Dry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust. This separates the fuel from the oxygen in the air.
The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction of fire. These extinguishers are very effective at putting out fire.
ABC extinguishers are red; they range in size from 5 to 20 lbs.
- “ABC” fire extinguishers are filled with a fine yellow powder. The greatest portion of this powder is composed of monoammonium phosphate. The extinguishers are pressurized with nitrogen.
- Dry chemical extinguishers come in a variety of types…
- You may see them labelled
- DC (for "Dry Chemical")
- ABC (can be used on Class A, B, or C fires)
- BC (designed for use on Class B and C fires)
- It is extremely important to identify which types of dry chemical extinguishers are located in your area!
- An "ABC" extinguisher will have a label like this, indicating it may be used on Class A, B and C fires.
- You don't want to mistakenly use a "BC" extinguisher on a Class A fire thinking that it was an "ABC" extinguisher.
- Dry chemical extinguishers with powder designed for Class B and C fires ("BC" extinguishers) may be located in places such as commercial kitchens and areas with flammable liquids.
