Fire is a chemical reaction called combustion. ... Fire extinguishers apply an agent that will cool burning fuel or restrict or remove oxygen so the fire cannot continue to burn .
How does fire extinguisher affect chemical reactions?
Carbon dioxide is a compressed gas agent that prevents combustion by displacing the oxygen in the air surrounding the fire. ... Most dry chemical extinguishers use stored pressure to discharge the agent, and the fire is extinguished mainly by the interruption of the combustion chain reaction.
How does a fire extinguisher work chemistry?
Most fire extinguishers work by separating the fuel from the oxygen . The oxygen comes from the air. It is the same oxygen we breathe. Since the oxygen has to be in contact with the fuel, if you can coat the fuel with something that keeps the oxygen away, the fire will go out.
What are the disadvantages of fire extinguisher?
- should not be used in confined spaces as it is an asphyxiant gas.
- has limited cooling properties.
- offers no protection against reignition.
- a non insulated horn can cause frost burn if the user touches it when in use.
- other types of extinguishers will still be required for other types of fires.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of fire extinguisher?
- They’re portable. Portable means easy enough to move around. ...
- They’re better for the environment. Not only does smoke in the air hurt our lungs and make the air unpleasant to breathe. ...
- They save lives. Property fires kill millions of people around the world each year.
Can water make fire worse?
Never try to extinguish a grease fire with water. Water can cause burning grease to splash, which can make the fire spread. Similarly, it is also dangerous to move a pan or pot of burning oil. ... This can cause injury or make the fire spread.
How do you release the pressure from a fire extinguisher?
Release any pressure contained in the canister by shooting a small amount into an open area . Let the canister sit for a few days, making sure the pressure has been released. Once there is no longer any pressure, dispose in a trash bag in your regular garbage.
When should you not use a dry powder fire extinguisher?
A dry powder fire extinguisher is not to be used in any of the following situations: Class F fires ; cooking fires, such as chip pan fires. Fires that are in enclosed spaces. Fires that involve electrical equipment which is over 1000v.
What kind of fires is ABC extinguisher not good for?
3. What kinds of fires is a B:C extinguisher not good for? Wood, paper and cloth .
How do I know if my fire extinguisher is still good?
Most fire extinguishers come with a pressure gauge that indicates the pressure level of the internal contents. If the gauge needle falls too low (you can tell if it is outside the green zone on the gauge), you know it’s time to replace your extinguisher.
What is a disadvantage of dry chemical fire extinguishers?
Thoughtless use may lead to the powder causing more damage than the fire itself , using dry powder fire extinguishers in kitchens or offices as powder can contaminate food and inhibit the use of electrical components such as keyboards if discharged.
When should you not use a CO2 fire extinguisher?
When Would It Be Dangerous to Use a Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher? Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, when used in the right circumstances can save lives. However, it would be dangerous to use a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher when dealing with flammable gases, cooking oils and fats , or in a confined space.
What is the advantage of ABC fire extinguisher?
ABC Fire Extinguishers are very versatile. They are often the ideal choice being that they are able to extinguish all different types of fires . ABC Fire Extinguishers contain monoammonium phosphate, a dry chemical, that is able to quickly extinguish the fire.
What fire Cannot be put out by water?
Water does not extinguish Class B fires and can spread the flammable liquid, making it worse. You must only put out these fires with powder, foam, or carbon dioxide extinguishers to cut off the fire’s oxygen supply. ... You therefore, cannot use water on these fires and can only use a dry powder extinguisher.
What 3 things make a fire?
Oxygen, heat, and fuel are frequently referred to as the “fire triangle.” Add in the fourth element, the chemical reaction, and you actually have a fire “tetrahedron.” The important thing to remember is: take any of these four things away, and you will not have a fire or the fire will be extinguished.
Will water put out a fire?
Water cools and smothers the fire at the same time . It cools it so much that it can’t burn anymore, and it smothers it so that it can’t make any more of the oxygen in the air explode. You can also put out a fire by smothering it with dirt, sand, or any other covering that cuts the fire off from its oxygen source.
