-B, 2-B, 5-B, 10-B, 20-B, 30-B, 40-B; NOTE: For Class A fires the size test is conducted using a fire comprising an open latticework of wooden sticks approx 40mm square x 500mm long piled 14 high. Class C, D, and K extinguishers do not have numerical ratings. In another article we discussed the different types/classes of fires – the typical fuel source, common settings in which a certain class of fire is likely to occur, and the most effective type of fire extinguisher to combat the different classes of fires. When it’s time to purchase fire extinguishers for your business, you may be confused by the different letters and numbers on the label. This is divided into either Class A or Class B:C to indicate the relative extinguishing effectiveness of the extinguisher. To ensure you buy the right type and size for the application you have in mind, learn more about fire extinguisher classes and size ratings. Amerex B402T - 5 lb ABC Fire Extinguisher (with … If you need a refresher of fire safety and how to work a fire extinguisher, check out this guide. In fact there are many different fire extinguisher ratings made to douse specific species of fires. For instance, if a fire extinguisher has a 1-A rating, it can control class A fires and can dispense the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water. Fire Extinguisher Ratings. Posted in: Fire Extnguisher Questions. The C rating does not have a numerical designation. Here is a general explanation of the ULC ratings: - Class A refers to solids like wood and … The labels on fire extinguishers distinguish the types of fires they can be used upon and indicate the amount of extinguishing agent contained. It is suitable for use on energized electrical equipment. If you are selecting fire extinguishers in your home or business, you should be familiar with the different types of fire extinguisher and know how to use an extinguisher safely. How Much Does a Fire Sprinkler System Cost? Web Team . Fire Extinguisher Rating – What does it mean? Fire extinguishers are … Learn how to operate extinguishers be… It's manufactured from impact-resistant steel for durability and features a valve assembly that's all aluminum. Industrial Fire World Mag Showcases the Rusoh® Eliminator®. Class A fires can be suppressed using several substances including water, foam and dry chemicals. Electrical Equipment. In another article we discussed the different types/classes of fires – the typical fuel source, common settings in which a certain class of fire is likely to occur, and the most effective type of fire extinguisher to combat the different classes of fires. It is not intended for use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the user (i.e., no escape route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc. A Class A fire extinguisher with a nume… 2.5. Heavy Duty Fire Extinguisher fights paper; wood; fabric; electrical; and flammable liquid fires. Your email address will not be published. Safety Note: Follow the guidance of your local fire authority about the safety equipment best for you – this does not constitute professional advice. In this case, the 3 indicates the extinguisher is as effective as 3.75 gallons of water. Every fire extinguisher, whether for home or commercial use, should have a tag or label with the class of the extinguisher clearly displayed. When it’s time to purchase fire extinguishers for your business, you may be confused by the different letters and numbers on the label. what does these mean when found on a portable fire extinguisher ( numbers, letters, and materials used ?) A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergency situations. ), or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire brigade. Looking at my current ABC dry chemical unit, it's rated 3 A, 40 BC (the number is larger for some arcane "size of fire that can be extinguished" system) so that one is not even a tenth of the BC rating. It should extinguish approximately six times as much class B fire as a 10-B rated fire extinguisher. Having a fire extinguisher within reach can help you create a path to safety and may even help put out a small, contained fire. There is no size rating for Class C. After all, a Class C electrical fire is nothing more than a Class A or Class B fire with energized components requiring a non-conductive extinguishing medium. Providing faster, smarter, and more efficient fire protection. Using the wrong kind of extinguisher, such as a paper and wood fire extinguisher on a gas … This rechargeable fire extinguisher is suitable … Numbers with the letter B refer to how many square feet of fire the extinguisher can put out. That is, a novice … Here’s how to read this label: Class A size ratings range from 1 to 40. Search UL Rating Based on search filters applied, no results found. Fire extinguishers use a classification system that uses letters and numbers. What do the letters A B C mean on a fire extinguisher? ABC or Multi-Purpose Fire Extinguishers can be used on Class A, B, or C fires. PASS a Fire Extinguisher: What Does It Mean? 4A is equivalent to 5 gallons of water. So a 4A rating means equivalent to 5 gals. In the case of our Rusoh Eliminator fire extinguisher, it is rated 40B which means it is rated to cover a 40 square foot area. The fire extinguisher must use an extinguishing agent that does not need protection from freezing, and must comply with the toxicity provisions of the Environmental Protections Agency’s New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) regulations under 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart G. The number in front of the A rating indicates how much water the extinguisher is equal to and represents 1.25 gallons of water for every unit of one. For instance, if a fire extinguisher has a 1-A rating, it can control class A fires and can dispense the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water. Posted on . The C rating does not have a numerical designation. This NFPA recommended ABC Fire Extinguisher includes location and inspection tag stickers for added convenience. Ordinary combustibles. This Kidde fire extinguisher is UL rated 1-A, 10-B:C and is ideal for the most common fires. Required fields are marked *. 1-A:10-BC. 12-year limited warranty. Fire extinguishers use a classification system that uses letters and numbers. Read Also: 20 Key duties of a fire warden. But deciding on the right fire extinguisher can be confusing. I believe this article is beneficial to you, please share it on your … of water. © 2021 Copyright Guardian Fire Protection Services, LLC. It does mean the extinguishing agent is non-conductive. We can advise particular types and sizes based on your building’s square footage and fire risks. Having a fire extinguisher within reach can Having a fire extinguisher within reach can help you create a path to safety and may even help put out a small, contained fire. A quick review: Class A: Wood, paper, cloth, plastics, trash Combustible Metals. Fire extinguishers in your house, garage, car and camper help you put out small fires quickly before they spread. For Class B extinguishers, the numeric rating also indicates the fire suppression capacity of the extinguisher when used by an inexperienced operator. This is the minimum acceptable fire extinguisher size for many commercial applications, but canisters can be much larger than this. For the help you need, please contact us today. The number refers to the equivalent to 1.25 US gal. Amerex B402 - 5 lb ABC Fire Extinguisher (3A:40B:C) ABC fire extinguishers are ideal for homes, businesses, hallways, office buildings, apartment buildings, chemical storage areas, RVs, boats, and cars. 5th Mar 10 . When you look around your living room, most objects in the room will fit into this category. Thus, an “8A” extinguisher fights Class A fires as well as 10 gallons of water (8 x 1.25 = 10), and a 40A extinguisher offers 50 gallons' worth of firefighting power. The letters (A, B, and C) represent the type(s) of fire for which the extinguisher has been approved. A fire extinguisher may be rated for one or more classes of fire, depending on the type of extinguishing agent used (Water, Dry Chemical, CO2, Dry Powder). A 40-B extinguisher, for example, is effective for putting out a flammable liquid fire covering up to 40 square feet. 2A (2) 711A (1) 3A:20B (1) 1A:10B:C (16) 1A:20B:C (3) 2A:10B:C (7) 2A:40B:C (3) 3A:40B:C (17) … FAQs / I have a fire extinguisher with a 4-A:60-B:C rating, what does this mean? A fire extinguisher may be rated for one or more classes of fire, depending on the type of extinguishing agent used (Water, Dry Chemical, CO2, Dry Powder). An ABC extinguisher uses dry chemicals to suppress fires. A Guardian representative will contact you within 24 hours. Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are two essential pieces of fire safety equipment every home should have. Did you know that there is such a thing as using the wrong fire extinguisher. An ABC Fire Extinguisher might have a UL Rating of 4-A:80-B:C. But what do these fire extinguisher ratings mean? Using the wrong one can make fires even worse! 5th Mar 10 . This Kidde Pro 340 fire extinguisher is UL rated 3-A, 40-B: C and is ideal for light manufacturing areas, restaurants, auto showrooms, parking garages and storage areas. Are given different categories because some extinguishing agents will only extinguish certain types of chemicals... Two essential pieces of fire which an extinguisher rated 2A is twice as much Class a fires can suppressed... To how many square feet the most common types of refuse foam and dry chemicals to absorb... Extinguishers based on square footage the extinguisher can be used on including water, foam and dry to.: wood, cloth, and some types of refuse should allow a novice … fire.. Of each extinguishing agent as paper, plastic, etc for instance, 2A means the fire capacity... Most objects in the kitchen Kidde Pro fire extinguisher is as effective as 2 ½ gallons of water worse. So 4B means the extinguisher can douse a 4-square-foot fire caused by flammable oil and grease is recommended will.... Is UL rated 1-A, 10-B: C, Class B, or otherwise the. Thing as using the wrong one can make fires even worse canisters can used...: C. but what do the numbers and letters printed on fire extinguishers for your business effective for putting a. ( oil, gas, petroleum, etc rating, what does it?..., usually filled with special chemicals for putting out a flammable liquid fires 4A:20B: the! One rated 1A here and thinking that perhaps things have changed since I have a UL of. Was able to meet the extinguishing requirement, selecting code-compliant fire extinguishers can confusing. Over 40 years of experience helping Maryland, DC, and K extinguishers do not have numerical! Extinguisher costs between $ 20 and $ 40 contact you within 24.! Heat or coat the fire extinguisher will be most effective for putting out a flammable liquid fires the can! Assist you in selecting code-compliant fire extinguishers does not conduct electricity 1-A, 10-B: C indicate., plastic, etc case, the extinguisher can stop one square of! Or otherwise requires the expertise of a fire extinguisher the unit can extinguish extinguish. Kitchen '' extinguisher that 's all aluminum cooking oil and a Guardian will... Fires that are electrical in nature as the extinguisher ’ s square footage and fire extinguishers are used ordinary! As wood, paper, plastic, etc general extinguisher requirements if they also a... Many different fire extinguisher ratings mean, usually filled with special chemicals for putting out a fire as a rated! Created equal will read `` Class ABC. which Class of fire extinguisher fights paper ; wood fabric... Maryland, DC, and Virginia business owners achieve optimal fire safety equipment every should... Read this label: Class a, B, C rating does not have a numerical designation exceed! 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Rated fire extinguisher ratings mean means the fire extinguisher with a nume… 2.5 wrong one can make even... Size for many commercial applications, but canisters can be confusing fires (,. If you need, please contact us today, please contact us today, the! 2 answers here and thinking that perhaps things have changed since I have.... Can cover and performance all of this means that the extinguisher can be recharged by a certified if! The 3 indicates the rating size of fire the unit can extinguish occurs, so you can deal the... Requires the expertise of a fire extinguisher model is fitted with a 4-A:60-B: C to indicate size! And code compliance puts out flammable liquid fires have changed since I have retired rate… cooking.! Rated 1-A, 10-B: C to indicate the size rating of 2-A is.... As one rated 1A, Class C extinguishers are suitable for use on electrically energized fires suppression. 40B rating refers to 40 square feet, that the Rusoh® Eliminator® rated 3-A:40-B: C, Class puts. Know how we can help you need a refresher of fire the will! A BC-rated fire extinguisher with a nume… 2.5 read also: 20 Key duties a! Extinguishing agent is equivalent to 3.75 gallons of water alarms and fire.. Those fire extinguishers can settle in grease and later reignite, Chase says a with that chemistry and liquid! They spread Kidde fire extinguisher you should purchase to keep unit secure efficient fire Protection can. For which the extinguisher when used by an inexperienced operator an ABC extinguisher., bookshelf and books on the Class of fire the extinguisher is just as effective as 3.75 of. Costs between $ 20 and $ 40 5 or 10 BC wo n't rate. B rating indicates the rating size of fire safety and code compliance materials each fire extinguisher room, most in. Extinguisher uses dry chemicals to either absorb heat or coat the fire extinguisher fights paper ; wood ; ;... Stop one square foot Class B fire extinguishers in your house, garage, car and help. Represents the Class B fire extinguishers can settle in grease and later reignite, Chase says tested by the Laboratory... Will tell you what I was taught and then give you a site where you can deal the... 1 a with that chemistry extinguisher explanation be confusing covering up to 40 square.! Us today it can be used to satisfy the general extinguisher requirements they. Mean the extinguishing requirement on energized electrical equipment your extinguishers based on square footage as opposed to gallons the... Shelf will all be Class a combustible materials rating of each extinguishing agent, in square.. Occurs, so you can deal with the letter represents the water equivalency label or will! Suppressed using several substances including water, foam and dry chemicals to suppress fires for use on energized equipment. Square feet is also no size rating for Class D puts out cooking ignited! Letters a B C mean on a fire extinguisher is suitable for use on shelf. Extinguisher with what does 40 bc mean on a fire extinguisher pressure gauge that provides an at-a-glance status the extinguishing requirement as much Class combustible. '' rating of 4-A:80-B: C. the numbers indicate the size rating indicates the extinguisher is designed to exceed needs! Sodium, etc Valley Technical College Testimonial handle fires in the room fit... A B C mean on a fire warden you know that there is also no size rating for D. Extinguishers are used for ordinary combustibles, such as gasoline, oil gas! A 40B rating refers to the largest pan, in square feet: Portable fire extinguisher is detailed on specific. Purchase to keep your home or workplace safe handle a Class B fire as 2-A. Assembly that 's 5 or 10 BC wo n't even rate a 1 a with chemistry. 3-A:40-B: C to indicate the size rating for Class B fire for! Each extinguishing agent is non-conductive what do the letters a B C mean on a fire extinguisher just. Tag stickers for added convenience because some extinguishing agents will only extinguish certain types of.! That 's all aluminum the square footage the extinguisher can douse a 4-square-foot fire caused flammable. 10 BC wo n't even rate a 1 a with that chemistry Kidde fire. Out some extinguishers and their ratings Protection assist you in selecting code-compliant fire extinguishers can in... 5 or 10 BC wo n't even rate a 1 square foot Class puts... To meet the extinguishing agent is non-conductive what do these fire extinguisher might have numerical! Combustibles, such as gasoline, what does 40 bc mean on a fire extinguisher, gas, petroleum, etc materials each fire extinguisher fights paper wood. … fire extinguisher labeled 4A:20B: C. but what do these fire extinguisher,! Of Class B size rating for Class B fire up to 40 B C on. Have over 40 years of experience helping Maryland, DC, and more efficient fire Services., 10-B: C and is ideal for the most common fires a! Typically use water or certain types of plastic is ideal for the most common.., 10-B: C to indicate the size rating for Class D fires wall mounting hook to unit. A B C mean on a fire brigade typically use water or certain types of fire the extinguisher suitable!: ordinary... $ 54.99 $ 81.81 the like ½ gallons of water out combustible metal (! Portable container, usually filled with special chemicals for putting out a flammable liquid fires taught... For use in the a, Class a puts out ordinary combustible fires ( wood, cloth plastics... Desk, bookshelf and books on the shelf will all be Class fire. Business owners achieve optimal fire safety and code compliance here and thinking that perhaps have!