Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Fire Extinguisher Basics - Hiller Systems


Fire Extinguisher Basics - by Mike Glover, Hiller Systems.

Hiller Systems. - Your premier fire protection safety equipment supplier in Virginia (and on the Internet) for all of your fire protection and safety equipment needs, presents a brief explanation of the basics of: Fire Extinguishers.

A portable fire extinguisher is certainly one of the best and most cost-effective tools against fire.  When used properly, portable fire extinguishers save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing a larger one until help (the fire department) arrives. At Hillershop.com we offer a full range of portable fire extinguishers, fire extinguisher repair parts and fire extinguisher accessories. 

Our most popular line is our Hiller 2.5lb ABC, 5lb ABC, 10lb ABC and 20lb ABC fire extinguisher models.  Exceptional performance, unparalleled value and unbeatable pricing means you get more for your money at Hillershop.com




With so many fire extinguishers to choose from, selecting the proper one for your home and business can be an overwhelming experience.  Everyone should have at least one fire extinguisher at home, but it's just as important to ensure you have the proper type of fire extinguisher. Fire protection experts recommend one for the kitchen, one for each floor of a house and one for the garage/workshop area.  Places of business have an even bigger task of understanding the local and national Code requirements for fire extinguisher requirements, placement, labeling and inspections.  The NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers is the guide you should start with in understanding these requirements.  Please keep in mind the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) also known as the Fire Marshall, may have additional requirements that you are required to adhere to. 

If you have never had to use one or have never been lucky enough to experience live, hands-on training for using a fire extinguisher, you will probably want to watch this video.

Disclaimer:  Nothing replaces hands-on training and experience when it comes to Life Safety equipment training and use.  This video is not intended as a certification course and is not intended to be used as a certification in the operation, maintenance or upkeep of any fire protection equipment.  If you would like formal training and certification in the use of portable fire extinguishers, please contact us and we will be glad to help you.





About Fire Extinguishers:  Ratings and Class Types


Portable Fire Extinguishers differ by the extinguishing agent they expel onto a fire. There are a wide variety of choices available based on the type of fire they will be fighting. Portable extinguishers are also rated for the size of fire they can handle. This rating is expressed as a number.  For example:

1 to 40 for Class A fires (Class A fire)
1 to 640 for Class B (Class B fire) fires

The "C" on the label indicates only that the unit can has been tested for use on electrical fires (Class C fires).

Extinguishers for Class D (Class D fires) must match the type of metal that is burning.
This rating will appear on all fire extinguisher the labels and will look like this: 2A10B:C.  The larger the numbers, the larger the fire (of the specified class) the extinguisher can handle.   No number accompanies and extinguisher's "C" rating.  These extinguishers do not use numerical ratings. Extinguishers for Class D fires are labeled with a list detailing the metals that match the unit's extinguishing agent.

Class Ratings


Class A extinguishers are for ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, and most plastics. 
Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil. 

Class C fires involve electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers and outlets. Never use water to extinguish class C fires - the risk of electrical shock is far too great! Class C extinguishers do not have a numerical rating. The C classification means the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.

Class D fire extinguishers are commonly found in a chemical laboratory. They are for fires that involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium. These types of extinguishers also have no numerical rating, nor are they given a multi-purpose rating - they are designed for class D fires only.

A portable fire extinguisher is certainly one of the best and most cost-effective tools against fire.  When used properly, portable fire extinguishers save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing a larger one until help (the fire department) arrives.

At Hillershop.com we offer a full range of portable fire extinguishers, fire extinguisher repair parts and fire extinguisher accessories. 

Our most popular line is our Hiller 2.5lb ABC, 5lb ABC, 10lb ABC and 20lb ABC fire extinguisher models.  Exceptional performance, unparalleled value and unbeatable pricing means you get more for your money at Hillershop.com. 


2 comments:

  1. A fire extinguisher is one of the most efficient tools that prevent the spreading of fire. There are several types of extinguishers used to put out fire. Each tool has a specific use. So it is important to have an in-depth knowledge of a fire extinguisher before purchasing it for home or office use.

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  2. Home fire protection is very essential to ensure the safety of your family in cases of unforeseen fire emergencies.

    Fire Protection

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