Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers Guide –
All You Need to Know
Dry powder fire extinguishers are known for their versatility across multiple types of fires, making them indispensable tools for safety-conscious environments.
We explain the essentials of dry powder extinguishers, their primary uses, suitability for different fire classes, exceptions, identification, common sizes, operational principles, benefits and drawbacks, prevalent applications, and instructions for use.
Quick links:
What are dry powder fire extinguishers used for?
Dry powder extinguishers can tackle a broad range of fires, making them suitable for mixed fire-risk environments. They are particularly effective against:
- Class A fires: involving common combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles.
- Class B fires: involving flammable liquids like petrol, paint, and solvents.
- Class C fires: involving gases.
- Class D fires: involving flammable metals (which carry a lilac label)
- Additionally, they are suitable for use in electrical equipment fires.
Exclusions (what they should not be used for)
Standard dry powder extinguishers should not be used on:
- Class F fires: involving cooking oils and fats, as the powder cannot effectively cool the high temperatures of cooking oil fires.
- They are also not recommended for use in enclosed spaces due to the risk of inhalation of the powder.
- Dry powder extinguishers are also not recommended for use in areas with exposed electrical circuitry as they can be corrosive.
How to identify them
Dry powder fire extinguishers are typically identified by their blue label, although a lilac label is used for Class D variants.
Familiarising yourself with the label and operating instructions is crucial, as the colour coding can vary slightly depending on your location.
Dry powder extinguisher sizes
We supply these extinguishers in the following sizes
How they work
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly versatile and effective on a wide range of fire types.
- Non-conductive, safe for electrical fires.
- Quick suppression of fires, especially flammable liquids and gases.
Cons:
- Limited effectiveness on Class A fires (compared to water or foam).
- The powder can obscure vision and may cause respiratory problems in confined spaces.
- Leaves a residue that can be damaging to electronics and difficult to clean
Fire extinguisher guide
Keep your people safe with us
Learn about the fire extinguishers variants and how they help extinguish the various fire types.
Common uses, what businesses typically use them
- Industrial and manufacturing
- Garages and vehicle repair shops
- Workplaces with mixed fire hazards
- Vehicles and transportation
- Chemical storage facilities
- Boats and marine applications
- Aircraft and some airport facilities
- Fuel storage areas
Typical use cases for dry powder fire extinguishers
Typical use cases for dry powder
fire extinguishers
How to use the dry powder extinguisher
- Pull the pin: Remove the tamper seal.
- Aim low: Point the nozzle at the base of the fire, ensuring you’re a safe distance away.
- Squeeze the handle: This releases the dry powder.
- Sweep side to side: Move the nozzle or hose in a sweeping motion, covering the fire area with powder until extinguished.
It’s crucial to stand with the escape route behind you and use the extinguisher safely to avoid inhaling the powder. After use, ensure the extinguisher is serviced and refilled by a professional.
Dry powder extinguishers are versatile and powerful tools for combating many types of fire. Knowing when and how to deploy them effectively can significantly enhance safety in diverse environments. Always prioritise safe evacuation and professional firefighting assistance for large or uncontrollable fires.
Talk to us about your dry powder extinguisher needs and your wider fire safety requirements
Talk to IPS Fire and Safety about your fire safety responsibilities. From an initial fire risk assessment to team fire safety training and the supply and fitting of fire extinguishers, we’re here to help you keep your people safe and meet your legal fire safety requirements.
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