Have you ever wondered what could happen with the pin and handle? They’re very simple in design, but fire extinguishers have been saving lives and property for more than 200 years.
The Fire Triangle
For fire to live, it requires three things: heat, fuel and oxygen. Remove any one of these three and the fire goes out. Fire extinguishers are designed to disrupt this triangle in different ways, depending on the kind of fire.
The Mechanics
A canister of fire-fighting chemicals is housed within each extinguishing unit. When you pull the pin and squeeze the handle, that activates a valve to permit pressurised gas to flow through the nozzle at speed carrying with it fire extinguisher chemicals.
Different Types, Different Actions
Water extinguishers act by cooling burning materials to below their ignition temperature, thus taking the heat out of fire. Foam extinguishers do this by creating a film between the fuel and oxygen, smothering the fire. Carbon dioxide extinguishers suffocate the fire by depriving it of oxygen, and dry chemical extinguishers work to stop the chemical reaction that allows combustion to continue.
The PASS Method
Pass: Pull the pin, Aim at flame or fire base, Squeeze handle, Sweeping along the fire. By focusing on the fuel source, rather than visible flames this method is one that guarantees maximum effectiveness. For P50 Foam Extinguishers, contact https://www.lsfiresolutions.co.uk/fire-extinguishers/ecoextinguishers/p50/
Pressure is Key
It has to be pressurised – that is a must. Without that pressure the extinguishing agent cannot reach critical areas of high temperature therefore it will not have an immediate effect on fire. This is a reason you will need pressure testing carried out in order for your fire extinguisher to remain dependable.
Learn more in-depth details about how these devices function which are important when time is of the essence and you need to be as efficient with them as possible.