Fire Extinguishers: Comprehensive Guide to Classes, Standards, and Industrial Placement
Safety Compliance Cell, Tulsi Fires•2024-05-02•5 min read
### Fire Classes & Extinguishing Agents in India
Under Indian Standards **IS 15683** and **IS 2190**, fires are classified based on the nature of the combustible fuel:
1. **Class A Fires (Solid Combustibles):** Wood, paper, textiles, rubber, and plastics.
- *Extinguishing Agent:* Stored Pressure Water or ABC Multipurpose Dry Chemical Powder.
2. **Class B Fires (Flammable Liquids):** Petrol, diesel, kerosene, solvents, paints, and oils.
- *Extinguishing Agent:* Mechanical Foam (AFFF) or ABC Dry Chemical Powder.
3. **Class C Fires (Flammable Gases):** LPG, CNG, acetylene, methane, and butane.
- *Extinguishing Agent:* Dry Chemical Powder (MAP based) or Clean Agent.
4. **Class D Fires (Combustible Metals):** Magnesium, titanium, sodium, and potassium.
- *Extinguishing Agent:* Special TEC (Ternary Eutectic Chloride) dry powder.
5. **Electrical Equipment Hazards:** Servers, switchgears, transformers, and electrical panels.
- *Extinguishing Agent:* Carbon Dioxide (CO2) or Clean Gas (HFC-227ea / FK-5-1-12) to prevent residue damage.
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Maintenance & Hydrostatic Testing Norms
- **Monthly Visual Inspection:** Ensure the pressure gauge needle is resting firmly in the green operating zone (12–15 bar) and safety pin/tamper seal is intact. - **Annual Maintenance:** Check powder fluidity, discharge nozzle cleanliness, and hose flexibility. - **Hydrostatic Pressure Test (Every 3 to 5 Years):** Cylinders must be tested to 35 bar (dry powder/foam) or 250 bar (CO2) to verify vessel wall integrity.
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