Want to know more about fire extinguisher classes and types in 2025? The Local Guys are here with a helpful guide to fire classes and fire extinguisher types. With the right fire extinguisher present on your property, you can be prepared for common fire risks, keep people safe, and prevent costly accidents or fire damage. Let’s get started!
The 6 Fire Classes
How many classes of fire extinguisher are there? There are 6 types of fire classes in Australia. The classes of fire are based on the combustible materials or source of fuel involved in the fire. Each fire class presents unique challenges and risks.
- Class A fires: involve combustible materials like wood, paper, and fabric. These flammable materials are common in residential properties and office settings.
- Class B fires: are caused by flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene, and oil-based paint. Combustible liquids are prevalent in industrial environments.
- Class C fires: result from flammable gases like LPG (liquid petroleum gases) butane, and methane. Combustible gases pose potential fire risks in commercial premises.
- Class D fires: stem from combustible metals like magnesium, potassium, and aluminum. These flammable metals are common in laboratories.
- Class E fires: originate from energised electrical equipment, and frayed power cords. The electrical component means that any fire extinguishers used on electrical fires cannot be conductive (like water).
- Class F fires: are caused by cooking oils and deep fat fryers. Oil fires are an ever-present danger in residential and commercial kitchens. Fires in kitchens can spread quickly and become building fires, so you should always deal with them quickly.
Understanding these fire classes will help you select the appropriate fire extinguisher type for your property and safeguard against potential disasters. If you know what the biggest fire risks are in your environment, you can select the right extinguisher and stay safe against potential fires.
Common Fire Extinguisher Types and Uses
What are the most common fire extinguisher types? There are 6 main types of extinguishers in Australia. Each of these devices are designed to deal with specific fire classes and their unique traits.
There are 6 common fire extinguisher types in Australia:
- Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers: deal with Class E electrical fires, and have limited use against Class A and Class B fires.
- Dry chemical powder extinguishers: are appropriate for Class A, B, C and E fires.
- Foam fire extinguishers: handle Class A and B fires, and have limited use against Class F fires.
- Water extinguishers: are only suitable for Class A fires.
- Wet chemical extinguishers: deal with Class A and F fires.
- Vaporising liquid fire extinguishers: can handle Class A fires, and have limited use against Class B and E fires.
Take note: no fire extinguisher can handle all the classes of fire!
Fire Extinguisher Class Chart
What to know which specific types of fire extinguishers work on the different fire classes? For quick and easy answers, take a look at our helpful 2025 fire extinguisher class chart:
Fire Extinguisher Colours
Most people can tell you that Australian fire extinguishers are bright red. This colour is also called Signal Red and it’s designed to be eye-catching. In an emergency situation, it’s essential that fire extinguishers are obvious and easy to find. But did you know that different types of fire extinguisher have colour coded bands to help identify them?
What colour bands are on fire extinguishers in Australia?
Fire extinguishers in Australia have distinct colour codes to indicate the type of extinguisher they are and the classes of fires they are suitable for. While most also have their exact information printed on the cylinder, this colour coding is there to provide quick and easy identification.
- Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers: have a black label or black band
- Dry chemical powder extinguishers: have a white band or label
- Foam fire extinguishers: have a blue label or blue colour band
- Water extinguishers: are fully red and have no coloured bands
- Wet chemical extinguisher: a cream/oatmeal coloured band
- Vaporising liquid fire extinguishers: have a bright yellow band or label
Understanding these colour codes will help you quickly and accurately select the right fire extinguisher in an emergency.
Avoiding Potential Risks
What are the dangers of using the wrong types of extinguishers?
Using the wrong extinguisher on a fire can make the situation worse and more dangerous. Knowing common fire extinguisher types and their uses is important to keep yourself safe and combat different fire types effectively.
Take electrical fires as an example. The common fire extinguishers used to fight electrical fires are non-conductive, so if you spray them on burning electrical appliances, you’re at less risk of receiving an electrical shock or injury. But if you use a wet chemical fire extinguisher on an electrical fire, you may get yourself electrocuted. Only Class E fire extinguishers should be used on an electrical fire.
How often do fire extinguishers need to be checked?
Regular maintenance checks and safety inspections for fire extinguishers can prevent potential disasters. Fire extinguishers should be inspected every 6 months to achieve compliance with legal regulations and AS1851:2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment Australian Safety Standards. The Local Guys offer comprehensive Fire Extinguisher Testing to make sure your safety devices are still in excellent condition.
Are you a business owner or property manager? Our Test and Tag technicians can help you avoid penalties and ensure workplace safety. Regular fire extinguisher checks can help identify issues early and even extend the lifespan of your fire extinguisher. With The Local Guys on the case, you can have peace of mind knowing your fire extinguishers are ready when needed!
Is fire extinguisher powder toxic?
Fire extinguisher powder, particularly dry chemical powders used in extinguishers, can be toxic if inhaled or ingested. The powder consists of various chemicals like monoammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, or potassium bicarbonate, which can irritate the respiratory system and skin upon contact. Inhaling the powder may lead to respiratory issues, while swallowing it can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Always follow safety guidelines when using chemical powder extinguisher types to avoid exposure to the powder. In the event of accidental inhalation or ingestion, you should seek medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fire extinguisher for a Class A fire?
Class A fires involve regular combustibles like paper and wood, which makes them one of the easier fire types to deal with. Many fire extinguishers work as a Class A type fire extinguisher.
Class A fire extinguishers include:
- Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers (limited)
- Dry chemical fire extinguishers
- Foam fire extinguishers
- Water fire extinguishers
- Wet chemical fire extinguishers
- Vaporising liquid fire extinguishers
Are Class D fire extinguishers special?
Yes, Class D fire extinguishers are specially designed to suppress fires caused by combustible metals. Class D powder extinguishers are most common in research labs or production settings where these types of metals are used. Class D fire extinguishers contain a sodium chloride extinguisher agent. They should only be used on Class D fires.
What extinguisher is a class ABE type?
An ABE type fire extinguisher is a versatile safety device that can handle Class A, B and E fires. Many ABE extinguishers are also suitable for dealing with Class C fires. Dry chemical powder extinguishers are the most popular and common ABE types of fire extinguishers in Australia. Since an ABE type fire extinguisher is capable of tackling up to four classes of fire effectively, it provides protection from a range of fire risks.
Fires fueled by common combustible materials, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment can be doused by an ABE type of extinguisher.
- Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials like wood and paper
- Class C fires have flammable gases like butane or propane present
- Class B fires are fueled by flammable liquids such as petrol, oil and oil-based paint
- Class E fires are sparked by energised electrical equipment
Having an ABE type fire extinguisher readily available in homes, businesses, and public spaces can ensure prompt and effective fire response.
Top Takeaways
Now you know everything about fire extinguishers and types in 2025! We’ve covered the 6 classes of fires, and the different types of fire extinguishers and their uses. With our helpful fire extinguisher class chart to consult, figuring out which time of fire extinguisher you need on your property will be easy!
If you want to ensure your fire extinguisher is ready for an emergency, then regular maintenance and safety checks are essential. The Local Guys have experienced technicians who provide diligent Fire Extinguisher Testing. Want to stay compliant with AS1851:2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment Australian fire safety standards? Get in touch with The Local Guys today!
