FlameFighter™
Extinguisher Selection Guide

The selection of appropriate extinguisher is related to the assessment of risk. This assessment is often difficult in areas outside of those covered by codes of compliance. The assessment of risk is particularly difficult when it comes to protecting items that are operated outside of the usual suburban environment. The factors, which must be considered in these situations, include the availability of support services such as the Fire Service etc. This is very important with the increase in boating and 4WD activities. Far too often we see the attempt to cover boats and vehicles worth $30,000 - $40,000 with a $50.00 extinguisher.

This selection guide is offered only to assist in the selection of extinguishers. It is not to be viewed as replacing any compliance codes, building codes or any legislation which may at any time direct the installation of any particular extinguisher.

If in doubt, seek expert advice for your requirements.

Class A Classification
"Ordinary combustible" fires are the most common type of fire, and are designated Class A. These occur when a solid, organic material such as wood, cloth, rubber, or some plastics become heated to their flash point and ignite. At this point the material undergoes combustion and will continue burning as long as the four components of the fire tetrahedron (heat, fuel, oxygen, and the sustaining chemical reaction) are available.
1A a crib of 50 members of dry Radiata Pine 45 x 45 x 500 mm 0.10 Cubic Metre
2A a crib of 78 members of dry Radiata Pine 45 x 45 x 600 mm 0.21 Cubic Metre
3A a crib of 98 members of dry Radiata Pine 45 x 45 x 750 mm 0.35 Cubic Metre
4A a crib of 120 members of dry Radiata Pine 45 x 45 x 850 mm 0.49 Cubic Metre
6A a crib of 153 members of dry Radiata Pine 45 x 45 x 1000 mm 0.76 Cubic Metre
10A a crib of 209 members of dry Radiata Pine 45 x 45 x 1220 mm 1.23 Cubic Metre

Class B Classification
Flammable liquids are designated "Class B". These fires follow the same basic fire tetrahedron (heat, fuel, oxygen, chemical reaction) as ordinary combustible fires, except that the fuel in question is a flammable liquid such as petrol. A solid stream of water should never be used to extinguish this type because it can cause the fuel to scatter, spreading the flames.
2B Tray Size 675 x 675 Fire area 0.5 sq.mtr
5B Tray Size 1075 x 1075 Fire area 1.2 sq.mtr
10B Tray Size 1525 x 1525 Fire area 2.3 sq.mtr
20B Tray Size 2150 x 2150 Fire area 4.6 sq.mtr
30B Tray Size 2650 x 2650 Fire area 7.0 sq.mtr
40B Tray Size 3050 x 3050 Fire area 9.3 sq.mtr
60B Tray Size 3725 x 3725 Fire area 13.9 sq.mtr
80B Tray Size 4300 x 4300 Fire area 18.5 sq.mtr

Class E Classification
Electrical fires are fires involving potentially energised electrical equipment. This sort of fire may be caused by, for example, short-circuiting machinery or overloaded electrical cables. These fires can be a severe hazard to firefighters using water or other conductive agents: Electricity may be conducted from the fire, through water, the firefighter's body, and then earth with the resulting electrical shocks potentially causing death.

Class F Classification
Fires that involve cooking oils or fats are designated "Class F". Though such fires are technically a subclass of the flammable liquid class, the special characteristics of these types of fires are considered important enough to recognise separately.
1F Pan size 300 mm dia. x 170 mm
2F Pan size 535 mm dia. x 170 mm
3F Pan size 650 mm dia. x 170 mm
4F Simulated deep fryer