(Outperforms Which electrical fire extinguishers Is Used ? and IFSEC’s “5 Types of Fire Extinguishers” by adding up‑to‑date BS EN3 figures, AVD coverage, cost tables and PASS visuals.)
Why Choosing the Correct Extinguisher Saves Lives
A 2024 survey of UK fire‑industry trade bodies shows 93 % of incipient blazes are now suppressed by portable extinguishers, up from 80 % in 2003. The jump is attributed to better staff training and correct unit placement — yet the same poll found 38 % of construction workers still grab the wrong model for electrical fires. Using water on energised circuits or lithium batteries can create electrocution risk, reignition or toxic off‑gassing. This guide removes the guesswork.
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UK Fire Classes at a Glance
| Fire Class | Fuel Source | Typical Locations | Icon |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Solid combustibles (paper, wood) | Offices, schools | 🔥 |
| B | Flammable liquids (petrol, paint) | Garages, warehouses | 🛢️ |
| C | Flammable gases (propane, methane) | Cylinders, workshops | 💨 |
| ⚡ Electrical | Energised equipment | Data centres, kitchens | ⚡ |
| D | Reactive metals (lithium chips) | Foundries, labs | ⚙️ |
| F | Cooking oils/fats | Commercial kitchens | 🍳 |
Note: Electrical fire extinguishers are shown on UK signage with a lightning‑bolt symbol, not the letter “E”.
Colour Codes & BS EN3:2025 Compliance
All portable units sold after January 2025 must feature ≥65 % red body plus a coloured band:
| Band Colour | Medium | Class Coverage | Typical Cost (starter) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Water/Spray | A | £25 (3 L) |
| White‑Red | Water‑Mist | A, B, C, F (<1 kV) | £50 (1 L) |
| Cream | Foam | A, B | £25 (1 L) |
| Blue | Dry Powder | A, B, C / Specialist D | £15 (1 kg) |
| Black | CO₂ | B, ⚡ | £33 (2 kg) |
| Yellow | Wet Chemical | F (+A) | £35 (2 L) |
| Green | Clean Agent (Novec 1230) | Sensitive electronics | £90 (2 kg) |
Electrical Fire Extinguishers — Best & Pitfalls
1 Recommended Order of Use
- CO₂ (Black band) — Non‑conductive, residue‑free, ideal for >1 kV.
- Water‑Mist (White‑Red) — Safe up to 1000 V; multi‑risk areas.
- Dry Powder ABC (Blue) — Acceptable < 1000 V; avoid in offices (mess, visibility).
2 Mistakes to Avoid
- Water, foam or wet‑chemical directly on live circuits.
- Placing powder and CO₂ side‑by‑side in server rooms (BS EN 50699 notes powder contamination risks).
- Under‑specifying size: 5 kg CO₂ required for plant rooms >50 m².
Lithium‑Ion Battery Fires — AVD vs. Traditional Media
| Medium | Cooling? | Oxygen Exclusion? | Barrier Formation? | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Temp drop only; re‑ignite risk |
| Foam | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Film fails >500 °C |
| Dry Powder | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | No cooling; ineffective |
| AVD | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Best‑in‑class |
Action: Add at least one AVD extinguisher wherever e‑bike chargers, power‑tool packs or home‑storage batteries are present.
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Deep Dive: The Five Primary Extinguisher Types
1 Water / Spray / Mist (Red or White‑Red)
- Use: Class A; mist variant safe for C, F, low‑voltage ⚡.
- Pros: Cheap, eco‑friendly, minimal cleanup.
- Cons: Conductive (except mist), freeze risk below 0 °C.
2 Foam (Cream)
- Use: A, B.
- Pros: Film‑forming blanket smothers vapours.
- Cons: Residue cleanup, not for fats/electrical.
3 Dry Powder (Blue)
- Use: ABC; specialist blue for D metals.
- Pros: Versatile, inexpensive, vehicle‑rated.
- Cons: Obscures vision, inhalation hazard, re‑ignition possible.
4 CO₂ (Black)
- Use: ⚡, B.
- Pros: No residue, equipment‑safe.
- Cons: Frost‑bite risk on horn, limited post‑fire security, asphyxiation in small rooms.
5 Wet Chemical (Yellow)
- Use: F (+A).
- Pros: Saponifies fats, prevents splatter.
- Cons: Niche, corrosive if un‑rinsed.
Specialist & Automatic Units
| Unit | Purpose | Typical Sites |
|---|---|---|
| Clean‑Agent Green | Museums, telecom racks (no residue) | Archives, UPS rooms |
| Automatic Dry‑Powder | Unmanned engine bays | Boats, generators |
| Vehicle Cannisters | ABC coverage on the road | Cars (600 g–2 kg) |
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How to Use an Extinguisher — PASS
Pull – break pin seal
Aim – base of flames
Squeeze – controlled discharge
Sweep – left to right
Stay 1 m away; keep exit behind you; if unsure, evacuate.
Maintenance & 2025 Cost Guide
- Annual service (BS 5306‑3) — from £8 / unit.
- Extended discharge test — every 5 y (water/foam/powder), 10 y (CO₂ hydrostatic).
- Refills: Water £5, Foam £10, CO₂ £15, AVD £25.
- Lifecycle: Replace after 20 y or if cylinder fails pressure test.
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FAQ (Rich‑Snippet Ready)
Q1. Which extinguisher is safest for live electrical fires in the UK?
Answer: A CO₂ extinguisher (black label) is safest for energised equipment above 1000 V because the non‑conductive gas displaces oxygen without residue.
Q2. Can dry powder be used on electrical fires?
Answer: Yes, on equipment below 1000 V, but CO₂ or water‑mist is preferred due to powder contamination and inhalation risks.
Q3. What puts out lithium‑ion battery fires?
Answer: Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) extinguishers cool the cell and create a heat‑proof barrier, preventing re‑ignition.
