UL classifications make it easy to choose

the right fire extinguisher for a

building’s hazards
UL—formerly Underwriter’s Laboratories—establishes widely-used
performance standards for fire extinguisher manufacturers. As part of
these standards, extinguishers are labeled with UL classification ratings
used to determine which kinds of fires they can effectively fight.

Th
is extinguisher’s classification reads 4A:80B:C, indicating suitability for
use against Class A, B, and C fires.
The letters in these ratings indicate the fire extinguisher’s class. A
2A:10B:C fire extinguisher, for example, can be used on Class A, B, and C
fires. The numbers preceding the letters “A” or “B” indicate how effective
the fire extinguisher is at extinguishing that particular type of fire.
For each number before the A, the extinguisher’s agent delivers the
extinguishing equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water. 8A extinguishers, then,
are as powerful against ordinary combustibles as 10 gallons of water (8 x
1.25 = 10). The number before the B rating represents square footage—a
well-handled 10B extinguisher can stop 10 square feet of Class B fires.
The “C” is omitted for extinguishers not suitable for use on energized
electrical equipment. When this letter is included, the extinguisher can
stop other fires in accordance with its rating (usually, Class A, Class B, or
Class A and B) even if there’s electrical equipment involved. It doesn’t
have a number; a “C” simply indicates that the extinguishing agent
doesn’t conduct electricity.

Some extinguishers also include a “K” rating, indicating suitability for use
against hot cooking oils and greases. However, “K” extinguishers also do
not include a water equivalent or square footage rating. Also—and this
can be confusing—it’s crucial to distinguish extinguishers rated for Class
K fires from “Purple K” extinguishers. The latter uses a different,
potassium-bicarbonate-based dry chemical agent specially designed for
Class B and Class C fires.

Notably, UL does not provide a numerical or letter rating for Class D

fires. Instead, the manufacturer indicates the extinguisher’s suitability
against specific metal fires elsewhere on the label.

Regular fire extinguisher inspection and

servicing is required
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),
fire extinguishers used in the workplace must be visually inspected on a
monthly basis. This mandate parallels standards from the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) that require building owners to verify, at
intervals not exceeding 31 days, that fire extinguishers are properly
pressurized, easily accessed, and in good condition.

During a monthly inspection, all extinguishers must be in their

designated place and visibly marked. Inspectors should weigh or lift each
extinguisher to ensure that it has plenty of extinguishing agent available.
Finally, the person inspecting the equipment should document, sign, and
date the results. All fire extinguishers should list the year and month of
the last inspection and the extinguisher’s expiration date on a tag.

All fire extinguishers should have more thorough inspection and

maintenance on an annual basis. They should undergo a complete visual
examination, checking for damage, corrosion, dents, and wear. Hoses
must also be checked for blockage and use and replaced if the
inspection turns up evidence that the fire extinguisher has been used.

Re
gular inspection can identify problems like these before a fire
extinguisher fails. Image source: iCreatables.
These inspections should also determine if a fire extinguisher requires a
hydrostatic test. Hydrostatic tests pressurize an extinguisher to
determine if the tank has weakened. Because a weakened fire
extinguisher poses the threat of failure or explosion upon use,
extinguishers that fail hydrostatic tests may not return to service. The
frequency of required hydrostatic tests varies with the extinguisher’s
type, but dry chemical ABC extinguishers—the most common type—
must undergo testing at least every 12 years.

What to look for when buying a fire

extinguisher online
Here are a few tips that can make it easier to put all this information
together and buy a fire extinguisher online:

 Check to make sure the extinguisher meets your building’s

requirements. If you are unsure, check with the authority
having jurisdiction (AHJ)—typically, your local fire marshall.
 Select the extinguisher type and size to suit the needs and
hazards of the room or building. Remember, class ABC fire
extinguishers can combat a broad range of fires in
combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. For a
closer look at the standards governing extinguisher
placement, see our guide to when and where fire
extinguishers should be installed.
 Ensure that every extinguisher you purchase is fully charged.
 Because fire extinguishers are considered hazardous materials
by the Department of Transportation (DOT), they must be
labeled or marked appropriately to ensure their safe
transportation from one location to another.