The advantages of water are, good absorbency of heat, cost effective and
readily available.
They work by spraying a jet of water onto the fire which soaks the
flammable material as well cooling it.
Water extinguishers are cost effective for tackling Class A fires involving
materials such as wood, paper and most plastics.
They must not be used on electrical fires. Water conducts the electrical
current and can result in electric shock for the operator and others nearby.
This type of extinguisher cannot be used when dealing with Class B (petrol,
spirits and other flammable liquids), Class C (butane, propane and other
flammable gases) and Class F (Cooking oils and fats) fires.
Although water extinguishers are the most common type of extinguisher,
they are not suitable for any type of fire other than solid combustible
materials.
Eagle Security recommend the Firexo extinguisher which is the only
extinguisher in the UK that can tackle any type. With the Firexo you do not
need different extinguishers for different fires just one extinguisher will
tackle all types of fire. They are easier to handle than a water extinguisher
as a 6 litre firexo extinguisher has more fire stopping power than a 9-litre
water.
Water is the most common
extinguishing medium.
The body of the extinguisher is
red to aid in identification and
to comply with BS EN3
regulations.
There are limitations in its use
as it is only suitable for Class A
materials.
Water works mainly by cooling
burning material, it is best for
wood, cloth, paper, plastics,
coal, etc. fires involving solids, it
should not used on burning fat
or oil or on to electrical
appliances.