Fire extinguisher
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Fire Extinguisher
A Fire Extinguisher (/faɪər ɪkˈstɪŋɡwɪʃər/) is a portable device that discharges a jet of water, foam, gas, or other material to extinguish a fire.
Etymology
The term "Fire Extinguisher" originates from the Latin "extinguere", meaning "to quench" or "put out".
Types of Fire Extinguishers
There are several types of fire extinguishers, each designed to extinguish specific types of fires:
- Water Extinguishers: Used for Class A fires (combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth)
- Foam Extinguishers: Used for Class A and B fires (flammable liquids)
- Dry Chemical Extinguishers: Used for Class A, B, and C fires (electrical equipment)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers: Used for Class B and C fires
- Wet Chemical Extinguishers: Used for Class K fires (cooking oils and fats)
Usage
Fire extinguishers are used by first removing the safety pin, then aiming at the base of the fire, squeezing the lever, and sweeping the nozzle from side to side.
Related Terms
- Fire Safety: The set of practices intended to reduce the destruction caused by fire
- Fire Class: A system of categorizing fires based on the type of material ignited
- Fire Suppression: The act of extinguishing fires to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public
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