Fire Extinguisher Types UK | Free PDF Guide
Choosing the correct fire extinguisher depends on the type of fire risk identified within your premises.
Our free UK fire extinguisher guide provides a quick reference to the main fire classes and extinguisher types, updated to reflect current BS 5306-8:2023 guidance.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE FIRE EXTINGUISHER TYPES PDF
Which Fire Extinguisher Do I Need?
There is no single extinguisher suitable for every fire.
The main UK fire classes are:
- Class A – solid materials such as wood, paper and textiles
- Class B – flammable liquids such as petrol, oils and solvents
- Class C – flammable gases such as propane and butane
- Class D – combustible metals
- Class F – cooking oils and fats
- Live electrical equipment – treated separately because of the risk of electric shock
Electrical fires are not a separate lettered fire class.
Fire Extinguisher Types:
Water Extinguishers
Suitable for Class A fires involving solid combustible materials such as wood, paper and textiles.
Do not use standard water extinguishers on live electrical equipment, flammable liquids or cooking oils.
Foam Extinguishers
Suitable for Class A and Class B fires.
Foam is particularly effective on contained flammable-liquid fires. Water-based extinguishing media should not be specified for use on live electrical equipment.
CO2 Fire Extinguishers
Suitable for Class B fires and fires involving live electrical equipment.
CO2 leaves no residue, making it particularly useful around electrical equipment.
Dry Powder Extinguishers
ABC dry powder can be suitable for Class A, B and C fires and live electrical equipment.
However, current guidance places greater emphasis on carefully considering the use of powder indoors because discharge can reduce visibility, affect breathing and contaminate equipment.
Class D fires require specialist Class D powder selected for the particular metal risk.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers
Designed primarily for Class F fires involving cooking oils and fats and normally also have a Class A rating.
They are commonly used where commercial frying equipment creates a significant cooking-oil fire risk.
What Has Changed Under BS 5306-8:2023?
The revised standard introduced or strengthened guidance covering:
- Selection of extinguishing media
- Indoor use of dry powder
- Fires involving live electrical equipment
- Class C gas risks
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Environmental considerations
- Extinguisher provision in smaller premises
- Positioning and travel distances
Live Electrical Equipment.
Where live electrical equipment is involved, use electrically non-conductive extinguishing media, such as CO2, suitable non-conductive powder or another appropriate clean agent.
Electrical equipment should be disconnected or isolated before an extinguisher is discharged where this can be done safely.
Class C Gas Fires
Current BS 5306-8 guidance says extinguishers should not normally be provided specifically to tackle Class C gas fires.
Where a fire risk assessment identifies a need, the type and number of suitable extinguishers should be determined for that particular risk.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
For individual small rechargeable devices containing lithium-ion batteries that are no longer connected to a charger, current BS 5306-8 guidance recommends water or water-based media for rapid cooling.
This guidance does not cover larger batteries, multiple battery installations or substantial battery-energy-storage risks, which require specialist assessment.
How Many Fire Extinguishers Do I Need?
The correct number and fire rating should be determined through your fire risk assessment.
Under BS 5306-8:2023, an area of less than 50 m² may require only one suitable Class A extinguisher. Above 50 m², a minimum of two Class A extinguishers normally remains applicable.
Additional extinguishers may be required for specific risks such as flammable liquids, electrical equipment, cooking oils or specialist processes.
Choosing Fire Extinguishers for Your Workplace
The final extinguisher specification should consider:
- Fire risks present
- Floor area and layout
- Required extinguisher fire ratings
- Travel distances
- Escape routes
- Electrical equipment
- Kitchens and cooking equipment
- Flammable liquids, gases or metals
- Environmental and clean-up considerations
Your fire risk assessment should determine the appropriate combination.
Important
This guide provides general information only. Final fire extinguisher selection, quantity and positioning should be based on a suitable fire risk assessment and current professional guidance. BS 5306-8:2023 should be consulted where appropriate.