Fire Extinguishers

NFPA 10,, 2002 Edition

IFC 2008

Lafayette Fire Department

Inspector Dave Thomas
 Fire Extinguisher Overview
1. Fire Extinguisher Classification 3. Extinguisher Size & Placement
& UL Ratings – Hazard / Hazard Area
– Class A – Rating & Coverage Area
– Class B – Allowable Travel Distance
– Class C
– Class D
– Class K 4 M
4. Maintenance
i t & IInspection
ti
– Monthly Inspection
2. Hazard Classification – Annual Maintenance
– Light – 6 Year Maintenance
– Moderate – Hydrostatic Test
– Highg
 Tetrahedron

How Fires Start

Fire is a chemical reaction involving rapid oxidation
or burningg of a fuel. It needs four elements to occur:

• FUEL - Fuel can be any combustible material - solid, liquid or gas. Most solids and
liquids become a vapor or gas before they will burn.

• OXYGEN - The air we breathe is about 21% oxygen. Fire only needs an
atmosphere with at least 16% oxygen.
oxygen

• HEAT - Heat is the energy necessary to increase the temperature of the fuel to a
point where sufficient vapors are given off for ignition to occur.

• CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION - A chain reaction can occur when the three
elements of fire are present in the proper conditions and proportions. Fire occurs
when this rapid oxidation or burning takes place.
place Take any of these factors away and
the fire cannot occur or will be extinguished if it was already burning.
 Extinguisher Ratings
• The UL rating is broken down into Class A and Class B:C ratings.
These numerical ratings allow you to compare the relative extinguishing
g
effectiveness of various fire extinguishers. For example,
p , an
extinguisher that is rated 4A:20B:C indicates the following:
• The A rating is a water equivalency rating. Each A is equivalent to 1.25
gallons of water. 4A=5 gal. of water.
• The B:C rating is equivalent to the amount of square footage that
related to the degree of training and experience of the operator, the
extinguisher can cover. 20 B:C=20 sq. ft. of coverage.
• C iindicates
di t it iis suitable
it bl ffor use on electrically
l t i ll energized
i d equipment.
i t
• When analyzing these ratings, note that there is not a numerical rating
for Class C or Class D fires. Class C fires are essentially either a Class
A or Class B fire involving energized electrical equipment where the fire
extinguishing media must be non-conductive. The fire extinguisher for a
Class C fire should be based on the amount of the Class A or Class B
component. For extinguisher use on a Class D fire, the relative
effectiveness
ff ti is
i detailed
d t il d on th
the extinguisher
ti i h nameplate
l t ffor th
the specific
ifi
combustible metal fire for which it is recommended.
 UL Classification
• The A rating is a water equivalency
rating. Each A is equivalent to 1.25
gallons
ll off water.
t 4A=5
4A 5 gal.
l off water.
t

• The B:C rating is equivalent to the

amount of square footage that related
to the degree of training and
experience of the operator, the
extinguisher
ti i h can cover.
20 B:C=20 sq. ft. of coverage.

• C indicates it is suitable for use on

electrically energized equipment.

The UL rating is found on the

extinguisher label or nameplate band.
 Types of Extinguishers
Extinguisher Type Agent Class Sample Applications

Multi-Purpose Dry Chemical Monoammonium Phosphate ABC Offices, Hotels, Schools and Warehouses

R l Dry
Regular D Chemical
Ch i l S di
Sodium Bi b
Bicarbonate BC V hi l Training
Vehicles, T i i andd Laboratories
L b i

Purple K Dry Chemical Potassium Bicarbonate BC Oil Industry, Airport Ramps, Military and Fuel Services

CO2 Carbon Dioxide BC Factories and Food Processing Plants

Halotron Halotron I ABC & BC Military, Computer Rooms, Aircraft and Museums

Water H2O A Storerooms,, Barns and Attics

Foam AFFF / FFFP AB Fueling Areas, Manufacturing and Construction Sites

 ABC Dry Chemical Stored-
Pressure

ABC-rated multipurpose dry Extinguisher

powder extinguishers are the

most common. They are almost
alwaysy RED in color and have
either a long narrow hose or no
hose (just a short nozzle). Pale
yellow
ll iin color.
l
Monoammonium Phosphate powder with dry nitrogen
propellant.
propellant
Nitrogen may leak out leaving the unit “full” of powder,
but with no propellant.
 BC Dry Chemical
• Sodium bicarbonate, "regular" or
"ordinary" used on class B and C
fires was the first of the dry
fires,
chemical agents developed. It
interrupts the fire's chemical
reaction and was very common
reaction,
in commercial kitchens before
the advent of wet chemical
agents but now is falling out of
agents,
favor, as it is much less effective
than wet chemical agents for
class K fires
fires, less effective than
Purple-K for class B fires, and is
ineffective on class A fires. White
or blue in color
color.
 Dry Chemical
C id U
Cartridge Units
i
Cartridgeg extinguishers
g
differ from “stored” pressure
units by utilizing a gas
g to p
cartridge pressurize the
extinguisher. The unit can
be exposed to an impact or
puncture without discharging
p g g
the contents.
Discharge hose and nozzle must be
p y free of agent
completely g after use.

Classes: ABC
BC (Sodium
(S di Bicarb
Bi b & PKP)
D
Water Extinguishers
APW (Air pressurized water) cools
burningg material by y absorbingg heat
from burning material. Effective on
Class A fires, it has the advantage of
being inexpensive, harmless, and
relatively
l ti l easy to t clean
l up. Water
W t
extinguishes fires by cooling the heat
and fuel to below its kindling
temperature One of the
temperature.
disadvantages of water is its
susceptibility to freezing. In
potentially
p y freezing
g climates the
extinguisher must be outfitted with an
anti-freeze charge (known as a
loaded-stream). Air pressurized
water units contain 2 2.5
5 gallons of
water in a tall, stainless steel cylinder.
Carbon Dioxide
CO2 (carbon dioxide)
extinguishers are
generally red
red, have a
LARGE "tapered"
nozzle (horn) and are
VERY HEAVY (15-85
(
lbs). These are all high-
pressure cylinders.
CO2 cylinders do not have
a pressure gauge - they
th
must be weighed to
determine the amount
of contents.
contents
Weight is stamped on side of valve
head.
Class K Extinguisher
Class K fire extinguishers are wet chemical
extinguishers that contain a potassium acetate based,
g
low PH agent that was originally
g y developed
p for use in
pre-engineered cooking equipment fire extinguishing
systems. The Class K extinguishers are tested on
commercial deep fat fryers using the same type of fire
test as UL300 pre
pre-engineered
engineered restaurant fire
extinguishing systems. The agent discharges as a fine
mist which helps prevent grease splash and fire reflash
g the appliance.
while cooling pp

IFC 904.11.5.2
When hazard areas include deep p fat fryers,
y , listed Class
K portable fire extinguishers shall be provided as
follows: 1. For up to four fryers having a maximum
cooking medium capacity of 80 pounds (36.3 kg) each:
One Class K portable fire extinguisher of a minimum
1.5 gallon ( 6 L) capacity.
 Water Mist
• Water Mist uses a fine misting
nozzle to break up a stream of
deionized water to the point of not
conducting electricity back to the
operator. Class A and C rated. It is
used widely in hospitals for the
reason that,, unlike other clean-
agent suppressants, it is harmless
and non-contaminant. These
extinguishers come in 1 1.75
75 and 22.5
5
gallon units, painted white.
Halon & Replacement
Agents
• Halon (including Halon 1211 and Halon
1301) a gaseous agent that inhibits the
1301),
chemical reaction of the fire. Classes B:C for
lower weight fire extinguishers (2.3 kg ; under
9 lbs) and A:B:C for heavier weights (4.1-
7.7 kgg ; 9-17 lbs).
) Banned from new
production, except for military use, as of
January 1, 1994 as its properties contribute to
ozone depletion and long atmospheric
lifetime, usually 400 years. Halon was
completely banned in Europe resulting in
stockpiles being sent to the United States for
reuse. Although production has been banned,
the reuse is still permitted. Halon 1301 and
1211 are being g replaced
p with new halocarbon
agents which have no ozone depletion
properties and low atmospheric lifetimes, but
are less effective. Currently Halotron I,
Halotron II, FE-36 Cleanguard and FM-200
are meant to be replacements with
significantly reduced ozone depletion
potential.
 Class D Extinguisher
• There are several Class D fire extinguisher
agents available, some will handle multiple
types of metals, others will not.

• Sodium Chloride (Super-D, Met-L-X or

METAL.FIRE.XTNGSHR) -contains sodium
chloride salt and thermoplastic additive.
Plastic melts to form an oxygen-excluding
crust over the metal, and the salt dissipates
heat. Useful on most alkali metals including
sodium and potassium, and other metals
including
g magnesium,
g titanium, aluminum,
and zirconium.

• Most Class D extinguishers will have a

p
special low velocity
y nozzle or discharge
g
wand to gently apply the agent in large
volumes to avoid disrupting any finely
divided burning materials. Agents are also
available in bulk and can be applied with a
scoop or shovel
shovel.
 Foam Extinguishers
Synthetic foams

Synthetic foams are based on synthetic surfactants. Synthetic foams

provide better flow, faster knockdown of flames, but limited p
p post-fire
security.
Aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) are water-based and frequently
contain hydrocarbon-based surfactant such as sodium alkyl sulfate, and
fluorsurfactant—such as fluorotelomers, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), or
perfluorooctanesulfonic
fl t lf i acidid (PFOS)
(PFOS). They
Th have
h the
th ability
bilit tto spreadd over
the surface of hydrocarbon-based liquids. Alcohol-resistant aqueous
film forming foams (AR-AFFF) are foams resistant to the action of
alcohols, able to form a protective film when they are present.

Protein foams

Protein foams (FFFP) contain natural proteins as the foaming agents.

Unlike other synthetic foams, protein foams are bio-degradable.
bio degradable. They flow
and spread slower, but provide a foam blanket that is more heat resistant
and more durable.
Protein foams include regular protein foam (P), fluoroprotein foam
(FP), alcohol resistant fluoroprotein foam (AR-FP), film forming
fluoroprotein (FFFP), and alcohol-resistant film forming fluoroprotein
(AR-FFFP).
 Size & Placement
There are four topics to review when installing portable fire extinguishers.

• Identify the hazards that are present

present.

• Determine the size of the fire extinguisher.

• Establish the quantity by the coverage that is allowed by the adopted

NFPA 10 standard.

• Distribute the portable fire extinguishers per the allowable travel

distance to each fire extinguisher.
 Size & Placement
Indiana Fire Code Indiana Fire Code
906.5 Conspicuous location 906.9 Height above floor
• Portable fire extinguishers shall be located • Portable fire extinguishers having a gross
in conspicuous locations where they will be weight not exceeding 40 pounds (18 kg)
readily accessible and immediately available shall be installed so that its top is not more
for use. These locations shall be along than 5 feet (1524 mm) above the floor.
normal paths of travel, unless the fire code Hand-held portable fire extinguishers having
official determines that the hazard posed aggross weight
g exceeding g 40 p
pounds ((18 kg)
g)
indicates the need for placement away from shall be installed so that its top is not more
normal paths of travel. than 3.5 feet (1067 mm) above the floor.
The clearance between the floor and the
906.7 Hangers and brackets bottom of installed hand-held extinguishers
• Hand-held portable fire extinguishers, not shall
h ll nott b
be lless th
than 4 iinches
h (102 mm). )
housed in cabinets, shall be installed on the
hangers or brackets supplied. Hangers or
brackets shall be securely anchored to the
mounting surface in accordance with the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
 Classification of Hazards NFPA 10: 1.4
• Light (Low) Hazard. Light hazard occupancies are locations where the total amount of Class A
combustible materials including furnishings decorations and contents is of minor quantity. This
can include some buildings or rooms occupied as offices classrooms churches assembly halls
guest room areas of hotels/motels and so forth.
forth This classification anticipates that the majority
of content items are either noncombustible or so arranged that a fire is not likely to spread
rapidly Small amount of Class B flammables used for duplicating machines art departments and
so forth are included provided that they are kept in closed containers and safely stored.

• Ordinary
O di (Moderate)
(M d t ) Hazard.
H d Ordinary
O di h
hazardd occupancies
i are llocations
ti where
h th
the ttotal
t l
amount of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are present in greater amounts than
expected under light low hazard occupancies. These occupancies could consist of dining areas
mercantile shops and allied storage light manufacturing research operations auto showrooms
parking garages workshop or support service areas of light low hazard occupancies and
warehouses
h containing
t i i ClClass 1 or Cl
Class II commodities
diti as d
defined
fi d bby NFPA13 St
Standard
d d ffor th
the
installation of Sprinkler Systems.

• Extra (High) Hazard. Extra hazard occupancies are locations where the total amount of Class
A combustibles and Class B flammables present in storage production use finished product or
combination thereof is over and above those expected in occupancies classed as ordinary
(moderate) hazard. These occupancies could consist of; woodworking; vehicle repair; aircraft
and boat servicing; cooking areas; individual product display showrooms; product convention
center displays; and storage and manufacturing processes such as painting, dipping and
coating including flammable liquid handling
coating, handling. Also included is warehousing of or in-process
in process
storage of other than Class I and Class II commodities.
 Size & Placement
Class A Locations
So rce NFPA 10
Source: 10, 2002 edition Table 5
5.2.1
2 1 Fire E
Extinguisher
ting isher Si
Size
e and Placement for Class A Ha
Hazards
ards

Light (Low) Hazard Ordinary (Moderate) Extra (High) Hazard

Criteria Occupancy Hazard Occupancy Occupancy

Minimum Rated single extinguisher 2-A 2-A 4-A

Maximum floor area per unit of A 3,000 ft2 1,500 ft2 1,000 ft2

Maximum floor area for extinguisher 11 250 ft2

11,250 11 250 ft2
11,250 11 250 ft2
11,

Maximum travel distance to 75 ft. 75 ft. 75 ft.

extinguisher
 Size & Placement
Class B Locations
Source: NFPA 10, 2002 edition Table 5.3.1 Fire Extinguisher Size and Placement for Class B Hazards

Basic Minimum Extinguisher Maximum Travel Distance to Extinguisher

Type of Rating
Hazard
Light 5-B 30 ft.
((Low))
10-B 50 ft.

Ordinary 10-B 30 ft.

((Moderate))
20-B 50 ft.

Extra 40-B 30 ft.

((High)
g )
80-B 50 ft.
 Size & Placement
Class C Locations
• Class C extinguishers are required where energized electrical equipment
is potentially directly involved in or surrounds electrical equipment
equipment.
Normally Class C fires are in direct location of Class A and/or B fires, the
extinguisher shall be sized per the Class A or B hazard.

Class D Locations
• Fire extinguishers for Class D locations shall not be located more than 75
ft from the hazard
ft. hazard. Size determination for Class D locations is based on
the specific combustible metal, particle size, area to be covered, and
manufacturer recommendations.

Class K Locations
• Class K hazards shall have a fire extinguisher located where there is a
potential for a fire involving combustible cooking media (vegetable or
animal oils and fats). The extinguisher shall be located no more than 30
ft. from the hazard.
 Travel Distance for “A” Rating
NFPA 10 edition 2002 Appendix

Example:
E.3.6: This placement along outside walls would not be acceptable
because the travel distance is clearly violated.
In Figure
g E.3.6 relocation or additional fire extinguishers
g or both are
needed. The shaded areas indicate voids that are farther than 75 ft
(227 m) to the nearest extinguisher. The dots represent extinguishers

FIGURE E.3.6 FIGURE E.3.8

A Diagrammatic Representation of
Extinguishers Located along the
O t id W
Outside Walls
ll off a 450 ft x 150 ft
(137 m x 46 m) Building.
Configuration Representing 12 Fire
g
Extinguishers mounted on building g
columns or interior walls in which
requirements for both travel distance and
fire extinguisher distribution are met.
 Maintenance & Inspection
p
There are four inspection/test intervals
required.

• Monthly Inspection NFPA 10: 6.2.1

• Annual Maintenance NFPA 10: 66.3.1
31
• 6 year Internal Inspection NFPA 10: 6.3.3
• Hydrostatic Test NFPA 10: 7.1
The pprocedure for inspection
p and maintenance of fire extinguishers
g varies considerably.y
Minimal knowledge is necessary to perform a monthly “quick check” or inspection in order to follow the
inspection procedure as outlined in Section 6.2.
A trained person shall service the fire extinguishers once every year, as outlined in section 6.3.
 Monthly Visual “Quick Check”
NFPA 10 2002 edition
6.2.1 Inspection Frequency
• Fire extinguishers shall be inspected when
initially placed in service and thereafter
f at
approximately 30- day intervals. Fire
extinguishers shall be inspected, manually or by
electronic monitoring, at more frequent intervals
when circumstances require.
6.2.4.3 Inspection Recordkeeping
• Records shall be kept on a tag or label attached
to the fire extinguisher, on an inspection
checklist maintained on file or byy an electronic
method that provides a permanent record.
No Tag
6.2.2 Inspection Procedures
• Periodic inspection of fire extinguishers shall
include a check of at least the following items:
(1) Location in designated place
(2) No obstruction to access or visibility
(3) Operating instructions on nameplate legible
and facing outward
(4)*Safety seals and tamper indicators not
broken or missing
(5) Fullness determined by weighing or “hefting”
(6) Examination for obvious physical damage,
corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle
(7) Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the
operable range or position
(8) Condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose,
and nozzle checked (for wheeled units)
(9) HMIS label in place.
 Electronic Fire Extinguisher
Monitoring
NFPA 10 2002 requirements allow electronic
monitoring of fire extinguishers in lieu of manual
monthly inspections.

Fire Extinguisher
Fi E ti i h Monitoring
M it i S Systems
t are
designed to monitor three critical aspects of Fire
Extinguisher Integrity.

• Pressure – An Electronic Signal notes a

pressure drop on Extinguishers.

• Removal – A monitored tether notifies of

extinguisher removal.

• Obstruction – A specially designed sensor

notifies of blockages.
 Annual Maintenance
NFPA 10 edition 2002 A trained person shall service the fire
6.1.4 Inspection, maintenance and
Recharging
extinguishers once every year, as
• Maintenance, servicing, and recharging outlined in section 6
6.3.
3
shall be performed by trained persons
having available the appropriate servicing This maintenance is completed by a
manual(s), the proper types of tools,
recharge materials, lubricants, and trained emplo
employee
ee of a contracted
manufacturer’s recommended replacement company.
parts or parts specifically listed for use in
There are few exceptions to this.
the fire extinguisher.

6.3.1 Frequency
• Fire extinguishers shall be subjected to
maintenance at intervals of not more than
1 year, at the time of hydrostatic test, or
when specifically indicated by an
inspection or electronic notification.
 6 year Maintenance
SIX YEAR MAINTENANCE –
NFPA 10: 2002 6.3.3
Every six years, stored-pressure
extinguishers requiring a 12 year
hydro test shall be emptied and
subject to thorough examination
of: mechanical parts,
extinguishing agent and expelling
means. When applicable
maintenance procedures are done
during periodic recharging or
hydro testing, the six-year
q
requirement will begin
g from that
date.
 Hydrostatic Testing
Table 7.2 Hydrostatic Test Interval for Extinguishers
NFPA 10 2002
Extinguisher Type Test Interval (years)
7.2 Frequency Stored-pressure water, water mist, 5
loaded stream, and/or anti-freeze
At intervals not exceeding those
Wetting agent 5
specified in Table 77.2
2 fire
AFFF (Aqueous film-forming 5
extinguishers shall be hydrostatically foam)
retested. The hydrostatic retest shall FFFP (Film-forming fluoroprotein 5
foam)
be conducted within the calendar
Dry chemical with stainless steel 5
year of the specified test interval In shells
no case shall an extinguisher be Carbon Dioxide 5
recharged if it is beyond its specified Wet chemical 5
retest date. Dry chemical, stored-pressure, 12
with mild steel shells, brazed brass
shells, or aluminum shells
• 6.3.1 Nonrechargeable fire Dry chemical,
chemical cartridge-
cartridge or 12
extinguishers shall not be cylinder operated, with mild steel
hydrostatically tested but shall be shells
removed from service at a maximum Halogenated agents 12
interval of 12 years from the date of Dry powder, stored pressure, 12
manufacture.
f Nonrechargeable
N h bl h halon
l cartridge or cylinder operated,
agent fire extinguishers shall be with mild steel shells
disposed of in accordance with 6.2.3.
 7.6 Recording of Hydrostatic Test
• 7.6.2 Pressure Cylinders and Cartridges Cylinders or cartridges that
pass the hydrostatic test shall be stamped with the retester
identification number and month and year of the retest per TC/DOT
requirements.
requirements

• 7.6.2.1 Stamping shall be placed only on the shoulder, top head,

neck or foot ring (where provided) of the cylinder
neck, cylinder.

• 4.6.7 Low Pressure Cylinders

Fire extinguisher cylinders of the low pressure type that pass a
pressure hydrostatic test shall have the information recorded on a
suitable metallic label with a minimum size of 2 in x 3 1/2 in (5cm
x89cm). ) The label shall be affixed byy a heatless process.
p These
labels shall be of the type that self-destructs when removal from a
fire extinguisher cylinder shell is attempted.
 High Pressure Cylinders
5. Retest Markings:
The format for a retest
marking is:
• Month – Facility – Year

Month

Facility
• CO2 Extinguishers
Year • Nitrogen cylinders
Capacity • CO2 cartridges
 Verification of
Service
NFPA 10: 2002
6342 V
6.3.4.2 Verification
ifi ti off S
Service
i (M(Maintenance
i t
or Recharging)

Each extinguisher that has undergone

maintenance
i t th
thatt includes
i l d iinternal
t l
examination or that has been recharged
(see 6.4.5) shall have a Verification of
Service collar located around the neck of
the container.
container The collar shall contain a
single circular piece of uninterrupted
material forming a hole of a size that will
not permit the collar assembly to move
over the neck of the container unless the
valve
l iis completely
l t l removed. d Th
The collar
ll
shall not interfere with the operation of the
fire extinguisher. The Verification of
Service collar shall include the month and
year the service was performed indicated
by a perforation such as is done by a hand
punch.
 Conclusion Questions
• Correct Extinguisher for the hazard?
• Correct size (Rating) for the hazard?
• C
Correctt travel
t l distance
di t and
d llocation?
ti ?
• Correct installation?
• Visible and Accessible?
• All Inspection
Inspection, Maintenance & Testing
performed?
• Proper recordkeeping?