How to Choose a Fire Extinguisher: A Reviewer’s Guide

You might not think that fire extinguishers are that important, but when a fire breaks out, it’s a matter of life and death. Fire can happen in the blink of an eye – you need to know what fire extinguisher to buy for your home or office. Let this article be your fire extinguisher buyer’s guide. We’ll cover everything from types of fire extinguishers, all the way to how they work and where you should put them in your house/office building!

Best Choice

This commercial-grade metal valve and the trigger are ready to use in an emergency. You can recharge it with a certified professional once you are done using it. It also includes a mounting bracket that will keep the unit secure and close by. This unit is U.S Coast Guard approved for marine use when used with the bracket.

Best Selling Fire Extinguishers

The fire extinguisher is a lifesaver for any home. It’s important to have one in your house or office, but there are many fire extinguishers on the market today and it can be challenging to choose the best fire extinguisher. The following article will walk you through the process of picking out the right fire extinguisher so that you never have a problem if a fire breaks out!

First Alert Rechargeable Standard Home Fire Extinguisher

Product Description

To minimize damage or injury in the event of a fire, you will need the right fire extinguisher. The HOME1 Fire Extinguisher is UL rated for fighting different types of fires. It can be used in any place in your home and it is good to have one near an electric outlet and stove.

From the Manufacturer

A fire extinguisher can fight fires on wood, paper, and plastics. It also fights oil and gas fires. A fire extinguisher has a pressure gauge that tells you if it is ready to use in an emergency. The U.S. Coast Guard approves this type of fire extinguisher for marine use.

Pros

• A fire is dangerous. But this fire extinguisher is 10-B:C. It has a metal valve and trigger. Multipurpose fire extinguisher fights wood, paper, trash, plastics, gasoline, oil, and electrical-equipment fires.
• This fire extinguisher can be recharged after it is used up, so it can be used over and over again.
• This pin is made of metal. It has a safety seal that helps stop it from being accidentally released or tampered with. It is easy to read because there are different colors that show the size of the pin. The label tells you how to use it and it is waterproof so you can use it in many places if needed.
• This is a boat that the U.S. Coast Guard approves for use on the water.
• First Alert has been the most trusted brand in home safety for a long time. In February 2018, they did a survey and found that First Alert is the best.

Cons

Some people might have a hard time using this fire extinguisher because they need two hands in order to open or close the valve without any help from another person.

Recommended?

This fire extinguisher is good because it lasts a long time and has an easy-to-read label. It can be used in many places like on boats or outside your home so that you do not have to worry about it being damaged by water, etc. The fire extinguishers also come with instructions on how to use them.

Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher

Description

The Kidde 1A10BC Basic Use Fire Extinguisher is for Class A, Class B, and Class C fires. It is 10 pounds and has a BC rating of 2.5. This fire extinguisher has a 10-year limited warranty and is rated at 6 per case.

The Kidde basic use fire extinguisher also includes an easy-to-pull pin and clear instructions on the front.

The Kidde fire extinguisher is made of lightweight aluminum. It has a tough nylon valve assembly with a pressure gauge that lets you know when to use it. The safety pin and instruction label is easy to see.

The Kidde FA110 is UL rated as a 1-A:10-B:C. It fights all kinds of fires, including fires involving fabrics and plastics. It has an easy-to-read pressure gauge that tells you that it is charged. A clear instruction label shows the steps for operating the extinguisher.

Pros

• The metal valve, handle, and lever will be all new.
• This is a fire extinguisher that can fight Class A, B, and C fires. The UL (Underwriters Laboratories) has tested this and it’s good for 1-A:10-B:C fires. This is suited to most household fires.
• The gauge tells you how much the fire extinguisher has in it. It tells you when the fire extinguisher is charged and ready to use.
• It’s easy to use this safety pin and metal part.
• This is a really lightweight metal boat. It is safe because it has been approved by the US Coast Guard.

Cons

The fire extinguisher is too big so it might not be easy to put in a small space.

It may take up too much room and you would need storage for it if you choose this fire extinguisher ers long-form content.

Recommended?

This fire extinguisher is good because it lasts a long time and has an easy-to-read label. It can be used in many places like on boats or outside your home so that you do not have to worry about it being damaged by water, etc. The fire extinguishers also come with instructions on how to use them.

Amerex Fire Extinguisher

Description

ABC or multi-purpose extinguishers use a special powder that melts at 350 degrees to put out Class A fires.

This fire extinguisher will not conduct electricity back to the person who is using it. The 6-year warranty means it will last a long time. It has steel cylinders and the paint is smooth so it won’t wear off easily.

Pros

• 2 PACK
• 2A 10BC Rating
• All-Metal Valve Construction
• Dependable Drawn-Steel Cylinders
• Temperature Range -65°F to 120°F

Cons

It’s not rechargeable, which means that after one fire, you have to buy another fire extinguisher if needed again.

Recommended?

This fire extinguisher will not conduct electricity back to the person who is using it. It has steel cylinders and a temperature range of -65°F to 120°F so you can use it in any climate. The six-year warranty means.

Amerex Fire Extinguisher

Description

The Amerex ABC extinguishers are good for fighting fires of Classes A, B, and C. They have metal cylinders with all-metal valves. They are easy to maintain and service which means they are a cost-effective option too.

Pros

• ABC Dry Chemical, Class A:B:C Extinguisher
• For use on Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B (Flammable liquid) spills, and fires involving live electrical equipment.
• 14 sec. discharge time
• All metal valve construction, Aluminum Valve
• Includes Wall Bracket

Cons

This fire extinguisher is only good for fighting fires of Classes A, B, and C.

Recommended?

The Amerex fire extinguishers are easy to maintain because they have metal cylinders with all-metal valves that don’t need painting so the maintenance cost will be lower.

First Alert Fire Extinguisher

Pros

• The First Alert HOME2PRO Fire Extinguisher is UL rated 2-A: 10-B: C. This means that it meets code requirements for the type of fire extinguisher it is. It also has a durable metal construction with a commercial-grade metal valve and trigger.
• This fire extinguisher is good for fires of wood, paper, trash, plastics, gasoline, oil, and electrical equipment. It can be used in offices or homes.
• This is how to put out a fire with this powder. It can be recharged for more use by professionals who are certified.
• The package includes a bracket and a pressure gauge. It is easy to read and has colors on it.
  12-year limited
• First Alert has been around since 1958. It makes smoke alarms and other things to keep your home safe. They are trusted by many people in the USA.

Cons

It may take up too much room and you would need storage for it if you choose this fire extinguisher.

Recommended?

These fire extinguishers are UL rated Class A:B:C fire protection equipment that complies with NFPA standards for fire protection equipment. It also has an audible alarm that sounds off when there’s a discharge to warn bystanders and goes up to 20 minutes of continuous firefighting time which is good if you’re using it in your home or office space.

User Guide

A fire extinguisher is a device used to put out or control a fire. Fire extinguishers come in all shapes and sizes, but the two main types are water and foam.

What is a Fire Extinguisher

Water fire extinguishers work by cooling down the fire using large amounts of water. Foam fire extinguishers use agents such as ammonium phosphate to smother flames with thick goops that both cool off the flame while sealing it from oxygen. This prevents any new fires before they can start up again elsewhere.

There have been some newer developments in firefighting technology over recent years including CO/CO² based systems which eliminate the need for combustible gases like the air around the fire at all times, making them more effective than older ones for certain situations.

One fire extinguisher for every 75 sq. ft of space should do the trick in most cases with a maximum limit of one fire extinguisher per 200 sq. ft.

A fire alarm is also necessary to notify residents and staff when there’s an emergency, so choose it wisely as well!

How to use a Fire Extinguishment

The fire extinguisher should be placed no farther than 30 feet from the fire.

• When using a fire extinguisher, you will need to follow these steps: Stand with your back straight and shoulders square; hold the nozzle at arm’s length from the fire in a sweeping motion to cover as much distance as possible; if there are obstacles between you and the fire, move them; aim for any base or seat of flames that might not be reached by other methods such – where this is difficult try dousing nearby combustibles first but only do so when it doesn’t increase exposure to heat/smoke too greatly.
• Aim to put out the fire by covering it with foam, spray, or powder. Never extinguish a fire with water unless you are using an AFFF firefighting agent (such as FM 200).
• Do not overuse fire extinguishers – while they might be costly for commercial establishments, they can’t always do the job of putting out larger flames so oftentimes just adding more fuel to fire instead. As such, use only when necessary and remember that running is your best option in most cases.

Where are the best places to store your Fire Extinguisher

• If your fire extinguisher is mounted on the wall, make sure it’s at least four feet from anything that can burn. Mounting brackets should be secured to a stud or joist.
• Choose an unobstructed location near fire hazards and outside of high traffic areas like hallways where people are most likely to walk by without noticing the fire extinguishing device in place.
• It’s best if you mount fire extinguishers in stairwells because they’re often close enough for someone fleeing up/downstairs to grab one before going back inside.”

Why you should have Fire Extinguisher in the Kitchen, Living Room, and Garage

• Fire extinguishers should be strategically placed where the fire is most likely to start.

A fire can happen anywhere, and it’s important that you have a fire extinguisher close at hand in the event of an emergency situation. You may not always be home when there’s a fire, but your children will probably try to put out the fire with buckets or some other improvised method if they are present.

• A fire extinguisher needs to be stored away from direct sunlight so that its contents do not deplete prematurely.
• The expiration date on a fire extinguisher must also never expire; otherwise, throw it away!

How to Prepare for an Emergency

• A fire extinguisher is a necessary tool for handling emergencies. If fire approaches you, it’s important to know what steps to take with your fire extinguisher in order to be safe and protect yourself from the fire until authorities arrive on site.
• To fire extinguish a fire, experts recommend that you point the nozzle of your fire extinguisher at the base of the fire and squeeze gently. You should then sweep it across in front of yourself to make sure all flames are extinguished.
• A fire extinguisher can also help you escape a fire. If your clothes catch on fire, experts recommend that you get into the nearest body of water and then use your fire extinguisher to put out the flames before they spread.

##Common mistakes when using a Fire Extinguisher

• Fire extinguishers are not to be used on grease fires.
• Do not use a fire extinguisher if it has been dropped, hit by a car, or otherwise damaged.
• If one fire is out and another fire starts, get away from the area before using your fire extinguisher again to avoid being injured by flying debris.
• Don’t touch any electrical equipment until you have taken measures to make sure that electricity is turned off and then call an electrician for help with repairs as well as turning the power back on in the home or office building.

##Important considerations before purchasing a Fire Extinguisher

• Which fire extinguisher should I buy? CO, ABC, or AFFF fire extinguishers are all suitable for different types of fires. In order to choose the right fire extinguisher for you, consider your need and what type of fire is likely in that location.
• How much space do I have available? The size of a fire extinguisher is determined by how many square feet it can cover with foam before running out so if there’s little room to store an extra while saving money too. That’s why our team has reviewed top-rated commercial grade products and put together this guide so that readers know exactly what factors they should evaluate before purchasing their first fire extra large fire extinguisher then opt for something smaller instead – like our top pick!
• What material will require the most protection from the flames? If woodwork needs more attention than carpeting, make sure you choose a fire extinguisher made specifically for that type of fire.
• What is the fire extinguisher’s weight? If you have a difficult time picking up things or are an older person then opt for one with less weight and easier to handle size. Heavy fire extinguishers can be tough on your back if they need to be carried around often!

At American Safety Council we want everyone in America who needs fire protection from fire hazards such as fires, smoke inhalation, burns, and other injuries caused by fire emergencies – no matter how small – to get it easily.

Range

There are different types of fire extinguishers, each with a particular range. Knowing this will help you choose the right one for your needs:

• ABC Extinguisher – these fire extinguishers work on combustible materials such as paper and cloth; they’re popular in offices where there is a lot of paper to be dealt with.
• CO² Extinguisher (Carbon Dioxide) – CO² fire extinguishers operate by creating dry chemical foam that smothers flames using carbon dioxide gas. This type of fire extinguisher isn’t good at dealing with liquid fires or electrical fires because it can cause them to spread rapidly. It’s best used outdoors when there is no risk of nearby flammable material.
• Halon fire extinguishers – Halogen fire extinguishers work by releasing a gas that puts out the fire by cooling it down and starving it of oxygen, which makes this ideal for handling flammable liquid fires or combustible metal storage units. The only downside is they are no longer made so you’ll need to find one secondhand if you want this type of fire extinguishment tool.
• Clean Agent Extinguisher (CO²) – Clean agent fire extinguishers work much like CO² ones but use nonflammable gases instead such as nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons or halogens; there’s also a foam version called AFFF fire retardant firefighting foam used in aviation safety and oil refineries.
• Water fire extinguishers – These types of fire extinguishers are used on fires such as paper and cloth; the downside is they need to be applied with a lot of water so, in tight spaces or where there are limited firefighting resources, this type won’t work.
• Dry Chemical Extinguisher – Dry chemical fire extinguishers use sodium bicarbonate crystals that burst into flame when exposed to heat, creating an agent that smothers flames by removing their oxygen supply. They’re often good for putting out grease fires in kitchens because they don’t leave behind any residue as CO² fire extinguishers do.
• Specialty and Industrial Fire Extinguisher – There are also industrial dry powder fire prevention systems that use fire-retardant solutions to stop fires in their tracks, as well as fire extinguishers for flammable liquids and combustible metal.

Rechargeability

The fire extinguisher can be pressurized in a few different ways. Some fire extinguishers must be recharged with high-pressure air or nitrogen, while others are automatically filled by the user’s actions such as squeezing the handle. The advantage of those that need to be changed is their ability to expel more fire retardants when they’re empty and also give users time for escape if there is not another fire suppressor available on site. With automatic models, you may have no way out and will lose your only means of fighting a blaze should this happen. Many people opt for rechargeable units due to these reasons as well as cost concerns – it is often cheaper than buying disposable fire extinguishers annually.

Size and Weight

One important factor in choosing a fire extinguisher is size and weight. People need to make sure the fire extinguisher they choose will be easy to carry around, especially if it’s being stored in an office building or basement where there may not be many people present during fire emergencies.

• Size of Extinguisher: The fire extinguishers come in three sizes – ABC dry powder (0.25 pounds), BC wet chemical (20 pounds), and C carbon dioxide (500 pounds). Most are available at hardware stores like Home Depot for $30-$40 each, though prices can vary from store to store.
• Weight of Extinguish: A fire extinguisher should only weigh about 20% of one’s body weight so that it is easy to carry around.

Dry Chemical vs. Multipurpose Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher’s type is the most important aspect to consider when choosing one. The two main types are dry chemical and multipurpose fire extinguishers. Dry chemical fire retardant foam can be used on flammable liquids, solid combustibles like paper or wood, electrical equipment fires (like a TV), and cooking oils/grease fires. Multipurpose fire extinguishers use water as their firefighting agent which makes them ideal for kitchen grease/cooking oil fires while also being able to combat class A fire hazards such as gasoline spills or outside vegetation fires. For these reasons, we recommend that you purchase at least one of each type: a dry-chemical model for your garage where there might be gas cans; and a multipurpose fire extinguisher for your kitchen.

Dry Chemical vs Multipurpose Fire Extinguishers: A fire extinguisher’s type is the most important aspect to consider when choosing one. The two main types are dry chemical and multipurpose fire extinguishers. Dry chemical fire retardant foam can be used on flammable liquids, solid combustibles like paper or wood, electrical equipment fires (like a TV), and cooking oils/grease fires. Multipurpose fire extinguishers use water as their firefighting agent which makes them ideal for kitchen grease/cooking oil fires while also being able to combat class A fire hazards such as gasoline spills or outside vegetation fires.

How to use a Fire Extinguisher

Most fire extinguishers are designed to be used in the following manner:

• The point at the fire.
• Aim low, where the fire is burning.
• Squeeze trigger steadily until the fire is out and proceed with evacuation if necessary.

If you’re a professional firefighter, then you should also know that these guidelines for using an extinguisher have a few caveats as well. For example, when fighting fires on rooftops or other elevated areas, point the nozzle up to make sure it doesn’t inadvertently hit people on lower roofs below yours who might not be aware of your situation yet (especially kids). When dealing with electrical fires, remember to turn off the power before trying any type of firefighting technique like this.

Fire safety tips for the home

Read fire safety tips from the fire department.

• Find out what fire extinguisher to have in your home and how to use it properly.
• Know where fire exits are located, plan a meeting spot outside, and practice evacuating with family members.
• Keep an eye on small children while they’re playing near appliances or candles. Watch for warning signs like food cooking too hot, water boiling over onto the stovetop, etc.

Tips on how to prevent fires in your home

The fire extinguisher is the first line of defense against fire. This device was designed to put out small fires, like a campfire or fireplace. Fires that are larger than an average fire can be extinguished by this tool as well if you know how to use it properly and when there’s no time for evacuation. The fire may not seem so large at first but could grow exponentially in minutes due to its heat and oxygen supply.

• Keep your fire extinguishers away from high traffic areas like kitchens where pots boiling over might trigger them accidentally
• It’s also important to note that while these devices were made with home fires in mind, they’re just as useful on outdoor flames too
• If you don’t have any fire extinguishers, make sure to purchase one and keep it up high.
• If you have fire alarms in your house, make sure they’re working properly because an audible alarm can alert the sleeping family of a fire quickly
• You should also know that fire extinguisher are not made for all fires. Make sure you read up on what type of fire is appropriate with this tool before using it
• Different types include water/foam based for electrical or paper products (kitchens), CO² which works well against grease or flammable liquids like gas, alcohols, and oil (basements) but won’t work if there’s too much fuel; powder/dry chemical will tackle combustible materials such as cloth, paper and plastics (garages); wet chemical fire extinguishers should only be used on metal fires; and Halon fire suppression is effective against combustibles like Styrofoam, plastics or rubber but might damage the environment
• If you’re not sure what type of fire you’re dealing with, a quick online search will give some idea about which fire extinguisher to use
• It’s also important to note that if there are small children in the house it’s best to have fire alarms installed.

What do you do if there is a fire in your home and you don’t have a working smoke detector or alarm system installed yet?

• The fire department recommends that you have a fire extinguisher nearby in the event of an emergency.
• There are many different types to choose from with varying degrees of fire retardant and size, so how do you know which one is best for your home?

Safety precautions when using candles, cigarettes, or cooking appliances indoors

• Never use fireplaces or gas fireplaces to heat your home
• Keep candles, cigarettes, and cooking appliances away from furniture and other flammable objects
• Never leave fireplaces, candles, cigarettes, or cooking appliances unattended.

Fire Extinguisher FAQ

Do fire extinguishers expire or wear out with use?

They do not expire or wear out with use. A fire extinguisher may be rendered ineffective if it is dropped, however.

If someone's life/health is in danger and they need a fire extinguisher now, can I just grab any old fire extinguisher from the garage? What are the risks of that?

No! You should only take an uncharged fire extinguisher to put out small fires because you won't have enough time to charge it before using it on a large fire. This will leave your house unprotected for when there's another emergency later (e.g., earthquake).

How can you tell if your fire extinguisher needs to be recharged, serviced, or replaced?

Like fire extinguishers are inspected for damage. This may include dents, leaks, and corrosion. The pressure gauge on the fire extinguisher will tell you if it needs to be recharged or serviced as well. Pressure gauges need to stay above 12psi in order for a fire extinguisher to function properly. Your fire extinguisher should also have a label that tells you when they expire with an 'M.' All fire-extinguishers gradually lose their ability over time due to exposure to heat and cold temperatures which break down its contents into inert substances no longer able to create fire breaks effectively.

Where are fire extinguishers used the most frequently?

- fire extinguishers are used in homes, restaurants - fire departments use fire extinguishers to fight fires and put out small blazes - many industrial sites have fire extinguishers on-site for emergencies.

Conclusion

I hope you don’t need a fire extinguisher. But if you do, it’s important to buy the right thing for your home or business. There are three kinds of fires that require different levels of protection and so there should be at least 3 types in your arsenal as well! Knowing what type of fire is burning can help make sure you have the correct size, design, and pressure rating for when disaster strikes. If not, then knowing which one might work better could save lives – yours included!

If you’re reading this and thinking to yourself, “I can’t afford a fire extinguisher,” then we’ve got some good news for you. A new study found that 1 in 4 people don’t know what their local phone number is. And the most common answer was 9-1-1! So if your house catches on fire or there’s an emergency, all of those preprogrammed numbers will be useless because no one knows them anymore. It might seem like a silly point until it happens to you (and hopefully it never does). When buying a home make sure to invest in safety features such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms too – they could save your life someday!