Types of Fire Extinguishers in Singapore
Deploying the wrong fire extinguisher can spread flames or create an electrocution hazard. Under Singapore Standard SS 578 (Code of Practice for Use and Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers), extinguishers are categorized by their extinguishing medium and the specific fire classes they are tested to suppress.
Extinguisher Types & Fire Classes
1. AB Dry Powder Extinguisher
Fire Classes: Class A (combustible solids), Class B (flammable liquids), and safe on energized Electrical equipment.
How It Works: Discharges a fine chemical agent (monoammonium phosphate) that coats the fuel, interrupts the chemical combustion reaction, and smothers flames rapidly.
Best Used In: General offices, retail outlets, industrial workshops, and residential homes.
2. CO2 Fire Extinguishers
Fire Classes: Class B (flammable liquids) and live electrical equipment.
How It Works: Discharges pressurized CO2 gas to displace oxygen and provide rapid cooling without moisture.
Best Used In: Server rooms, data centers, electrical switchboard rooms, and laboratories. Leaves zero residue and will not damage delicate electronics.
3. Foam Fire Extinguisher
Fire Classes: Class A (solids) and Class B (flammable liquids).
How It Works: Generates an aqueous film blanket over the liquid surface, cutting off oxygen and suppressing flammable vapors to prevent re-ignition.
4. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher
Fire Classes: Class F (commercial cooking oils and deep-fryer fats) and Class A.
How It Works: Extinguishes via saponification—the chemical agent reacts with hot cooking oil to create a thick, soapy foam blanket that cuts off oxygen and cools the oil below its auto-ignition point.
Best Used In: Commercial kitchens, restaurants, and catering facilities.
5. Water Fire Extinguisher
Fire Classes: Class A only (wood, paper, textiles, packaging).
How It Works: Delivers high heat-absorption capacity to cool deep embers below burning temperature.
Caution: Never use on Class B liquid fires (causes violent splashing and fire spread) or electrical equipment (severe shock hazard).
6. Class D Fire Extinguisher
Fire Classes: Combustible metals (e.g., magnesium, titanium, aluminum shavings, potassium).
How It Works: Delivers specialized granular dry powder (such as sodium chloride or graphite agents) that smothers the metal and forms a heat-dissipating crust without reacting.
Best Used In: Metal machining facilities, aerospace workshops, and industrial manufacturing plants.
How to Select the Right Extinguisher for Your Premises
Under SS 578, the type, size, rating, and quantity of extinguishers required are determined by:
- The primary hazard classification (e.g., offices vs. commercial kitchens vs. chemical stores).
- Travel distance to the nearest unit (typically within 15 meters for Class A hazards).
- Floor area and occupant load.
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