Every home, office, and factory should know about the types of fire extinguishers and their proper uses. Choosing the wrong extinguisher can actually make a fire worse. That’s why understanding fire extinguisher types, colour codes, and classes of fire is crucial for safety at home and workplace.
But here’s the challenge: not all fire extinguishers are the same. Using the wrong one can make the fire worse. That’s why understanding types of fire extinguishers, their uses, and colour codes is essential for safety at home and workplace.
In this blog, we’ll explain the different classes of fire, types of extinguishers, Indian colour coding, and how to choose the right extinguisher for your needs.
1. Why Different Types of Fire Extinguishers Exist
Fire is not a “one-size-fits-all” hazard. The fuel source determines the type of fire, and each extinguisher is designed to fight specific fuels.
Example: Pouring water on a cooking oil fire (Class K) can cause the fire to spread violently. Similarly, using a foam extinguisher on an electrical fire can electrocute the user.
That’s why the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS – IS 2190) has defined fire classes and extinguisher types for maximum safety.
2. Classes of Fire (A–K)
Different fuels = different classes of fire.
| Class | Fuel Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Solids (wood, paper, cloth, plastics) | Office furniture, garbage fires |
| Class B | Flammable liquids | Petrol, diesel, paint shop fires |
| Class C | Flammable gases | LPG, propane, CNG leaks |
| Class D | Combustible metals | Magnesium, aluminium factories |
| Class E | Electrical equipment | Short circuits, server room fires |
| Class K/F | Cooking oils & fats | Commercial kitchens, restaurants |
3. Types of Fire Extinguishers (Uses, Pros & Cons)
Water Fire Extinguisher (Red)
- Best for: Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles).
- Not for: Electrical, oil, or gas fires.
- Pros: Cheap, simple, effective for solid combustibles.
- Cons: Dangerous on electrical or oil-based fires.
Foam Fire Extinguisher (Cream Band)
- Best for: Class A & B fires.
- Common in: Offices, warehouses, petrol pumps.
- Pros: Smothers flames, prevents re-ignition of flammable liquids.
- Cons: Not safe for electrical fires.
CO₂ Fire Extinguisher (Black Band)
- Best for: Class B & Electrical fires.
- Common in: Server rooms, offices, labs.
- Pros: Leaves no residue, safe for electronics.
- Cons: Small discharge time (~10 sec), not for open spaces.
Dry Powder (DCP/ABC) Extinguisher (Blue Band)
- Best for: Class A, B, C (multi-purpose).
- Common in: Homes, vehicles, factories.
- Pros: Versatile, affordable, effective on most fires.
- Cons: Messy residue, may damage electronics.
Wet Chemical Extinguisher (Yellow Band)
- Best for: Class K/F (kitchen fires).
- Common in: Restaurants, hotels, commercial kitchens.
- Pros: Specially designed for cooking oil & fat fires.
- Cons: Not useful outside kitchen environments.
Specialised Extinguishers (Clean Agent, Metal Extinguishers)
- Clean Agent Extinguishers → Environmentally safe, no residue, best for data centres.
- Metal Extinguishers → Designed for Class D fires in metal industries.
4. Fire Extinguisher Colour Codes (India – IS 2190)
| Colour Band | Type of Extinguisher |
|---|---|
| Red | Water |
| Cream | Foam |
| Black | CO₂ |
| Blue | Dry Powder |
| Yellow | Wet Chemical |
5. Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher (By Location)
- Home → ABC Dry Powder (versatile), CO₂ (for electrical safety).
- Car → 2kg Dry Powder or CO₂ extinguisher.
- Office → Combination of ABC + CO₂ extinguishers.
- Factory/Warehouse → DCP (multi-risk) + Foam (for liquids).
- Restaurant/Kitchen → Wet Chemical (mandatory in many countries).
6. Fire Extinguisher Maintenance (Often Ignored!)
Owning an extinguisher is not enough. Without proper care, it may fail during an emergency.
- Monthly: Check pressure gauge, seals, and hose.
- Yearly: Servicing by authorised technician.
- After Use: Immediate refilling (even if only partly discharged).
- Replacement: Extinguishers usually last 5–15 years depending on type.
Conclusion
Fire extinguishers are lifesavers — but only when you choose the right type for the right fire. From water for solids to wet chemical for kitchen oils, knowing the difference ensures both safety and compliance.
So, whether it’s your home, car, office, or factory, always keep the right extinguisher handy — because when a fire starts, every second counts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which type of fire extinguisher is most commonly used?
The ABC Dry Powder extinguisher is most common in India as it works on Class A, B, and C fires.
2. What extinguisher should I keep at home?
A 4kg ABC Powder extinguisher is ideal for home use, as it covers most risks. Adding a small CO₂ extinguisher is useful for electrical appliances.
3. How do I know if my extinguisher needs refilling?
Check the pressure gauge — if the needle is not in the green zone, it needs servicing or refilling.
4. Can one extinguisher work for all fires?
No. While ABC extinguishers are versatile, they are not safe for kitchen oil fires (Class K) or metal fires (Class D).
5. What is the lifespan of a fire extinguisher in India?
Typically 5–15 years, depending on the type and maintenance. Always check the manufacturer’s label.
6. Are fire extinguishers mandatory in India?
Yes, under National Building Code of India & Fire Safety Norms, commercial and residential buildings must have appropriate fire extinguishers installed.