Everything you need to know about ABC Fire Extinguishers.

What is an ABC Fire Extinguisher? 

An ABC fire extinguisher is a multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher that can be used on Class A, B, and C fires. Their ability to work in a variety of situations makes them great choices for homes and offices. These extinguishers can handle fires involving: 

• Ordinary combustibles (Class A) 
• Flammable liquids (Class B) 
• Energized electrical equipment (Class C) 

They use a pressurized monoammonium phosphate dry chemical to smother fires. The pale-yellow powder coats the flames, cutting off their oxygen supply and stopping the fire. 

Where Should an ABC Fire Extinguisher Be Placed? 

When deciding where to place your dry chemical fire extinguisher consider three important things, visibility, accessibility, and fire risk: 

• Visibility: Ensure the extinguisher is easy to see or has a sign pointing to its location. 
• Accessibility: It should be easy to access, located along a normal path of travel and within reach, ideally on the way to an exit. 
• Fire Risk: Place extinguishers in areas more prone to fires, such as kitchens or garages. 

How Do You Store a Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher? 

Store these fire extinguishers in a cool, dry place. They are best kept between temperatures of –40° and 120° degrees Fahrenheit. Low temperatures can damage the extinguisher and high temperatures can negatively affect its lifespan and discharge time.  

You can keep your extinguisher on a countertop for easy access or mount it on a wall using a bracket. Fire extinguisher cabinets are also available to keep them in view but less accessible to prevent theft or accidental discharge by children. 

How Do You Use an ABC Fire Extinguisher? 

To use a dry chemical fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS: 

• P – Pull the pin 
• A – Aim the hose at the source of the fire 
• S – Squeeze the trigger 
• S – Sweep side to side 

How Do You Clean the Residue from a Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher? 

After extinguishing a fire, clean up any residue left by the ABC fire extinguisher. The dry chemical can be irritating to the skin and eyes, so wear gloves and protective clothing if possible: 

• Wet sweep the residue or carefully vacuum the dust. 
• For stubborn spots, use a cleaning paste made of equal parts baking soda and water. 
• If the residue is on or near electrical components, use electrical contact cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. 

By following these guidelines, you can effectively use and maintain an ABC fire extinguisher.