With so many fire extinguishers to choose from choosing the right one for your home can be a daunting task.  Everyone should have at least one fire extinguisher in their home, but it's important to ensure that you have the proper type of fire extinguisher.  Fire protection experts recommend one for the kitchen, garage and workshop.

Fire extinguishers are divided into 4 different categories, based on the different type of fires.  Each fire extinguisher also has a numericial rating to serve as a guide at to the size of fire it is adequate in tackling.  The higher the number the more fire fighting power the extinguisher has.  The following is a quick guide to the type of extinguishers available.



These fires contain flammable solid material, such as paper and wood.  The types are fire extinguishers which are capable of tackling these fires are water, foam and powder extinguishers.


These fires contain flammable liquids, such as petrol and oil etc.  Suitable extinguishers to tackle these type of fires are foam, powder and some carbon dioxide extinguishers.



These fires contain flammable gases, such as butane etc.  Suitable extinguishers for these fires are Powder extinguishers.



These are fires on electrical equipment.  Water and Foam extinguishers should be used on these types of fires, as they may lead to electrocution.  Suitable extinguishers for these types of fires are carbon dioxide extinguishers and powder extinguishers.