Water Type Fire Extinguisher
Fire Extinguisher Colour Codes
Fire extinguishers meeting BS EN3 should have a red body (RAL 3000) and an agent-specific colour code band covering between 5-10% of the surface relating to the extinguisher’s contents. See the boxes below to find out what the different fire extinguisher colours mean.
Fire Extinguisher is a portable fire fighting equipment which can be moved manually to the fire. It contains fire extinguishing material and is specially designed for the purpose of tackling with fire in its initial stage.
There are two types of water type extinguisher according to their operational method:
- Water(Gas cartridge) type extinguisher
- Water(Stored Pressure) extinguisher
- Water(gas cartridge) type extinguisher
In this type of extinguisher water is used as an extinguishing material. Pressurised CO2 gas cartridge is used to release the pressure which is stored inside the body of the extinguisher. Knob is provided at the top of extinguisher for puncturing the cartridge. As the cartridge is punctured, gas is released from it,which will force the water to come out from the body of the extinguisher. Forced water comes out through the nozzle of the extinguisher in the form of a small jet, which can be projected on to the fire.
Water Type of Extinguisher carries 9 litres of water when it filled to the specified level. The gas cartridge is fixed on a holder and the holder is fitted on the cap of extinguisher. The maximum amount of the gas in cartridge is 60 g for a 9 litre extinguisher.
Water(Stored Pressure) extinguisher
In this type of extinguisher water is used as an extinguishing material. Dry air pressurised up to 10 bars is used to release the pressure which is stored inside the body of the extinguisher. The air can be supplied by compressed air cylinders or by certain type of pump.
Safety pin, lever arm and hose are provided at the top of extinguisher. By removing safety pin, depressing the valve lever arm, the hose is used to direct the water jet.
It also carries 9 litres of water when it is filled up to the specified level.
Water Fire Extinguishers
Suitable for use on class A solid combustible fires (wood, paper, fabrics, coal) water fire extinguishers penetrate burning materials, creating a cooling effect and prevent reignition. Our water extinguishers are BAFE approved, fully charged and supplied complete with wall bracket.
Safelincs have taken the decision to discontinue sales of water additive fire extinguishers due to the harmful effects of substances contained in the additive. The use of some water additive and AFFF foam extinguishers is subject to regulations and all water additive and AFFF foam extinguishers will be prohibited by law in the next few years. We recommend water mist fire extinguishers as a suitable alternative to water additive Water Type Fire Extinguisher
If you need more information about the different types of fire extinguisher and their capabilities please see our helpful fire extinguisher guide.
What is a water fire extinguishers used for
Water extinguishers are used on solids such as wood, paper, fabrics and other A class fire risks. The water cools the fire and extinguishes it. It penetrates into burning fabrics and can extinguish pockets of fire even deep in the core of the fire. Water fire extinguishers do not contain any harmful chemicals and can safely be used near food, in areas where there are children present and near vulnerable adults. Refilling water extinguishers is cheap and uncomplicated. The fire fighting capacity of water is of course limited so that large water fire extinguishers are required to fight even small fires. If water extinguisher are to be used near electrical equipment we would recommend choosing water extinguishers with additives that stop the current flowing through the extinguisher spray and the resulting puddles Water Type Fire Extinguisher
Water extinguishers are used on solids such as wood, paper, fabrics and other A class fire risks. The water cools the fire and extinguishes it. It penetrates into burning fabrics and can extinguish pockets of fire even deep in the core of the fire.
Never use water to extinguish flammable liquid fires. Water is extremely ineffective at extinguishing this type of fire, and you may, in fact, spread the fire if you try to use water on it.
Never use water to extinguish an electrical fire. Water is a good conductor, and there is some concern for electrocution if you were to use water to extinguish an electrical fire. Electrical equipment must be unplugged and/or de-energized before using a water extinguisher on it.
APWs extinguish fire by taking away the “heat” element of the fire triangle.
It is important to remember, that electrical equipment must be disconnected from its electrical source before using a water extinguisher on it
APW stands for “air-pressurized water.” APWs are large, silver extinguishers that are filled about two-thirds of the way with ordinary tap water, then pressurized with normal air. In essence, an APW is just a giant squirt gun.
APWs stand about 2 feet tall and weigh approximately 25 pounds when full.
Water fire extinguishers are one of the most common fire extinguishers on the market for commercial and domestic use. They are recommended for use on class A fires.
Contrary to what many people believe, water fire extinguishers cannot be used for many different types of fires. In fact, it can often make matters worse.
For this reason it is extremely important you understand how and when to use your water fire extinguisher.
When To Use A Water Fire Extinguisher
Water fire extinguishers are used to extinguish class A fires, or in other words fires involving flammable solids such as paper, wood, and textile materials.
They are most commonly used within environments containing combustible materials such as warehouses, textile factories, storage facilities and office spaces.
Water fire extinguishers cannot be used on electrical fires. Water is a conductor of electricity, and as such it could cause extreme damage if a water fire extinguisher is used. For this reason, it is a good idea to pair your water extinguisher with a CO2 fire extinguisher which is highly effective on electrical equipment.
To learn more about the different types of fires and fire extinguishers, please refer to this detailed chart.
Water Fire Extinguisher
How Does A Water Fire Extinguisher Work?
The three key elements that a fire requires to flourish are heat, fuel and oxygen. All fire extinguishers work by removing one or more of these 3 key elements.
By removing the heat from the fire, this eliminates one of the 3 key elements and extinguishes the fire. As the embers will remain hot it is important to continue to spray water until the area is completely cooled.
Class F Fire