How are portable fire extinguishers classified?

Portable fire extinguishers are classified according to the type of fire they are designed to extinguish. This classification system is crucial because different types of fires require different extinguishing agents for effective suppression. For instance, fires that involve ordinary combustibles (Class A) are best tackled with water or foam, while fires involving flammable liquids (Class B) may require dry chemical agents or carbon dioxide. Electrical fires (Class C) necessitate extinguishers that do not conduct electricity, often using non-conductive agents.

This classification helps users select the appropriate extinguisher quickly in an emergency, ensuring they can effectively combat the fire while minimizing the risk of worsening the situation. Understanding the fire classes and corresponding extinguishing agents is fundamental for fire safety training and emergency response efforts. Other classifications based on size, brand, or weight do not provide this critical information concerning fire types and appropriate suppression methods, highlighting the importance of the correct classification system.