Fire extinguishers are an essential tool for preventing and containing fires. To ensure that they are used correctly, all fire extinguishers are labeled with a letter and a number. This labeling indicates the type of fire extinguisher and the type of fire it can be used on. Understanding this labeling system is important for ensuring that the correct fire extinguisher is used in an emergency.
What is the Meaning of Fire Extinguisher Labeling?
Fire extinguisher labeling consists of a letter and a number. The letter indicates the type of fire extinguisher, while the number indicates the type of fire the extinguisher is designed to extinguish. There are six main types of fire extinguishers, categorized by the letter that precedes the number on the label.
A-labeled fire extinguishers are designed for use on ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, and plastics. B-labeled fire extinguishers are designed for use on flammable liquids such as oil, grease, and gasoline. C-labeled fire extinguishers are designed for use on electrical equipment. D-labeled fire extinguishers are designed for use on combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and potassium. K-labeled fire extinguishers are designed for use on cooking oils and grease. And, finally, W-labeled fire extinguishers are designed for use on Class A and Class B fires.
What Information Does the Number Indicate?
The number that follows the letter on the fire extinguisher label indicates the type of fire the extinguisher is designed to extinguish. For A-labeled extinguishers, the numbers range from 1 to 4. A 1-rated fire extinguisher is designed for use on ordinary combustibles, a 2-rated fire extinguisher is designed for use on flammable liquids, a 3-rated fire extinguisher is designed for use on electrical equipment, and a 4-rated fire extinguisher is designed for use on combustible metals.
For B-labeled extinguishers, the numbers range from 1 to 3. A 1-rated fire extinguisher is designed for use on ordinary combustibles, a 2-rated fire extinguisher is designed for use on flammable liquids, and a 3-rated fire extinguisher is designed for use on electrical equipment.
For C-labeled extinguishers, the numbers range from 1 to 3. A 1-rated fire extinguisher is designed for use on ordinary combustibles, a 2-rated fire extinguisher is designed for use on flammable liquids,
