Fire extinguishers

Make sure you’re prepared for those critical first two minutes of a fire.
Choose from a complete line of Gielle portable fire extinguishers to protect your people and property.

Portable fire extinguishers come in a range of sizes and ratings, and the higher the rating, the larger the fire it can be used on.

However, larger and heavier extinguishers (which generally have the higher ratings) can be more difficult to handle, especially for persons of a lighter build.
It is recommended that the extinguisher you buy is approved by standards.

Fire Extinguishers – Types & Uses

Portable Fire Extinguishers can save lives and property by putting out or containing fires within the capability of the extinguisher.

However, they must be of the correct type for the particular fire, and they must be used correctly.

Powder extinguishers
Powder Fire Extinguishers offer protection against Class A, B and C Fires and are a general multi-purpose extinguisher. Powder Fire Extinguishers are safe to use on live electrical equipment but the powder residue may also cause harm to some equipment. Dry Powder Extinguishers work as the Powder reacts with the fire and the powder spreads therefore extinguishing the fire.

These extinguishers are rated as either ABE or BE. ABE rated extinguishers are considered suitable for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class E fires. They are not considered effective for Class F fires. BE rated extinguishers are considered suitable for Class B, Class C and Class E fires, and may be used with limited effectiveness on Class F fires. They are considered effective for Class A fires.

Wet chemical extinguishers
Suitable on Class F fires and may be used on Class A fires. Not considered effective for Class B or Class C fires and dangerous if used on Class E fires. Wet Chemical (F-Class) Fire Extinguishers offer protection against fires that involve cooking oil or fats.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers also offer a small ‘A’ Fire Rating. No other type of fire extinguisher will be effective against fires involving cooking oil or deep fats.

Water extinguishers
Suitable for Class A fires. Not considered effective for Class B and Class C fires, and dangerous if used for electrically energised equipment or cooking oils or fats.

Water Fire Extinguishers offer protection against Class A fires that typically involve common combustible materials such as wood, paper, straw, textiles, soft furnishing and materials.

Foam extinguishers
Suitable for Class A and Class B fires, with limited effectiveness for Class F fires. Not considered effective for Class C fires, and dangerous if used for electrically energised equipment.

Foam Fire Extinguishers offer protection against Class A and B Fires that typically involve liquids or materials that liquefy such as petrol, oils, paints and fats. Foam extinguishers form a layer over the top of the burning substance and remove oxygen from the fire. Foam Fire Extinguishers may also be referred to as AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam)

Carbon Dioxide CO2 extinguishers
Suitable for Class E fires. Has limited effectiveness on Class A, Class B and Class F fires. Has limited effectiveness on Class B fires. Not considered effective for Class F fires.

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers offer protection against Class B fires that involve liquids or materials that liquefy such as petrol, oils, paints and fats. Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers discharge the extinguisher content under pressure which replaces the air surrounding the fire with the inert CO2 gas which does not support combustion therefore extinguishing the fire. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers are safe for use on live electrical equipment. Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers do not leave a residue.