Fire extinguishers are essential for fire safety and prevention, but not all extinguishers are the same. Using the wrong type can be ineffective—or even dangerous. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of fire extinguishers, their uses, and when to use each one to ensure maximum safety.
1. Why Fire Extinguisher Types Matter
Fires are classified into different categories based on the fuel source. Fire extinguishers are specifically designed to combat certain types of fires. Using the wrong extinguisher can cause the fire to spread or lead to electrical hazards.
In Australia, fire extinguishers are labeled with standard color codes and letters to indicate their purpose.
2. The 6 Types of Fire Extinguishers & Their Uses
🔴 A – Water Fire Extinguisher
- Use For: Paper, wood, textiles, and general combustibles (Class A fires)
- Do Not Use On: Electrical fires or flammable liquids
- Color Code: Red
- How It Works: Cools the fire and removes heat to extinguish flames.
🟡 B(E) – Foam Fire Extinguisher
- Use For: Flammable liquids such as petrol, oil, and solvents (Class B fires)
- Do Not Use On: Electrical fires
- Color Code: Blue (or Red with a Blue Label)
- How It Works: Smothers the fire and prevents oxygen from fueling the flames.
⚫ C(E) – CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) Fire Extinguisher
- Use For: Electrical fires and flammable liquids (Class E & B fires)
- Do Not Use On: Fires involving wood, paper, or textiles
- Color Code: Black (or Red with a Black Label)
- How It Works: Displaces oxygen, starving the fire of fuel without leaving residue.
⚪ ABE – Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguisher
- Use For: Class A (combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), and Class E (electrical) fires
- Do Not Use On: Cooking oil or grease fires (Class F)
- Color Code: White (or Red with a White Label)
- How It Works: Forms a barrier that interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire.
🟢 F – Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher
- Use For: Cooking oil and fat fires (Class F fires)
- Do Not Use On: Flammable liquids, electrical fires
- Color Code: Yellow (or Red with a Yellow Label)
- How It Works: Reacts with hot oil to form a foam barrier that cools and extinguishes the fire.
🔵 BE – Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
- Use For: Class B (flammable liquids) and Class E (electrical) fires
- Do Not Use On: Paper, wood, or fabric fires (Class A)
- Color Code: Red with a White Label
- How It Works: Disrupts the fire’s chemical reaction and suppresses flames.
3. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher – The PASS Method
In an emergency, remember PASS:
🔹 P – Pull the safety pin
🔹 A – Aim at the base of the fire
🔹 S – Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent
🔹 S – Sweep from side to side until the fire is out
⚠️ If the fire is too large or spreading quickly, evacuate immediately and call 000.
4. Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Home or Business
- Homes & Offices – ABE (Dry Powder) for electrical and general fires
- Kitchens & Restaurants – Wet Chemical for cooking oil fires
- Workshops & Factories – CO₂ for electrical fires, ABE for mixed fire risks
- Petrol Stations & Garages – Foam or BE Dry Powder for flammable liquids
5. Fire Extinguisher Maintenance & Compliance
🔥 Fire extinguishers must be inspected and serviced every 6 months under Australian Standard AS 1851.
🔥 All businesses must have fire extinguishers accessible and clearly labeled.
🔥 Staff should be trained in fire extinguisher use to respond quickly in an emergency.
Stay Safe & Prepared!
Understanding fire extinguisher types and their uses can make the difference between containing a small fire or facing a major disaster. Ensure your home, workplace, or business has the right fire safety equipment, is compliant with regulations, and that everyone knows how to use it.
🚒 Need Fire Extinguishers or Safety Training? Contact Australia Fire Safety today for expert advice and compliance services!