Fire extinguishers are usually handheld pressurized units containing a firefighting agent, like water, foam or a chemical. Fire extinguishers are typically marked to fight four different types of fires: a Type A fire is composed of ordinary combustible materials such as wood or paper; Type B involves flammable liquids such as gasoline or grease; Type C involves electrical equipment such as appliances or circuit breakers; and Type D is for combustible chemicals or metals and is typically found in industrial facilities or chemical laboratories. Type K fires usually involve cooking oils or greases, and can be extinguished with type B or C fire extinguishers.
Typical costs:
A home single-use fire extinguisher that is capable of fighting A, B or C type fires costs $15-$20. For example, Home Depot sells the Kidde single-use fire extinguisher[1] for $18.
Multi-use home and office fire extinguishers typically cost $35-$75. First Alert's heavy duty rechargeable fire extinguisher[2] costs $60.
Some fire extinguishers are designed for specific areas such as the kitchen or in the car. Typically, fire extinguishers for the kitchen or car are single-use and cost $10-$20. The Great Hardware Store, an Indiana-based retailer, sells a kitchen extinguisher[3] for $16. An automotive extinguisher[4] is $14.
Industrial fire extinguishers, which often are capable of putting out A, B, C and D type fires, cost $300-$800. The tanks of these fire extinguishers are often colored yellow, rather than the traditional red, to indicate the ability to put out D-type fires. DrillSpot.com sells a Buckeye Class D extinguisher[5] for about $450.
Fire sprays, also called aerosol extinguishers, cost $15-$25 apiece, but have received negative reviews[6] from Consumer Reports. First Alert sells a two-pack of Tundra Fire Extinguishing Spray[7] for $30.
Most fire extinguishers include a pressure gauge, a rating sticker defining what types of fires it can fight, a UL Listed mark indicating it meets stringent safety guideline, and a plastic (single-use) or metal (rechargeable) valve and head. Some manufacturers offer warranties of 10-12 years.
Fire extinguishers generally need to be inspected at least once a year. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors provides information on fire extinguisher maintenance and inspection[8] .
Additional costs:
Refilling or recharging a fire extinguisher can usually be done by a local fire station. If they don't provide the service, they will know who does. Refilling a fire extinguisher typically costs $15-$20.
Wall mounts for fire extinguishers cost $5-$100. DrillSpot.com sells a strap bracket[9] for about $8. A wall-mounted cabinet[10] at Home Depot costs $77.
Fire extinguisher signs cost about $3-$15. Amazon has a selection of fire extinguisher placement signs[11] .
Shopping for a fire extinguisher:
Look for the UL Listed mark[12] on the fire extinguisher, which means it meets the highest standards for safety and performance.
Kidde, a fire extinguisher manufacturer, provides tips on selecting a fire extinguisher for the home[13] or office[14] .
ConsumerSearch.com provides reviews[15] of two popular fire extinguishers and what to look for when buying one.
The Fire Equipment Manufacturers Association provides useful guides including how to use a portable fire extinguisher[16] and how to inspect and maintain a fire extinguisher[17] .
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