Which class extinguisher is designed for ordinary combustibles?

Which class extinguisher is designed for ordinary combustibles?

• A. Class B
• B. Class A
• C. Class C
• D. Class D

Answer: (B)

Fires are managed by matching the extinguisher to the fuel involved, focusing on how the extinguisher works. For ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles, the priority is cooling the fuel below its ignition temperature. Class A extinguishers are designed to do exactly that, usually with water or foam to absorb heat and stop the flame from continuing. This makes them the appropriate choice for fires involving ordinary combustibles. They aren’t suitable for energized electrical fires, flammable liquids, or metal fires, which require different extinguishing methods.

Fires are managed by matching the extinguisher to the fuel involved, focusing on how the extinguisher works. For ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles, the priority is cooling the fuel below its ignition temperature. Class A extinguishers are designed to do exactly that, usually with water or foam to absorb heat and stop the flame from continuing. This makes them the appropriate choice for fires involving ordinary combustibles. They aren’t suitable for energized electrical fires, flammable liquids, or metal fires, which require different extinguishing methods.