What does ABC mean in fire extinguisher?

Author: Kaleigh Bahringer  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

Fire Extinguisher Classes The letter on a fire extinguisher indicates its classification: Class A puts out ordinary combustible fires (wood, paper, plastic, etc.) Class B puts out flammable liquid fires (oil, gas, petroleum, etc.) Class C puts out electrical fires.

What is the difference between ABC and C fire extinguishers?

A class A extinguisher can put out ordinary combustible fires such as wood and paper. Class B extinguishers are for use on flammable liquids fires such as petroleum, gasoline, oil, paint, propane and butane fires. Class C extinguishers are suitable for use only on electrically energized fires.

Will an ABC fire extinguisher put out a grease fire?

Other ways to put out grease fires…

Use a class B or BC or ABC fire extinguisher. A Fire Extinguisher will release a-lot of pressure, so start at a distance away and move towards the fire, rather than up-close spraying directly on to the burning grease which could tip the pan and spread the fire.

What do b and c mean on a fire extinguisher?

Understanding fire extinguisher types and classes

Class B extinguishers are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, oils and other similar substances. Class C extinguishers are suitable for use only on electrically energized equipment fires.

What does 10 BC mean on a fire extinguisher?

Not a very big fire at all. A “10BC” extinguisher is rated to extinguish 10 square feet of a flammable liquid fire - oil, gasoline, grease, etc.- and is safe for use on an electrical fire (the “C” indicates that.) This would be a circle about 3–1/2 feet in diameter.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

What's the difference between a 5 BC and a 10 BC fire extinguisher?

Extinguishers are classified by letters and numbers. The numbers indicate the size of fire the extinguisher will put out compared to other extinguishers. For example, a 10B:C extinguisher contains more chemicals and will put out a larger fire than a 5B:C extinguisher.

What does pass stand for?

It's easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Pull the pin.

What does k mean on a fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers that are rated for Class K fires (those involving animal fats or cooking oils) are the only type of extinguisher that can be used on fires involving animal fats or cooking oils. This is because many other types of extinguishers will either be ineffective or could even make this type of fire worse.

Do fire extinguishers expire?

Disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguishers should be replaced every 10 years. Rechargeable fire extinguishers should be taken to an experienced fire equipment service company and inspected/recharged every 6 years, especially if used in a commercial application or in an uncontrolled temperature setting.

What are 5 classes of fire?

  • What Are The 5 Different Classes Of Fire? Fires can be categorized into 5 classes primarily based on the fuel source that the fire burns from. ...
  • Class A – Ordinary Combustibles. ...
  • Class B – Flammable Liquids & Gases. ...
  • Class C – Electrical Fires. ...
  • Class D – Combustible Metals. ...
  • Class K – Grease/Cooking Fires. ...
  • Summary.

What is the number one cause of fire-related death?

Most fire deaths are not caused by burns, but by smoke inhalation.

Does salt put out fire?

Yes, salt will extinguish a small grease fire. However, you will need a lot of salt to do this—think of several handfuls. You should only attempt this method on small fires.

Where not to use ABC fire extinguisher?

It's important to note that while ABC extinguishers are versatile, they are not suitable for fires involving cooking oils and fats (Class K fire extinguishers are suited for this) or combustible metals.

What is the first thing you should do if you spot a fire?

If You Discover a Fire ...
  1. Pull the fire alarm and call for help. ...
  2. Alert people in the area to begin evacuation. ...
  3. Close doors to confine the fire.
  4. Go to your designated assembly area, away and upwind from the building.

What kind of fire extinguisher is not allowed in the kitchen?

Dry chemical fire extinguishers are not sufficient to put out kitchen fires involving vegetable-based cooking oils, which carry a high risk of re-flash fires. These extinguishers should be removed from the cooking area.

Can a 20 year old fire extinguisher still good?

Generally, a fire extinguisher has an expected service life of between 5 and 25 years from the date of manufacture. The environment has much to do with how well the extinguisher holds up. Also, how diligent has the owner been with required annual preventative maintenance?

How much does it cost to recharge a fire extinguisher?

Average Costs for Fire Extinguisher Recharging

On average, you can anticipate a recharge to cost between $25 to $50. However, this range can fluctuate based on the size and type of extinguisher.

What to do with a 40 year old fire extinguisher?

Here's what to do with an old, damaged, or expired extinguisher: If the fire extinguisher is partially or fully charged, call your fire department to ask if they accept drop-offs. If not, take the canister to a hazardous waste disposal facility.

What is an F type fire?

What is a Class Fire F? A Class F fire involves fat or cooking oil and although this is technically a sub-class fire because they're the cause of flammable liquids or gases, this type differs from conventional fires because they burn at incredibly higher temperatures.

Why are some fire extinguishers silver?

Chrome fire extinguishers, also known as silver fire extinguishers or stainless steel fire extinguishers are ideal for locations where looks are as important as fire safety. Mostly used in places such as: corporate reception areas, restaurants, upmarket retail outlets, hotel lobbies etc.

Is ABC fire extinguisher ok for kitchen?

Yes, you can use an ABC fire extinguisher in the kitchen, but it may not be as effective on grease fires as a Class K extinguisher, which is specifically designed for that purpose.

What does peep stand for?

A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is a means by which arrangements. are made to ensure that an individual's physical or mental abilities or other. circumstances do not prevent this from happening.

What does loto stand for?

Proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) practices and procedures safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases. OSHA's Lockout/Tagout Fact Sheet describes the practices and procedures necessary to disable machinery or equipment to prevent hazardous energy release.

What are the four P's of fire safety?

Introducing the 4 P's to Fire & Evacuation

These are the procedures / requirements which are in place. These alone will not make you safe, they are a means to an end and also guide the other P's – prevention, preparation and practice.

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