Fire is extremely destructive to property and life. Naturally, you will try putting it out by pouring water on it or using a fire extinguisher. However, did you know there are different classifications of fire extinguishers based on the nature of the fire? For instance, fires caused by flammable liquids and electrical faults each need different fire extinguishers, such as foam fire extinguishers. Here are 6 main types of fire extinguishers:
• Class A for fires involving plastics, paper, trash, rubber and wood.
• Class B for flammable liquids like kerosene, gasoline and paint.
• Class C for flammable gases like propane, butane and methane.
• Class D for combustible metals such as sodium, potassium and lithium.
• Class E for electrical faults.
• Class F for fires from cooking oils and fats.
Most people use any fire extinguisher they can find due to panic or ignorance. Just like other threats, it is important to be calm while simultaneously looking for a way out. If you do not handle a fire well, it may spread and kill you. This article will thus explore ways of identifying the class E fire extinguisher, how it works, how to use it and some safety measures when using one.
Identifying the class E fire extinguisher
When you shop for a fire extinguisher, the classes are labelled on them. For a class E fire extinguisher, you will spot an electrical symbol and not the E label. That symbol is proof enough that it is suitable for fighting electrical fires. As for the other classes of fire extinguishers, the labels will use alphabetical symbols like A or B.
Also, class E fire extinguishers are identified by the label, “Carbon Dioxide fire extinguisher.” You will understand the significance of the label later on. The label is typically printed in black.
How the class E fire extinguisher works
Oxygen is not flammable, but an oxidizer. An oxidizer is a substance that supports combustion. Oxygen is electronegative hence readily accepts electrons from electrical wires. To cut oxygen, you need to cut off its supply by introducing carbon dioxide. The gas puts out the fire by displacing oxygen. Also, the gas works by cooling the fire down since its temperature is -78 °C.
The carbon dioxide from the extinguisher resembles dry ice when expelled into the air. It forms a cloud around the oxygen near the fire thereby suffocating it. The extinguisher however works poorly when used outside. Winds may displace the carbon dioxide released in the air elsewhere, rather than directing the gas to the fire.
The carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is the best since it does not leave behind any residue that may damage your electrical appliances. Once the gas is released into the atmosphere, the cloud dissipates and forms part of the atmospheric gases.
How to use the fire extinguisher
Here are the steps below to use the extinguisher:
• First, pull out the safety pin so that you can operate it. The safety pin prevents its accidental activation.
• As much as you can, avoid touching its horn. The horn becomes extremely cold due to the cooling nature of the carbon dioxide gas. Touching it leads to frostbites. However, in some shops, you can purchase the ones that come equipped with frost-free horns.
• Squeeze the level to activate it.
• Before activating it, ensure your power for your burning device is switched off.
• Continue spraying the fire with the gas until it is completely extinguished. The gas tends to drift away hence the fire may continue burning.
• Ensure, there is plenty of ventilation in the room. Carbon dioxide consumes as much oxygen as it can, so you run the risk of getting asphyxiated. Open all the doors and windows so that some of the gas can escape outside.
Safety measures when using the fire extinguisher
Here are a few things to keep in mind when using the fire extinguisher:
• If you use a water-based fire extinguisher (Class A) to combat electrical fires, you run the risk of getting electrocuted. Water is a good conductor of electricity. Additionally, water also further destroys your electrical appliance that is on fire. You should therefore check the class labels of the extinguisher.
• Always read the instructions on the fire extinguisher so that you can fight a fire, in case it occurs.
• Always install one close to the exits in workplaces. Ensure all the workers know where it is placed. At home, place the extinguisher either in the kitchen or living room but out of children’s reach.
• Only use it to combat small fires. If your entire house is ablaze, call the fire department. Also, you may not know the cause of a fire in the event it is a huge one; so you are likely to use the wrong fire extinguisher to fight the fire.
