How to Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Facility
A practical guide to matching fire extinguisher types — ABC, CO2, foam and water mist — to the fire risks found in factories, warehouses and industrial sites.
Choosing the wrong extinguisher for a given fire class doesn't just fail to put the fire out — in the case of water on an electrical fire, it can actively make things worse. This guide walks through how to match extinguisher type to the fire risks actually present on an industrial site.
Start with your fire classes
Most industrial sites carry a mix of Class A (ordinary combustibles like wood, paper and packaging), Class B (flammable liquids — fuels, solvents, paints) and electrical fire risk around panels, motors and control rooms. A few also carry Class F risk in kitchens or canteens.
Matching extinguisher type to risk
ABC dry powder extinguishers cover Class A, B and C in one unit, which is why they're the default choice for general factory floors and warehouse aisles — see our ABC Dry Powder Extinguisher.
CO₂ extinguishers leave no residue, making them the right call for server rooms, switchgear and control panels where powder would damage equipment — see our CO₂ Fire Extinguisher.
Foam (AFFF) extinguishers blanket flammable liquid fires and prevent reignition, suited to fuel stores, paint stores and generator rooms.
Water mist extinguishers are a newer, versatile option safe for use around people and electrical equipment, increasingly specified for offices and healthcare settings.
Coverage and placement
Beyond selecting the right type, extinguisher count and placement need to match your floor area and travel distance requirements under IS 2190. A fire risk assessment will map out exact coverage gaps rather than relying on a rule of thumb.
If you're unsure what your site needs, get in touch and we'll recommend a mix based on your actual layout and risk profile.