Fire extinguishers are one of the most visible (and important) parts of any fire safety setup—but not all extinguishers are the same.
Using the wrong type of extinguisher can be dangerous, and in some cases, make a fire worse.
Whether you manage a shop in Farnborough, a workshop in Reading, a flat in Camberley, or an office in Guildford, understanding the different types of fire extinguishers and what they’re designed for is essential.
Let’s take a look at the main types of fire extinguishers used in the UK, what each one is for, and where you’re most likely to need them.
🔴 Water (Red Label)
Use for:
- Class A fires – these involve solid combustibles like wood, paper, textiles, cardboard, and furniture.
Don’t use on:
- Electrical fires
- Flammable liquids
- Cooking oils or fats
Common locations:
- Offices
- Schools
- Retail spaces
- Public buildings
Key point:
Water extinguishers cool the fire and remove heat. They’re ideal for areas with lots of paper or soft furnishings.
🌫 Foam (Cream Label)
Use for:
- Class A fires – solids like paper or wood
- Class B fires – flammable liquids like petrol, paints, and solvents
Don’t use on:
- Electrical fires (unless specifically marked as safe)
- Cooking oils or deep fat fryers
Common locations:
- Shops
- Garages
- Offices with fuel or paint storage
Key point:
Foam extinguishers smother the fire and prevent re-ignition. A good multi-use option for many commercial premises.
🔵 Dry Powder (Blue Label)
Also called ABC powder extinguishers.
Use for:
- Class A (solids), Class B (liquids), and Class C (flammable gases like propane or butane)
- Electrical fires (up to 1000V)
Don’t use in:
- Confined indoor spaces – the powder is messy and can affect breathing and visibility
Common locations:
- Workshops
- Petrol stations
- Car parks
- Industrial sites
Key point:
Powder is versatile but can be disruptive indoors. Best used in outdoor or higher-risk environments.
⚫ CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide – Black Label)
Use for:
- Electrical fires
- Class B fires – flammable liquids
Don’t use on:
- Class A fires (they can re-ignite)
- Cooking oil fires
Common locations:
- Server rooms
- Offices
- Electrical cabinets
- Kitchens (as secondary protection)
Key point:
CO₂ displaces oxygen to smother the fire and doesn’t leave residue—great for electrical risks.
🟡 Wet Chemical (Yellow Label)
Use for:
- Class F fires – cooking oils and fats (deep fat fryers, commercial kitchens)
- Can also be used on Class A fires
Don’t use on:
- Electrical fires
- Flammable liquids
Common locations:
- Restaurants
- Takeaways
- School and workplace kitchens
- Mobile catering units
Key point:
This is the only extinguisher specifically designed for hot oil fires.
It cools and forms a seal to stop re-ignition.
Matching the Extinguisher to the Risk
Every premises is different, which is why it’s important to carry out a fire risk assessment and ensure the right types of extinguishers are installed in the right locations.
You should also ensure they are:
- Clearly labelled and easy to identify
- Properly mounted and accessible
- Within the required travel distance (usually no more than 30m away)
- Serviced annually and recorded in your fire safety logbook
Not sure what types you need? That’s where we come in.
Final Thoughts
Understanding fire extinguisher types and uses isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for legal compliance and real-world fire safety.
✅ Water – for paper and soft furnishings
✅ Foam – for solids and flammable liquids
✅ Powder – for multiple risks and outdoor use
✅ CO₂ – for electrical and liquid fires
✅ Wet Chemical – for kitchens and oil fires
Need help choosing, installing, or servicing the right extinguishers for your premises?
Contact ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections today. We help businesses, landlords, and property managers across Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire stay compliant, protected, and prepared.
