What Is a Fire Extinguisher?

1. What Is a Fire Extinguisher?

A fire extinguisher is a portable device that contains an extinguishing agent designed to control or extinguish a fire. Depending on the type, the agent may work by cooling the burning material, separating the fuel from oxygen, or interrupting the chemical reaction that sustains combustion.

Fire extinguishers are designed for specific fire classes. Selecting the correct extinguisher is important because not every extinguisher is suitable for every type of fire.

Main Components of a Fire Extinguisher

A typical portable fire extinguisher may include:

• Safety pin

• Operating handle

• Pressure gauge (where applicable)

• Discharge hose or nozzle

• Extinguishing agent

• Cylinder

• Safety seal

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