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

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.