Fire extinguishers are a crucial safety tool that can help put out small fires before they become significant hazards. However, choosing the right fire extinguisher for your needs can be challenging, given the variety of options available. One factor to consider when choosing a fire extinguisher is its color coding. In this blog, we’ll provide the ultimate guide to fire extinguisher colors, including how to choose the right one for your needs.
Extinguishers Band Colour
Water based extinguishers Red
Foam based extinguishers Yellow
Powder based extinguisher Blue
Carbon dioxide based extinguishers Black
Clean agent extinguishers Green
Water mist extinguishers Red
As per IS 15683
Red Band Fire Extinguishers
There are two types of fire extinguishers that use water as their extinguishing agent: water spray and water mist. Water spray extinguishers are specifically designed for use on Class A fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth.
On the other hand, water mist extinguishers are versatile and suitable for use on a variety of fires, including Class A, F, and E. These extinguishers create a fine mist of water droplets, which effectively creates a barrier between the fire and the user while also providing a cooling effect that helps to extinguish the fire.
Both water spray and water mist extinguishers are typically red in color with white lettering indicating the type of extinguishing agent they contain. They work by penetrating the burning materials and preventing reignition by reducing the temperature of the surrounding area. It’s important to use the correct type of water extinguisher for the specific type of fire and to receive proper training on their safe and effective use.
Yellow Band Fire Extinguishers
Wet Chemical fire extinguishers can be easily recognized by the yellow label with a red body that contains the words “Wet Chemical” written in white letters. These types of extinguishers are specifically designed to extinguish Class F fires, which are commonly known as kitchen fires.
Wet Chemical extinguishers are highly effective at stopping fires that involve high temperatures and the burning of fats and oils. They work by making chemical changes to the cooking oil, which renders the fire non-combustible. This helps to prevent the fire from re-igniting and spreading.
It’s important to note that Wet Chemical extinguishers should only be used on Class F fires and not on other types of fires, as they may not be effective and could even make the situation worse. Additionally, it’s crucial to receive proper training on how to use them safely and effectively to avoid injury and property damage.
Blue Band Fire Extinguishers
The fire extinguisher that uses powder as an extinguishing agent is typically identified by a blue label, with the word “Powder” written in white letters. This type of extinguisher is effective in extinguishing Class B and C fires, but it may have limited use on Class A fires.
One of the most commonly used types of powder fire extinguishers is the ABC fire extinguisher, which can be used on a wide range of fires involving flammable liquids and gases, as well as electrical fires. The powder acts as a thermal blast, which helps to cool down the flames, smother the fire, and prevent it from spreading.
It’s important to note that while powder fire extinguishers are effective, they can also create a lot of mess and may cause damage to sensitive equipment or electronics. Therefore, they should be used with caution and only when appropriate. It’s crucial to receive proper training on how to use them safely and effectively to avoid injury and property damage.
Green Band Fire Extinguishers
Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers offers great performance and reliability. Our extinguishers can be used on sensitive equipment as it doesn’t leave any residue. Hence, this non-residue forming extinguisher is not only eco-friendly but also perfect for electrical equipment and even flammable liquids. They are marked with green band.
Black Band Fire Extinguishers
The type of fire extinguisher that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) as its extinguishing agent can be identified by the black label on the red body, with the words “Carbon Dioxide” or “CO2” written in white letters.
CO2 fire extinguishers are effective in extinguishing Class A, B and Electrical fires, making them ideal for use on flammable liquids and electrical fires. However, it’s important to note that they should not be used on high and low voltage electrical fires.
These types of extinguishers are commonly used in offices and workshops, providing an effective fire safety solution. The CO2 gas works by displacing the oxygen in the air, which helps to smother the fire and prevent it from spreading.
It’s important to remember that CO2 fire extinguishers can be dangerous if not used properly. The high-pressure gas can cause injury or damage if directed at a person or sensitive equipment. Therefore, it’s crucial to receive proper training on how to use them safely and effectively to avoid injury and property damage.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right fire extinguisher for your needs is crucial to ensure that you can put out small fires before they become significant hazards. The color coding of fire extinguishers can help you choose the right one for your needs. If you’re looking for reliable fire extinguisher solutions, MANXPOWER can provide a wide range of fire extinguishers tailored to your specific needs. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact MANXPOWER today to safeguard your property against fire hazards.
