Powder Fire Extinguishers and the Appropriate Use

Powder fire extinguishers are really quite common. These are the fire extinguishers that can be readily found in homes, garages, and sheds, are relatively inexpensive to purchase, and have a host of uses that can save property and lives. A powder fire extinguisher is not appropriate for all types of fires. There are specific fires that respond well to a powder fire extinguisher and types of fires that simply don't. A powder that is one of four different chemical bases is packed into a highly pressurized canister and charged to expel at a high rate of psi.

The most common powder that is packed into these canisters is baking soda and starch. The baking soda and starch mixture that is stored inside the canister of a powder fire extinguisher is usually dyed in order for the user to see the areas which he or she has hit and those which have been missed. It also makes it more readily seen when it is time for clean up.

Baking soda and starch electrostatic powder coating paint fire extinguishers are best used on organically based fires. This means that they are appropriate for fires that are started from wood, paper, or dried plants. This type of powder fire extinguisher releases carbon dioxide to counteract the effects of oxygen on the flames.

Potassium bicarbonate is a powder fire extinguisher that is twice as effective on petrol fires than baking soda extinguishers. These are the fire extinguishers that can be found on airplanes. This is because it is the only packed canister that contains a compound that does not react to alcohol. These powder fire extinguishers are suitable for organic fires and those caused by flammable liquids.

Ammonium phosphate is the third type of packed compound in dry powder fire extinguishers. These are recommended for use on organic fires, flammable liquid fires, and fires that are based on flammable gases. The powder used in these extinguishers is expelled in the same form that they are stored. However, when the powder reaches a medium to high temperature, it melts and spreads itself over the base of the fire and deprives the flames of oxygen.