Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher:
Information and Advice
Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
Buy Dry Powder Extinguishers (UK Only)
If you are interested in purchasing Dry Powder fire extinguishers or any other type of fire fighting equipment, please visit the 'Buy Fire Extinguishers' page. There you will find a range of equipment provided by recommended supplier, Screwfix, who offer a wide range of equipment at very competitive prices, with next day delivery.
They have over thirty years experience and are one of the largest and most reliable suppliers in the UK. They offer three different sizes of Dry Power Extinguishers and you can find further details and prices on the following links:
See Also The Following Pages:
Main Fire Extinguishers Page
Water Fire Extinguishers
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Halon Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguisher Ratings
How To Use A Fire Extinguisher
The History Of The Fire Extinguisher
Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher - Main Uses
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers are extremely versatile, as they can be used on Class A, B and C fires (UK) and electrical fires. As well as being suitable for use with flammable liquids, they can also be used on flammable gases, and the non-conductivity of the dry powder makes them safe on electrical fires too.
This versatility and their effectiveness in extinguishing fires make them one of the most popular fire extinguishers in the home, as well as the workplace.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are the best type of extinguisher for use on flammable liquids and gases. Certain types of dry powder extinguishers are specially designed for use on particular fire types, and have powders geared towards dealing most effectively with these specific situations. For instance, an extinguisher may be developed to be most effective on rapidly knocking back liquid fires (useful in areas such as motor racing) or for dealing with combustible metals.
When dry powder fire extinguishers have been used, the deposit they leave behind can be sticky and corrosive which can be particularly damaging if used on electronic equipment, so it does require cleaning up as soon as possible afterwards.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher - How They Work
Dry powder fire extinguishers are filled with an inert solid (chemical powder) and pressurised with a gas, usually nitrogen. Several different powders can be used, most typically sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and monoammonium phosphate.
Sodium bicarbonate is a suitable powder because it decomposes at 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 Celsius) and releases carbon dioxide gas as it decomposes. The carbon dioxide helps to block out the oxygen supply to the fire and the powder forms a coat over the burning fuel, again sealing it off from the oxygen supply. This interrupts the combustion cycle, puts the fire out and prevents it from re-igniting.
Monoammonium phosphate is probably the most widespread powder used for workplace dry powder fire extinguishers. As the powder decomposes it produces 'free radicals', (unpaired electrons) which interrupt the process of combustion, together with the insulating skin that the powder forms.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher - Considerations When Purchasing
It is best not to take chances when it comes to the safety of your premises, and if you purchase a fire extinguisher that is not effective, you may not discover this until it is too late. There are certain things to look for when choosing fire extinguishers which will tell you that the appliance meets specific standards or has passed particular tests.
The European Standard is one of these and this is known as BS EN 3, so you can look for that on an appliance as a sign that it meets the European Standard. Similarly the 'CE' mark on the product shows that it has complied with all European directives relating to fire extinguishers.
The other main thing to look for to be sure you are getting a quality appliance is the British Standards Kitemark. This confirms that the product has reached the set of criteria set out by the British Standard.
Further Factors To Consider:
- a five year guarantee is a reasonable expectation on a quality appliance
- if the extinguisher is going to be situated in a steamy kitchen environment, ensure that it is made from non-corrosive material.
- Look for a wall bracket or floor stand to be included for fixing.
- Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers come in a wide range of sizes, mainly between 1 kg and 9 kg, but they are available in smaller sizes and in much larger, wheeled versions for larger scale requirements.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers - Use and Training
No-one should try to fight a fire with any fire extinguisher unless they have previously had appropriate training in the proper use of such equipment. Basic operating instructions are printed on every fire extinguisher, but it is also important to fit an ID notice just above the extinguisher to make it easy to identify in a fire situation.
When using a dry powder fire extinguisher, aim the jet at the bottom of the flames and sweep it steadily from side to side. Where spilled liquid is involved, aim at the near side of the fire first and use a fast sweeping motion to work it back towards the far side. If flowing liquid is on fire, aim at the bottom of the flames first, then upwards.
If using a dry powder fire extinguisher on an electrical fire, it is strongly advised to switch off the electrical current first.
BUY DRY POWDER EXTINGUISHER
Fire Rating 34A: 113B
For small fires on petrol, gas, oil, paint, furniture, wood, solvents and electrical equipment. This is a rechargeable extinguisher with a pressure gauge to indicate readiness for use.
BSI Kitemark KM28000 to BS EN 3: 1996
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