How to Differentiate Between Wet and Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Advancements in fire extinguisher technology have developed custom fire extinguishers. These fire extinguishers are designed based on the fuel type that is being consumed by the fire. The different fire extinguisher agents interrupt the fire triangle to suppress the fire. Three main elements of the fire(heat, fuel, and oxygen), which are crucial to ignite the fire, create a fire triangle.

A wet chemical fire extinguisher

It is a liquid substance that extinguishes fire by cooling or removing the heat. The wet chemical fire extinguisher also prevents the fire from reigniting by creating a barrier between fuel elements and oxygen. 

The wet chemical fire extinguishers come with a blend of potassium acetate and potassium citrate and these can be used on class K fires. Class K fires mean fire from flammable cooking media like vegetable oils animal fats and greases. Thus the wet chemical fire extinguishers can be used in restaurants, kitchens, and food busses. When the liquid chemical comes in contact with the cooking media, it produces foam in order to cool down the temperature and prevent the reigniting.

Advantages

·         It provides a fast reduction during the event of a class K fire and leaves a soapy barrier that controls the ignition.

·         It is the best choice to use for kitchen fires due to its dual mechanism. It disrupts the fire triangle and prevents the fire from reigniting.

·         Wet chemical fire extinguishers discharge the wet chemical with a lower pressure so it doesn’t cause splattering of the burning oil.

Disadvantages

·         The solution inside the wet chemical fire extinguisher is alkaline so it can corrode some metals like aluminum. It can also cause a burning sensation in the eyes and skin. Cleaning right away is highly recommended and it is not suitable for electrical fires.

Dry chemical fire extinguisher

The dry chemical fire extinguisher contains a substance of powdery texture. It extinguishes fire by smothering it and preventing the chemical reaction by creating a barrier between fuel and oxygen. 

These fire extinguishers include sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and monoammonium phosphate. The dry chemical fire extinguishers are used to combat class A, B, and C fires. Class A fire includes usual fires such as from wood, paper, cloth, and trash. Class B fire includes fires from inflammable or combustible liquid such as oil, gasoline, greases, solvents, alcohol, and, lacquers. Now move on to the class C fires, which include fires from electricity such as fires occurring from overloaded electrical circuits and cables and short circuits in certain equipment and machines.

Advantages

·         The most common dry chemical fire extinguisher is ABC chemical which is effective to use on three types of fire (A, B, and C).

·         It can be used in fire events where the wet chemical extinguisher can cause significant damage such as electronics.

·         A dry chemical suppression needs less storage space than a wet suppression system.

Disadvantages

·         If the dry chemical is used in a suspension system, it requires recharge and refilling after each time the when the system is being activated.

Lastly, we can say that usage of both fire extinguishers depends on the type of fire. If you want to know more about the best chemical fire extinguisher, feel free to contact the experts.

What You Need to Know about the Usage of Fire Extinguisher

 

You can find portable fire extinguishers in public and private buildings. But no one wants to face the time of using it. Being prepared ahead of time is the best way to deal with fire hazards. A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by containing the fire before the arrival of the fire department. Further in this blog, you’ll find the tips to help protect your employees and visitors during any event of a fire.

When to use a fire extinguisher

Use the portable fire extinguisher when the fire is limited to a small area and it isn’t growing.  Make sure that everyone has exited the building and the fire department has been called.

If you find a room full of smoke, leave the room immediately. Fire extinguishers are part of a fire emergency plan but your safety is most important. Children are not recommended to use fire extinguishers.

How to use the fire extinguisher

There is a famous technique of using the fire extinguisher which is known as PASS.

·         Pull the pin first. Then hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you. Now release the locking mechanism.

·         Aim low. Point the extinguisher nozzle or its horn or hose at the place where you think is the base of the fire. Make sure not to touch the plastic discharge horn on a CO2 extinguisher as it is extremely cold and can harm the skin.

·         Squeeze the handle to release the agent to extinguish the fire.

·         Sweep from one side to another in order to eliminate the fire. Check the area and if the fire reignites, repeat the step one or more times.

Make sure to stay close to a clear exit when you are using the device so that you can make an easy escape if you cannot control the fire.

More tips for fire extinguisher

For purpose of keeping it at a residential place, select a multi-purpose extinguisher that can be used on all types of fire and choose the perfect size to handle small fires without feeling bulky.

Make sure to check the label of an independent testing laboratory.

Read the instructions that you get with the fire extinguisher. They will help you to know how the fire extinguisher works so that you can be prepared for any emergency. Also, most of the local fire equipment distributers and fire departments offer hand training to use the fire extinguishers.

Place the fire extinguisher near to exit and stay close to the exit when you are using this device. As mentioned above, it will help you to make an easy escape if you find that fire is out of control.

Fire extinguisher signs

It is crucial to install a fire extinguisher sign above the fire extinguisher. It will warn people not to use it without any purpose. Some fire extinguishers describe the type of fire extinguisher and its uses. It increases the safety of the extinguisher and reduces inappropriate use. You can check out the best fire extinguisher sign for sale from the best online store. Lastly, if you find this blog helpful, don’t forget to share.