What is fire classification and performance rating and why is it so important?
The fire performance rating is a measurement established in Australian & New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1850:2009. The classification of a fire is based on the fuel and if live electrical equipment is present.
There are six classes of fire;
- Class A Carbenous Fire - Paper, Wood, Grass, Textiles
- Class B Flammable Oils and Liquids - Petrol, Paints, Solvents
- Class C Flammable Gases - LPG, Propane, Butane
- Class D Combustible Metals
- Class E Energised Electrical Equipment - Wiring Switchboards & Appliances
- Class F Cooking Oils, Fat & Waxes
The rating of a fire extinguisher is a measure of the relative performance of a fire extinguisher given its classification. The rating is a numerical system and indicates its capacity to extinguish a fire. Combined the performance rating is illustrated by an alpha-numeric system ie: 3A:60B:E that must be clearly shown on the side of every fire extinguisher and its retail packaging.
The number in the front of each letter indicates its relative performance level, where;
- the number indicates an increasing performance capability; and
- the letter illustrates the class of fire for which the extinguisher is effective.
An extensive review of portable fire extinguishers online found there are significant differences between fire extinguishers. We conducted a study of Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers with a capacity of 1.0Kg as an example and found the below
|
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
Relative Performance |
|
|
Firewize |
2 |
20 |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
★★★★ |
|
Advertiser 1 |
1 |
20 |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
★★★ |
|
Advertiser 2 |
1 |
10 |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
★ |
|
Advertiser 3 |
1 |
20 |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
★★★ |
|
Advertiser 4 |
1 |
20 |
- |
- |
1 |
- |
★★ |
Selecting the correct type of fire extinguisher for a particular use is based on statutory obligations and Australian Standards, and your specific requirements for the fire performance rating of a fire extinguisher.
Always check the performance rating of a fire extinguisher to ensure it is the right one for you.
Also in News
Best Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
A new addition to the dry powder fire extinguisher range with added performance: ABC(E) - Carbonaceous Fire, Flammable Liquid, Gas Fire and Electrical.
The new range of High Performance ABC(E) 4.5Kg dry powder fire extinguishers have an increased performance fire rating of 6A:80:C:E. With the High Performance ABC(E) 9.0Kg performance rating of 10A:80B:C:E.
Fire Extinguishers for the Home
Benefits over alternative fire extinguishers in the family home, include;
- Wide range of applications; including Class A, Class B and Class E fires.
- Not electrically conductive, making it ideal for fires involving live electrical equipment.
- A Dry Chemical Powder fire extinguisher is very economical.
- Depending on the capacity and rating of the fire extinguisher, a Dry Chemical Powder fire extinguisher is very versatile and can be used for small and large fires.
Hand Picked Fire Extinguishers, Blankets and Smoke Alarms
We created a list of products that we use in our own family homes. Our selection criteria includes quality, reliability, compliance, value, usage, reputation and support. Our product range has been hand picked to suit your family, home, caravan, car, and boat.
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