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Choosing the correct fire extinguisher types is one of the most important fire safety decisions a landlord, employer or Responsible Person can make. Using the wrong extinguisher can make a fire worse, create additional hazards, or leave people unprotected.
This detailed guide explains the main types of fire extinguishers used in the UK, their colour coding under BS EN 3, which fire classes they cover, and how to select the right ones for offices, HMOs, blocks of flats, commercial kitchens and other premises.
Before looking at extinguisher types, you need to understand the fire classes defined under British and European standards:
Matching the extinguisher to the fire class is essential.
All modern UK fire extinguishers have a predominantly red body (at least 95% signal red). A coloured band or panel identifies the type of extinguishing agent:
| Colour Band / Label | Extinguisher Type | Main Fire Classes |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Water | Class A |
| Cream | Foam | Class A & B |
| Black | Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) | Class B & Electrical |
| Blue | Dry Powder | Class A, B, C & Electrical |
| Yellow | Wet Chemical | Class F (and often Class A) |
This standardised colour coding makes it easier to select the correct extinguisher quickly in an emergency.
Best for: Class A fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper, textiles and cardboard.
How they work: Water cools the burning material below its ignition temperature.
Advantages: Simple, inexpensive and environmentally friendly.
Limitations / Do not use on:
Common locations: Offices, corridors, storage areas, schools and general commercial premises with mainly solid combustible risks.
Best for: Class A and Class B fires (solids and flammable liquids).
How they work: The foam forms a blanket over the burning liquid, cutting off oxygen and providing a cooling effect.
Advantages: Versatile for mixed solid and liquid risks. More effective on flammable liquids than water.
Limitations / Do not use on:
Common locations: Workshops, garages, warehouses, offices with some liquid risks, and general commercial buildings.
Note: Traditional AFFF foams containing certain PFAS chemicals have faced restrictions. Always check current product specifications.
Best for: Class B fires and electrical fires.
How they work: CO₂ displaces oxygen and cools the fire. It leaves no residue, making it ideal for sensitive equipment.
Advantages: Clean agent – no mess or damage to electrical equipment or documents.
Limitations / Do not use on:
Common locations: Server rooms, offices with computers and electrical panels, switch rooms, and near electrical equipment.
Best for: Class A, B and C fires, plus electrical fires. Often called multi-purpose or ABC powder extinguishers.
How they work: The powder interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire.
Advantages: Highly versatile and effective on a wide range of fires, including flammable gases.
Limitations / Do not use on:
Common locations: Workshops, outdoor areas, vehicles, industrial sites and places with mixed or higher risks. Use indoors with caution.
Specialist Class D powders are available for combustible metal fires.
Best for: Class F fires involving cooking oils and fats. Many also carry a Class A rating.
How they work: The wet chemical reacts with the hot oil to form a soapy layer that cools and smothers the fire, preventing re-ignition.
Advantages: Specifically designed for deep-fat fryer and commercial kitchen fires.
Limitations / Do not use on:
Common locations: Commercial kitchens, restaurants, takeaways, care homes and any premises with deep-fat fryers.
| Type | Colour Band | Suitable For | Not Suitable For | Typical Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Red | Class A | Electrical, liquids, oils | Offices, corridors, storage |
| Foam | Cream | Class A & B | Electrical, Class F | Workshops, garages, mixed areas |
| CO₂ | Black | Class B & Electrical | Class A (deep), Class F | Server rooms, offices, electrics |
| Dry Powder | Blue | Class A, B, C & Electrical | Enclosed spaces, Class F | Workshops, vehicles, outdoor |
| Wet Chemical | Yellow | Class F (often + A) | Most electrical & gas fires | Commercial kitchens |
The correct provision of fire extinguishers must be based on a suitable and sufficient Fire Risk Assessment. Factors include:
A typical office might need water or foam extinguishers for Class A risks plus CO₂ near electrical equipment. A commercial kitchen requires wet chemical extinguishers. An HMO or block of flats needs a risk-based mix covering common parts and any higher-risk areas.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must provide suitable fire-fighting equipment and keep it in efficient working order.
Key requirements include:
Records of checks and servicing should be kept as evidence of compliance.
At Fire Safety Risk Assessment, the correct type, number and location of fire extinguishers form part of every Fire Risk Assessment. We identify the fire risks in your premises (offices, HMOs, blocks of flats, commercial buildings) and recommend the appropriate extinguisher types based on current standards and guidance.
Related reading on our site:
Understanding fire extinguisher types and their correct uses is essential for effective fire safety. The right extinguisher in the right place can stop a small fire becoming a major incident. The wrong one can make the situation far more dangerous.
If you are unsure whether your current extinguishers match the risks in your building, or if your Fire Risk Assessment needs updating, a professional assessment will give you clear, practical recommendations.
Need a Fire Risk Assessment that includes the correct fire extinguisher provision?
Contact Fire Safety Risk Assessment today for expert advice tailored to your premises.
Trusted Fire Risk Assessment specialists serving Birmingham, Manchester, West Midlands, Warrington, and across the UK. FSRA provides fully compliant Fire Risk Assessments, Asbestos Surveys, and Legionella Risk Assessments to help businesses and landlords protect people, property, and meet legal obligations.