Modern Developments in Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguisher technology is always developing in new ways, with designers seeking a faster and more efficient way to put out fires and keep people safe. From automatic fire extinguishers to clean agent devices that have less of an environmental impact, fire suppressant technology has advanced greatly in the 21st century. Here’s a breakdown of the types of extinguishers available in the modern-day and information as to whether you should consider a purchase.

Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers

Clean agent devices such as Ansul’s FE-36 fire extinguisher are designed with delicate electronics in mind. Represented by models such as the FE-36 extinguisher and the Cleanguard extinguisher, these devices spray a liquid that evaporates quickly to a gas when it reaches its flashpoint. This means that the extinguishing chemicals smother the fire but don’t leave surfaces wet. This reduces the risk of damage to electronics and negates the chance that you might wind up getting shocked by liquid contract with electricity. A clean agent fire extinguisher is an excellent choice to protect server rooms, data centers, and other areas with sensitive electronic equipment. They can also be used to handle vehicle fires, as they extinguish the flames without damage to the engine or control panels.

Automatic Fire Extinguishers

Automatic fire extinguishers function without the need for human interaction. When a set circumstance occurs, such as the temperature reaching the point where a fire must be going on, the extinguisher goes off automatically. The classic example of an automatic fire suppression system is a sprinkler, but modern extinguishers often use a chemical mixture rather than water to douse flames. High-quality suppression systems, such as the FM200 extinguisher, use clean agents that won’t further damage electronics or furniture. Historically, the automatic fire extinguisher price has been high, but the cost has come down in recent years as technology has become more affordable.

Water Mist Extinguishers

While most people rely on ABC class fire extinguishers, a water mist extinguisher specializes in class A fires that have a risk of an electrical hazard. This type of extinguisher has a specialized misting nozzle that creates water droplets to suppress a fire without creating a risk of an electrical discharge. Because there is no direct current between the fire and the person using the extinguisher, there is no risk of shock. Furthermore, the mist droplets created by this type of extinguisher evaporate immediately after suppressing the fire, thus leaving electronics that might have been at risk completely dry. Note that a water mist extinguisher is specifically for class A fires near electronics and should not replace extinguishers that can handle class B fires as well.

Fire extinguisher technology will continue to advance, with new technologies always aiming to protect people and properly in the most affordable and efficient manner possible. The more you know about the different kinds of extinguishers out there, the better educated you can be when it comes to making a purchase. This will allow you to protect your home or workplace much more effectively.

Check out: Which Fire Suppression System is the Best for your Business Entity?