Fire Extinguishers

Types

• ABC dry powder — covers wood and paper, flammable liquids and gas fires; the common general-purpose choice.
• CO2 (carbon dioxide) — for electrical equipment, server rooms and laboratories, leaves no residue.
• Water or water-mist — for paper, cloth and wood fires, not for electrical or oil fires.
• Foam (AFFF or mechanical foam) — for flammable liquid fires in garages, workshops and fuel stores.
• Clean agent — for sensitive electronics and control rooms where residue must be avoided.
• Wheeled or trolley extinguishers — larger capacity for factories and godowns.

What to check before buying

• BIS certification, with the ISI mark on the body; IS 15683 covers portable fire extinguishers.
• Fire class rating, such as A, B, C, D or electrical, matched to what you store or use.
• Capacity in kilograms or litres and the discharge time.
• Cylinder test date, pressure gauge in the green zone, and a tamper seal.
• Mounting brackets, signage and a refill and testing schedule.
• Warranty, annual maintenance, installation and a GST invoice.

Who buys them

Offices, schools, hospitals, shops, factories, housing societies, contractors, NGOs and government offices.

Frequently asked questions

How many extinguishers does a building need?

Local fire rules and the National Building Code set the number, usually by floor area and risk. A fire safety consultant or the local fire department can advise.

Can one extinguisher handle all fires?

ABC powder covers many cases, but it is messy on equipment. Use CO2 or clean agent for electronics.

How often should extinguishers be serviced?

They need periodic inspection and refilling as per the manufacturer and local rules. Common brands include Safex, Ceasefire, Minimax and Kanex.