Guidelines for Choosing the Right Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguisher type
The type of fire extinguisher will be the first factor to consider when choosing your equipment. There are different types of fire extinguishers depending on the agent used for fire extinguishing. Depending on this agent, they will be more useful against certain types of fires. For example, water is ideal for a wood fire, but not for electricity.
Here comes into play the place where you are going to install the extinguisher. For example, for an office or a home, the most common is to buy a powder or foam extinguisher. These models cover all the specific needs of a home. However, for a kitchen, the most suitable would be a special one for class K fires.
Weight
Weight is an important factor. Think that you should be able to live and move with the extinguisher with total comfort. An extinguisher that is too heavy can be a problem for some people. This factor will be especially relevant for domestic equipment or that are installed in schools, hospitals or nursing homes.
It is also a relevant factor if you are looking for equipment for your car. If the traditional models are too heavy or bulky (usually weighing almost 12 kg), it is best to opt for compact or portable models, which barely exceed 5 kg in weight. These models are ideal to carry in the car, backpack or have at home.
Maintenance
In the case of fire extinguishers, maintenance is mandatory. As we have explained, fire extinguishers should be checked every 3 months on your own and every year by a professional. The annual and five-year reviews will be made by the manufacturing company or a certified company, so it is an extra expense that you must add to the price of the equipment.
The portable equipment does not have to go through this mandatory maintenance. Instead, they have a much shorter lifespan and you will have to replace them when they expire, as they will no longer be useful. There are some rechargeable models that can exceed the expiration date, but they will be somewhat more expensive.
Portable fire extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers are the best option to carry in the car, motorcycle or any means of transport. These models are compact and lightweight. The most modern ones have a very high extinction power and work by foams. If what you are looking for is a model to take with you, this is the best.
These models are also useful for your home. Most portable devices have versions designed for home fires, such as those produced in kitchens. These portable extinguishers are of type K, so they are designed to put out fires that are produced based on oils and fats. For cars, the best are those of type A, B, and C.