Accessories - Fire Suppression
Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets
What do the UL Ratings mean?
UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories
Class A
Wood, Paper, cloth, trash, plastics (solids that are not metals).
Class B
Flammable liquids and vapours, such as gasoline, oil, grease, acetone).
Class C
Electrical fires.
Class D
Metal fires (magnesium, sodium, potassium and sodium-potassium alloys).
Class K
Cooking oil fires (mainly relating to restaurants).
Classes A fires relate to homes and households, and are among the most common. They involve "ordinary" combustibles such as wooden furniture, paper trash, clothing and curtains, and ever the kind of rubber found in your shoes.
Unlike in Europe and Australia, all flammable liquids and gases are classed as Class B in the United States. These kinds of liquids are usually found in your garage, workshop and kitchen.
Class C relates to electrical fires and electrical equipment.
In relation to Class A, you multiply the number in front of the letter by 1.25 to to give you how much water the extinguisher contains. For example, a Rating of 2-A shows the unit contains 2.5 gallons of water.
For a Class B Rating, the number shows how many square feet the extinguisher can suppress.
Classes C, D, and K do not have a numerical rating.
So, to take the Kidde Pro immediately below as an example, this is an extinguisher with a 2-A:10-B:C Rating. This translates to it containing 2.5 gallons of water, that it can suppress fire over 10 square feet, and is suitable for fighting fires in the A, B, and C categories, as described above.
We have written more about fire suppression, the different types of fire extinguishers, and the Classes of fire.
Unlike in Europe and Australia, all flammable liquids and gases are classed as Class B in the United States. These kinds of liquids are usually found in your garage, workshop and kitchen.
Class C relates to electrical fires and electrical equipment.
In relation to Class A, you multiply the number in front of the letter by 1.25 to to give you how much water the extinguisher contains. For example, a Rating of 2-A shows the unit contains 2.5 gallons of water.
For a Class B Rating, the number shows how many square feet the extinguisher can suppress.
Classes C, D, and K do not have a numerical rating.
So, to take the Kidde Pro immediately below as an example, this is an extinguisher with a 2-A:10-B:C Rating. This translates to it containing 2.5 gallons of water, that it can suppress fire over 10 square feet, and is suitable for fighting fires in the A, B, and C categories, as described above.
We have written more about fire suppression, the different types of fire extinguishers, and the Classes of fire.
First Alert HOME1 Extinguisher ABC
Highly popular rechargeable multipurpose fire extinguisher Rated 1-A:10-B:C from a brand trusted by many. It's an essential accessory for suppressing household fires.
Amerex B500 2-Pack
Rated 2A:10B:C this easy-to-use twin pack of multipurpose extinguishers each of which has a discharge time of 14 seconds over a range of 12 to 18 feet.
Buckeye 11340 Multipurpose
With a rating of 4-A:80-B:C, this relatively large fire extinguisher has an extended discharge time of 22 seconds over a range of between 15 to 21 feet.
First Alert HOME2 PRO
Heavy Duty rechargeable fire extinguisher that fully meets the 2-A:10-B:C code requirements, is easy to use, and is backed up by a 12-year limited warranty.
Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher
Rated for 1-A:10-B:C this example is designed to deal effectively with most common household fires when caught in time.
First Alert EZ Fire Spray
Top selling and perfect for application in the kitchen, garage and RV, this high-powered spray provides 32 seconds of firefighting time against Categories A, B and C above.
Amerex B500, 5lb Dry Chemical Class A B C
UL Rated for Classes A, B and C fires, this highly regarded and refillable model from Amerex has a discharge time of 14 seconds.
Amerex 240 2.5 Gallon Water Class A
With a 55-second discharge time, this refillable water-based extinguisher with a UL Rating of 2-A has an effective range of 45-55 feet.
Amerex 90-417 Class A B C 2.5lb Dry Chemical with bracket
For use on Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B (Flammable liquid) spills or Fires involving live electrical equipment (Class C), and with a 10 second discharge time.
Fire Extinguisher Blanket
Ideal for smothering a small fire so you can act quickly to prevent its rapid spread. The blanket also acts as a body heat shield to help you escape in an emergency.
Alorva - 2 x Fire Blankets
Designed by firefighter these are made of Silicone-Coated Fiberglass Cloth for Maximum Heat Protection and Rapid Fire Suppression.
Amerex B402, 5lb Dry Chemical Class A B C
UL Rated for Classes A, B and C fires, this is another refillable model from Amerex that also has a discharge time of 14 seconds.