Water Fire Extinguishers

Water fire extinguishers are the most common type of fire extinguisher and are used to extinguish combustible solid fires (class A fires).  These may include: wood, paper, straw, sugar, solid plastics, rubber, textiles, coal, carpets, furniture, etc so are great for safeguarding the fabric of a building from the effects of a fire.

This type of fire extinguisher is the simplest type and works by cooling the fire and absorbing heat from the objet on fire.  As it is the most uncomplicated type of fire extinguisher, it is also the cheapest, most readily available and straightforward to clean up after use.  It is recommended that each storey of a building should have at least 2 extinguishers with a fire rating of 26A. This is usually compiled of two 9 litre or 6 litre water fire extinguishers.  Fire ratings are devised from the size of fire a fire extinguisher is able to extinguish under test conditions.

Water extinguishers do have their limitations.  They should not be used on electrical fires as the water can conduct electricity and endanger the user (Unless the water has passed the 35KV BS EN3 test). They should also not be used on flammable liquids, flammable gases, flammable metals, and must never be used on a burning fat or cooking oil fire. This could make the fire more aggressive as the water hits it. A fire blanket or a wet chemical fire extinguisher should instead be used.  It is a good idea to place the relevant extinguisher ID signs above your water fire extinguishers to alert people what the extinguishers can and cannot be used.  You should also consider installing a carbon dioxide extinguisher to cover any electrical fire risks you may have on your premises.