Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers: A Complete Guide
A dry powder fire extinguisher can be used for multiple Class A, B, and C fires, which is also known as an ABC fire extinguisher. Dry chemical fire extinguishers are another name for them that you can sometimes hear. An effective piece of fire safety equipment, a powder fire extinguisher is most useful in large workshops, business boiler rooms, and garage forecourts.
The sorts of fires that a dry powder fire extinguisher is not appropriate for as well as those that it is acceptable for are covered in this useful tutorial on how to use a powder fire extinguisher. Finally, we will look at how to identify a powder fire extinguisher and how it works, as well as the places that might utilize having one there.
Where Can Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers Be Used?
The many uses of dry powder fire extinguishers is one of their best features. They are an essential part of any fire safety strategy because to the various kinds of fire they may be used on.
Naturally, using the right fire extinguisher on the right fire classification is still important. The following fire types can be put out with a dry powder fire extinguisher:
- Class A: Combustible substances
Combustible, solid materials are the source of class-A fires. They often happen when flammable materials like paper or wood come into touch with a flame or other high-temperature item. Class A fires frequently occur in a variety of settings, including workplaces, schools, hospitals, and warehouses. Class A flames respond especially well to dry powder fire extinguishers. - Class B: Combustible liquids
Class B fires occur when a flammable liquid, such as gasoline or alcohol, comes into contact with an ignition source. This type of fire usually occurs in places like restaurants, pubs, labs, and workshops. Because ABC fire extinguishers don’t have enough water, they are excellent at starving the fire rather than just aiding in its spread. - Class C: Combustible gasses
Burning combustible gasses like butane and propane produces a Class C fire. Gas canisters are a frequent source of these gasses. Because of this, a dry powder fire extinguisher needs to be installed in any location where significant amounts of these gasses are stored, such as chemical facilities and industrial warehouses. If your building is susceptible to Class C fires, you must have a dry powder fire extinguisher. An extinguisher of any other kind will only spread the gasoline and flames. Until the fire is out, the dry powder lowers the heat and cools the flames. - E-class fire (Electrical fires)
Any building that uses electricity runs the risk of getting electrical fires, which are referred to as Class E fires. They are therefore among the more frequent fire types that will be mentioned in your risk assessment. Due to their low conductivity, dry powder extinguishers can be used as electrical fire extinguishers. However, only fires started by electrical currents under 1000 volts should ever be put out with dry powder fire extinguishers. The best option for an electrical fire extinguisher for electrical equipment that is over 1000 volts is a CO2 extinguisher.
Where Can Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers Not Be Used?
Fire extinguishers made of dry powder are very useful and versatile. They are still unsuitable for some types of fire, though.
For example, Class F fires should never be put out with dry powder fire extinguishers. Cooking oils and fats cause class F fires. This is because of the reality that these fires generally burn at very high temperatures, which dry powders cannot put out. Similarly, a water-based agent will only exacerbate the fire by spreading it. You should always have a wet chemical fire extinguisher on hand for Class F fires.
Also, because the powder in ABC fire extinguishers can corrode delicate electrical equipment, you should use caution when using them on devices like computers and scientific instruments. Similarly, applying fire extinguishers with dry powder. Similarly, it can be dangerous to use dry powder fire extinguishers in enclosed areas because the powder may be inhaled and cause health problems.
How Do You Identify a Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher?
Dry powder fire extinguishers can be identified by their blue label that reads “POWDER” on the front. Wherever you need fire extinguishers, make sure the labels are visible and easily accessible.
Sizes of dry powder fire extinguishers available:
- 1 kg
- 2 kg
- 3 kg
- 6 kg
- 9 kg
How Do Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers Work?
A powder fire extinguisher’s agent surrounds the fire in a thick “blanket,” limiting it of oxygen and putting it out. It’s essential to remember that there is a slight chance of re-ignition because a dry powder fire extinguisher doesn’t put out the fire.
The fire is put out when dry powder is sprayed on the fire. A chemical compound, the powder is made by interacting with the fire’s heat. The powder expands due to the heat that forms a barrier between the oxygen in the air and the fire. By cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply, this barrier successfully smothers the flames, putting an end to the fire.
Pros and Cons of dry powder fire extinguishers:
Pros: Expert dry powder extinguishers are the only extinguishers that can put out flammable metals; they are effective against a lot of fire types and put out fires quickly.
Cons: when used in enclosed areas, the powder can be swallowed and may damage eyesight; it can spread over a vast area and leave a residue; there is a little chance that the fire can re-ignite.
Who Needs Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers?
For open or outdoor locations where there is a possibility of various fire types, especially those involving chemicals, fuel, or automobiles, dry powder fire extinguishers are perfect.
Garage forecourts, sizable business boiler rooms, facilities for storing flammable liquids, sizable workshops, fuel tankers, and other automobiles are a few examples.
Although powder fire extinguishers may put out electrical fires with equipment that is less than 1000 volts, we advise keeping CO2 extinguishers on hand in areas where there is a possibility of electrical fires, such as a team kitchen or areas where electric heaters are utilized.
How Do You Use a Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher?
Some steps can help you use a dry powder fire extinguisher:
- First, remove the safety pin
- Next, you stand back at a safe distance from the fire location.
- And then aim at the base of the fire.
- Now move the jet and use rapid back-and-forth movements
- And squeeze the lever to discharge the powder.
- Move closer as the fire dies down
- Use the entire contents to make sure the fire is fully extinguished
- Scan for re-ignition carefully and check for re-ignition
Here are some tips for when you are using a dry powder fire extinguisher on different types of fires:
- Electrical fires: Turn off the electricity before pointing the powder at the flames, if it’s safe to do so.
- Spilled liquids: Point the nozzle at the fire’s near edge, then move the flames in the direction of the far edge.
- Flowing liquids: Point the nozzle toward the flames’ base, then move it upward.
- Burning gas: As soon as you can, cut off the gas supply and point the powder at the flare.
Class A, B, and C fires are usually put out with dry chemical extinguishers, but because they are non-conductive, they work particularly well on electrical fires.
Also Read – When Should You Refill Your Fire Extinguisher?
Conclusion
One of the most useful and affordable fire extinguishers that may be used in many different types of situations is the dry powder extinguisher. The most beneficial plan of action is to contact the professionals if you believe that a dry powder fire extinguisher is the best solution for your needs or if you think that your current dry powder extinguishers need servicing.