Fires are a tricky business. You cannot deny the importance of having fire extinguishers in our homes, offices, and workspaces. Accidental fire hazards can happen at any time, causing unspeakable damage and horrors. Therefore, having a fire extinguisher at your disposal means that you’re prepared for an emergency. But, buying the best fire extinguisher isn’t as easy as picking up a decorative piece off the rack. It requires some technical knowledge on your part, which includes but is not limited to selecting the right type of fire extinguishers, fire classes, and understanding the associated safety labels.
This comprehensive buying guide will break down the nitty and gritty of getting the perfect fire extinguisher for your homes, commercial and residential units.
Why Should You Get A Fire Extinguisher?
It Fire-Proofs Your Home
Well, the basic answer is to put out fires. But above all, a fire extinguisher is not a mere accessory; it is important home safety equipment. Even the smallest of a fire incident can turn out into a messy situation costing the lives of your loved ones and end up damaging your beautiful house. Therefore, the presence of a fire extinguisher on your property ensures swift action of suppressing the fire when possible.
It's the first line of safety against any fire breakouts after the smoke detectors. Therefore, we always recommend investing in a good and certified fire extinguisher to make sure that you are ready to handle any unsavory fiery incident that may occur on your property.
It’s Easy-To-Use
Fire extinguishers aren’t as complex as they seem to be. This long-lasting fire safety equipment comes with a user-friendly manual so it’s easy for you to employ in an unfortunate incident. Plus, many fire safety advocates and organizations also give demonstrations on how to use fire extinguishers during emergencies.
It’s Long Lasting Yet Low Maintenance
The best fire extinguishers with proper maintenance can last you up to 5 years without posing any potential safety hazards. Additionally, all the maintenance that your fire suppressant needs is to shake the cylinder from time to time and yearly service of the parts to make sure that the extinguisher is in working condition.
Which Fire Extinguisher To Opt For? Rechargeable vs. Non-Rechargeable?
Rechargeable vs. Non-Rechargeable?There are two broad variants of fire extinguishers, i.e., rechargeable vs non-rechargeable.
Non-rechargeable fire extinguishers are disposable, one time use cylinders to put out fires. They have a plastic valve that does not support refilling once you release the extinguishing agent to suppress a fire.
Whereas, rechargeable extinguishers are the ones with a shelf life of up to 6 years. The metal valve on this variant allows you to refill the cylinder for multiple uses. Certified dealers can recharge the extinguishers, once it's used or loses the pressure after years of inactivity.
While non-rechargeable fire extinguishers are relatively cheaper; in the longer run, rechargeable cylinders are more cost-efficient. Because you can use them multiple times over the years by just refilling the cylinder. Whereas, once you have used the non-rechargeable fire extinguishers, you have to discard them right away and buy a new one again.
What Should You Know When Buying A Fire Extinguisher?
There are many factors that you should consider when buying the best fire extinguisher for home safety. Going blind is not a good idea. Here are a few essential factors that will make the selection process easier for you.
Choose The Right Extinguishing Agent
Among many different extinguishing agents you must identify the ones that are suitable for your home and fire class. You cannot use a water-based fire extinguisher if the fire is electrical or caused by inflammable liquids. Dry powder or Carbon dioxide extinguisher would fare better in this instance. Similarly, for fire with classes A, B & C, dry powder is an effective extinguishing agent.
Determine The Required Capacity
Determining the right weight and number of fire extinguishers required to ensure the safety of your property can be a difficult feat. To make sure that you are fulfilling safety requirements, consult with fire safety experts and manuals to narrow down the number of extinguishers. The basic extinguisher capacity requirement can be calculated by multiplying the square meters of floor space by 0.065. The multiplied value is equivalent to the fire extinguisher rating and capacity. Fire-sensitive places such as the kitchen, and garage should contain a high-capacity extinguisher.
Know The Discharge & Landing Distance
When you are buying your fire extinguisher, always look up its discharge duration and landing length. The discharge stream in fire extinguishers ranges between 8 seconds to minute. The landing or throw length is the distance between the discharge stream and the fire and it spans around 2-7 meters. If you want a robust and powerful extinguisher for putting out significant fire mishaps, then opt for options that have a longer discharge period and landing distance.
Pressure Gauge
A proper and accurate pressure gauge is an essential component of the best fire extinguishers that are available out there. It not only indicates the pressure level of the cylinder but also contains color-coded marking to show the recharge level of the extinguisher.
The Checklist To Deploying The Fire Extinguisher
When you are contemplating putting out a fire with the extinguisher, you must ensure that the following requirements are met.
. Everyone in your building or property knows of the fire.
. You already called the fire department.
. You have completely evacuated the premises.
. You are capable of handling the fire extinguisher and know how to deploy it
. The fire extinguisher is within your reach.
. You know the source and strength of the fire already.
. You have an escape route if things go south.
FAQ's
Q: What are the three basic fire extinguishing types?
The three types of fire extinguishers are labeled as class A, B, and C, indicating the fire risk they can mitigate. Class A fire extinguishers can mitigate fires caused by wood, plastic, paper, and other common combustibles. Class B indicates the use against sources such as flammable liquids, gasoline, oil & grease. Whereas, class C extinguishers are used against fires caused by electrical devices, fuses, and wires.
Q: What are the different types of extinguishing agents?
Fire extinguishers are not a one size fits all solution. Many different types of fire extinguishing agents can put out specific classes of fires. These extinguishers include water, carbon dioxide, mechanical foam, dry powder, and wet chemical fire suppressants.
Q: How To Use A Fire Extinguisher?
Remember the acronym ‘PASS’ to release the fire extinguisher. ‘PASS’ stands for pull, aim, squeeze and sweep. First, you will pull out the tampering pin and open seal, then aim the nozzle low, towards the source of the fire. Press the handle to initiate the discharge of the extinguishing agent and sweep the extinguisher from side to side to cool down the fire.