The different classes of fire extinguisher rating are listed below together with the some of the most suitable types of fire extinguisher for use on each class of fire:
Class A - Suitable for paper, wood & textiles.
Type of fire extinguisher - Water, Foam, Dry Powder, Wet Chemical
Class B - Suitable for flammable liquids.
Type of fire extinguisher - Foam, Dry Powder, Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Class C - Suitable for flammable gasses.
Type of fire extinguisher - Dry Powder
Class F - Suitable for cooking oil and fat.
Type of fire extinguisher - Wet Chemical
Electrical Risk - Suitable for electrical equipment.
Type of fire extinguisher - Dry Powder, Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Fire Extinguisher Colour Coding or Colour Bands
Current fire extinguishers in the UK are subject to strict standards and that includes their colour coding or colour bands.
Fire extinguishers that meet the BS EN3 standard are manufactured with a red body and have a zone band of a second colour, covering up to 10% of the surface, that indicate the extinguisher’s contents. Each type of fire extinguisher has a particular zone of colour making it easier for the user to identify the contents of the fire extinguisher.
Older fire extinguishers that pre-dated the current standard are still found. These extinguishers were in colours other than the now predominantly red colour required to conform to BS EN3 and may still be legal. However, if they need to be replaced because they are unserviceable or damaged, the new extinguisher needs to comply with the new requirements if it is to meet the BS EN3 standard.
Typical colour zones of current fire extinguishers in the UK and the key features of each are:
Water Fire Extinguisher
Colour Zone - White
Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
Colour Zone - Blue
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguisher
Colour Zone - Black
Foam Fire Extinguisher
Colour Zone - Cream
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher
Colour Zone - Yellow
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Quality Matters because People Matter
Blackwood Fire began trading in 1983. We have an absolute belief in quality - it is the cornerstone of our company's culture. Our primary aim is to help you protect the lives and livelihoods of people and your organisation or business by ensuring that we only provide quality products that fully meet industry standards - also, by providing continuous training to our staff via recognised trade bodies, associations and the British Standards Institute (BSI). We strongly believe that promoting quality practices and dealing with everyone in a fair and honest manner adds value to organisations and businesses. Read more on our 
