What is a dry powder fire extinguisher used for?

A dry powder fire extinguisher is an extremely versatile extinguisher choice since it can be used on almost all fire types. That being said, it is not recommended to use a dry powder fire extinguisher in an enclosed space.

These fire extinguishers fall into one of the following types:

1. Standard dry powder fire extinguishers
2. Specialist dry powder fire extinguishers

ContentsWhere Can Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers Be Used?

A dry powder fire extinguisher can be used in a large variety of situations, these are as follows:

Use of a standard dry powder fire extinguisher:

• Class A fires; fires that involve flammable solids like textiles, paper, and wood
• Class B fires; fires that involve flammable liquids, for example, paint, diesel, and petrol
• Class C fires; fires that involve flammable gases, for instance, butane or methane
• Electrical fires where the electrical equipment is up to a maximum of 1000v

Use of a specialist dry powder fire extinguisher:

• L2 powder extinguishers (and only this type) can be used for fires that involve lithium
• M28 powder extinguishers (and only this type) can be used for fires involving all remaining flammable metals

Where Can Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers Not Be Used?

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
• Fires that involve flammable metals (with the exception of specialist dry powder fire extinguishers)

How Do You Identify a Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher?

A dry powder fire extinguisher can be identified by using the following:

• There will be a BLUE-coloured label which will read – POWDER
• It should have an ID sign nearby which will read – POWDER EXTINGUISHER

What Are Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers Also Known As?

A dry powder fire extinguisher can also be known by one of the following names:

• Dry chemical fire extinguisher
• ABC fire extinguisher
• Multi-purpose fire extinguisher

How Do Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers Work?

A dry powder fire extinguisher forms a barrier that separates the oxygen source and the fire. Hence the fire is smothered.

Since this type of fire extinguisher does not actually cool the fire, a small chance of re-ignition exists.

What is a dry powder fire extinguisher used for?

There are just two types of dry powder fire extinguishers available: standard and specialist. Standard dry powder extinguishers can extinguish almost any type of fire. Specialist dry powder extinguishers are for certain types of metal fires. However, because of the dispersal of powder, it’s important not to use them in enclosed spaces.

Dry powder extinguishers can also be known as ABC fire extinguishers, multi-purpose extinguishers or dry chemical extinguishers.

Standard dry powder extinguishers can be used on:

Class A fires – combustible materials: caused by flammable solids, such as wood, paper, and textiles

Class B fires – flammable liquids: such as petrol, paint or spirits

Class C fires – flammable gases: like propane and butane

Electrical fires – electrical equipment: such as computers and photocopiers

Specialist dry powder extinguishers can be used on:

Flammable metal fires: such as lithium (L2 powder extinguishers only)

All other flammable metal fires: (M28 powder extinguishers only)

Dry powder extinguishers should never be used on the following fire types:

Class F fires – cooking oils: such as olive oil or butter. Typically a chip-pan fire

Electrical fires: if the voltage exceeds 1000v

Flammable metal fires: unless it’s a specialist dry powder extinguisher

Identifying a Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher

Dry powder fire extinguishers have a blue coloured label stating ‘DRY POWDER’. It should also have a sign above or next to the extinguisher that states ‘Powder Extinguisher’.