How many Types of Fire Extinguishers are there
Extinguishing a Fire
A fire can be extinguished using water. Water evaporates, taking away heat from the fire, which in turn cools down the burning material well below its ignition temperature. However, there are certain cases where use of water could be dangerous.
- Water should not be poured over burning petrol, kerosene, or diesel. These substances are lighter than water and do not mix with it. As a result, water forms a layer beneath them and the substance continues burning.
- Water should not be used over electrical fires, as it conducts electricity and can pose danger to people trying to extinguish the fire.
Fire extinguishers make use of carbon dioxide gas as it is not a supporter of combustion. Being heavier than air, carbon dioxide settles down and cuts off the supply of oxygen, which extinguishes the fire. Two common types of fire extinguishers are carbon dioxide fire extinguisher and soda-acid fire extinguisher.
- Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher: This type of fire extinguisher consists of carbon dioxide filled under high pressure in cylinders.
- Soda-acid fire extinguisher: This type of fire extinguisher has a concentrated solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and sulphuric acid in separate compartments. When the fire extinguisher is used, the two substances come into contact with each other, producing carbon dioxide.