You never know when an emergency might occur. One of the most common emergencies experienced by people in their home is the outbreak of a fire. You can protect yourself and your family from the threat of fire by investing in a home fire extinguisher. Below are two things you should consider when buying a fire extinguisher for your home.

The Type of Fire and Extinguisher 

Not all fire extinguishers are the same. Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different kinds of fire. There are four classes of fire:

• Class A: Everyday, combustible material such as clothing, paper and wood
• Class B: Flammable liquid such as petrol, paint and oil
• Class C: Electrical equipment such as wiring, circuits and appliances
• Class D: Combustible metal such as sodium or magnesium

Fire extinguishers contain different materials to fight these various types of fire. For example, a standard water extinguisher is suitable for fighting a class A fire. However, it would not be appropriate for fighting a class B, C or D fire. 

Adding water to a burning liquid or combusting metal can cause the fire to spread at a greater speed, while spraying water onto an electrical outlet is obviously a bad idea. Fire extinguishers which contain powder are used to combat burning liquids and combustible metals. The powder coating clings to the surface of the liquid or metal and prevents air from reaching the fire. 

For electrical fires, it is recommended that you use a CO2 fire extinguisher. The CO2 gas robs the fire of air while minimising the risk of electrical shock. 

A class A fire extinguisher is suitable for most homes. However, you may wish to invest in an extinguisher which can also tackle class B fires, so you can combat any fires which break out in the kitchen. Speak to a fire safety specialist for further advice about the best type of extinguisher for your home.

The Size and Lifespan of the Extinguisher 

While you may think that a larger extinguisher will be better than a smaller one, this isn't always the case. You should keep in mind that while you may be able to carry and operate a large extinguisher, other members of your family may not have your strength.

You should also consider if you wish to invest in a rechargeable or disposable extinguisher. Either type can fight a fire well, so this decision comes down to cost. While it may cost more to invest in a refillable fire extinguisher, it is cheaper to refill an extinguisher rather than buy another disposable unit. For more information about fire safety equipment, contact a fire safety specialist today.