Water-based fire extinguishers – Everything you need to know.

Water fire extinguishers are a cylinder filled with water and air. This combination is ideally used for flammable solids such as wood and paper. This fire extinguisher is only usable for Class A fire outbreaks. Water helps to cool down the temperate as a result it controls the fire. This is one of the most common types of fire extinguishers that people use. It can be used in many places and it is an economical option.

How does a water fire extinguisher work?

Fire contains three elements a flammable element, heat and oxygen. If any of the three are removed then fire outbreaks can be controlled. Water fire extinguishers reduce the heat and that is how they stop fire outbreaks. Sometimes a fire can reoccur if the surface or the entire area is not cooled properly.

Advantages of using water fire extinguishers

1. Since water-based fire extinguishers only use water, it becomes more economical to use. It is affordable to refill the cylinder and use it again and again. It is an economical option to use for fire outbreaks.
2. At the site of the fire outbreak, there is only water and air present. That is the reason it is considered a human-friendly option. It does not generate any harmful gas to stop the fire. It is good for humans as well as nature.
3. Due to continuously spraying water on the flamed surfaces water reduces the heat drastically.
4. After the fire is stopped it is easy to clean up the area. There is no biproduct created nor any chemical liquid remaining on the surface. Cleaning the area becomes easy.
5. People don’t need anything fancy to use a water-based fire extinguisher.

Disadvantages of using a water fire extinguisher

1. Water-based fire extinguishers can only be used for class A fire outbreaks. It cannot be used for class B & C fire outbreaks which causes a limitation in its use.
2. Using water fire extinguishers in electronic fire outbreaks can be even more dangerous.
3. In the case of a cold temperature zone, water fire extinguishers may not be a good option as the water can freeze immediately after the fire is stopped which will be another problematic situation.
4. It cannot be used in homes especially kitchen fire outbreaks at such fires may contain cooking oils.

Where can we use a water fire extinguisher?

Since water fire extinguisher is limited to Class A fire outbreaks they can only be used in some locations which are mentioned below.

1. Residential apartments
2. Living room
3. Domestic sitting
4. Library
5. Warehouses where solid flammable products are stored.

Where were extinguishers should not be used?

It should not be used in case of Class B & C fire outbreaks. To make it more clear to you here are some of the locations listed where you should not use water fire extinguishers.

1. Electronic warehouses
2. Power stations
3. Data centres
4. Electricity distribution centre

Water-based fire extinguishers are one of the simplest options. It is also the most affordable one for all. Keeping a source of water fire extinguisher is always beneficial.