Fire Extinguisher Types: Which One for Which Fire
A fire extinguisher only helps if it is the right type for what is burning. Use the wrong one and it can do nothing, spread the fire, or put the user in danger. Water on an oil fire, for example, throws burning oil across the room. This guide explains the fire classes, the extinguisher types, and which to put where.
The short answer: a dry powder ABC extinguisher is the general choice for most workplaces, warehouses and vehicles. Add CO₂ next to electrical panels, servers and offices with computers. Use wet chemical in kitchens, and foam where flammable liquids are stored. Check what your building's Civil Defence approval requires.
The fire classes
Fires are grouped by what is burning (European standard EN 2):
| Class | Fuel | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| A | Ordinary solids | Wood, paper, cardboard, fabric, plastics |
| B | Flammable liquids | Petrol, diesel, oil, paint, solvents |
| C | Flammable gases | Butane, propane, natural gas |
| D | Burning metals | Magnesium, aluminium powder, lithium |
| F | Cooking oils and fats | Deep fryers, commercial kitchens |
Electrical equipment is not a class of its own in Europe. Extinguishers that are safe on live electrical equipment say so on the label, usually tested up to 1,000 V at a distance of 1 metre.
Extinguisher types and where to use them
| Type | Classes | Best for | Do not use on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry powder ABC | A, B, C, electrical | General workplaces, warehouses, vehicles, outdoors | Kitchens with deep fryers; avoid near delicate electronics |
| CO₂ | B, electrical | Electrical panels, server rooms, offices, labs | Class A fires (they can reignite); small closed rooms |
| Foam (AFFF) | A, B | Fuel and chemical stores, workshops, garages | Live electrical equipment, unless the label allows; cooking oil |
| Wet chemical | F, A | Commercial kitchens, deep fryers | Electrical fires |
| Water | A | Offices, schools, timber and paper stores | Any liquid, oil or electrical fire |
Dry powder
The most versatile type, and the common choice for factories, warehouses, construction sites and vehicles. Powder knocks fire down fast, but it makes a thick cloud that blocks vision indoors and leaves a mess that damages electronics and machinery.
CO₂
Carbon dioxide smothers the fire and leaves no residue, which is why it is the standard choice beside electrical panels and computers. It works poorly outdoors, where wind blows the gas away, and in small closed rooms the gas displaces oxygen. The horn gets extremely cold, so hold the handle, never the horn.
Foam
Foam blankets burning liquids and stops them reigniting. It is good for fuel stores, workshops and garages.
Wet chemical
The only safe choice for burning cooking oil. It forms a soapy layer over the oil that cuts off air and cools it. Never use water on a fat fire.
How many, and where?
The number and type you need depend on the size of the building, what is stored, and the requirements of your Civil Defence approval. As general good practice:
- Place extinguishers on escape routes and near exits, so people move towards safety while reaching for one.
- Place them close to the specific risk: CO₂ by the electrical panel, wet chemical by the fryer, foam by the fuel store.
- Make sure nobody has to go far to reach one. Many guidelines use 30 metres as a maximum.
- Wall-mount them with a clear sign above, and keep them unblocked.
- Wheeled units (25 kg and more) suit large warehouses, fuel stations and outdoor plant areas.
See heat and fire hazards and factory PPE.
Using an extinguisher: P–A–S–S
- Pull the safety pin.
- Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames.
- Squeeze the handle.
- Sweep from side to side across the base of the fire.
Keep your back to a clear exit. If the fire is bigger than a waste bin, is spreading, or the room is filling with smoke, leave, close the door and call 180 for the Civil Defence.
Inspection and maintenance
- Monthly: a quick visual check. The pressure gauge is in the green, the pin and seal are in place, there is no damage, and the extinguisher is in its place.
- Yearly: a full service by a qualified technician, with the date recorded on the tag.
- After any use, even a short burst: recharge or replace it. A partly used extinguisher can be empty when it is next needed.
Fire blankets and other equipment
A fire blanket (EN 1869) smothers a small pan fire or wraps a person whose clothes are on fire. Keep one in every kitchen. A complete fire safety setup also includes alarms and call points (EN 54), emergency exit signs and, for larger sites, fire hoses and hydrant equipment.
Questions buyers ask us
Which extinguisher should I keep in my car?
A small 1–2 kg dry powder ABC extinguisher, mounted securely so it cannot roll around in a crash.
How long does an extinguisher last?
With yearly servicing, many years. Follow the manufacturer's life and service schedule, and replace any unit that is damaged, corroded or fails its pressure check.
Can one extinguisher type cover everything?
No single type is safe on every fire. ABC powder covers most risks, but kitchens need wet chemical, and electrical rooms and offices are better served by CO₂.
Buying for a building or site
Tell us the building type, size and main risks, and we will suggest a setup that you can check against your Civil Defence requirements. Send it through For Companies and we will quote within 24 working hours.