Picking right fire extinguisher takes study

To guard against small fires or to keep a small fire from developing into a big one, every home should be equipped with fire extinguisher.

Because almost all fires are small at first, they might be contained if a fire extinguisher is handy and used properly. You should take care, however, to select the right kind of fire extinguisher, because there are different ones for different kinds of fires. Install fire extinguishers on every level of the home and include the kitchen, basement and garage.

Selecting a Fire Extinguisher

Extinguishers are classified according to the class of fire for which they are suitable. The four classes of fires are A, B, C, D:

• Class A fires involve common combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, trash an plastics. They are common in typical commercial and home settings.

• Class B fires involve flammable liquids, solvents, oil, gasoline, paints, lacquers and other oil-based products. Class B fires often spread rapidly. Unless they are properly suppressed, they can reflash after the flames have been extinguished.

• Class C fires involve energized equipment such as wiring, controls, motors, machinery or appliances. They can be caused by a spark, a power surge, or a short circuit and typically occur in locations that may be difficult to see or reach.

• Class D fires involve combustible metals.

A typical home of office fire extinguisher should have an ABC rating.