Fire prevention systems are specifically designed to be used for certain purposes. People are commonly required to have systems like smoke detectors, sprinklers or fire extinguishers installed in their houses and workplaces. These simple safety standards are considered to be efficient and practical measures for preventing fires. Safety becomes a serious issue, however, under new, unexpected, or unfamiliar conditions. For example, what fire extinguisher types are appropriate for small spaces? What types of fire prevention equipment are suitable for unsupervised spaces, or spaces that often experience rising temperature?
Some areas in certain workplaces are not often supervised by human personnel, like switch rooms or machinery areas. These places are prone to fires and no one can ever really tell when a fire will break out. That’s why it’s crucial for people to be prepared for these unexpected situations at all times. An automatic fire extinguisher is ideal for these types of situations. This equipment is the most practical and the most efficient option for fire prevention. It provides the best solution for areas where fixed fire protection systems such as sprinklers and standpipes are considered ineffective.
There are two main types of automatic fire extinguishers available in the market. These are the FE36 gas and the powder type. The FE36 gas is a type of gas-based known for being the safest fire suppressant to use for electric fires. It is known to put out fires without leaving any messy residue. It is commonly used to protect sensitive electronic equipments, marine engine compartments, computer rooms and generating stations. The FE36 gas is not hazardous to the ozone layer, unlike the illegal chemical agent Halon which is quickly falling out of favor from many countries’ governments due to its harmful effects on the environment. The FE36 is generally used for Class B and Class C fires.
Fires classified as Class B involve flammable and combustible liquids and gasses, gasoline, oil, solvents, paint, tars and oil-based compounds. Class B spread quickly and there’s a high possibility of re-ignition after being extinguished, unless if the area is properly secured. Class C, on the other hand, involve electrical equipment such as motors, appliances, wiring, controls, outlets, circuit breakers and data processors. They can be caused by short circuits, a spark, or a power surge. These types of incidents commonly happen in areas that are hard to see and reach. The risk of electric shock is very high if water is used to put out Class C fires. The extinguishing agent to smother these should be non-conductive.
Powder types are more practical and affordable alternatives for homes and small business. Compared to the FE36, powder types are known to efficiently suppress fires in wider ranges. These types of equipment are available in different weights and sizes, ranging from 2lb to 20lb per cylinder, making it more practical for home and small business use.
For people who are concerned with safety from chemical and electrical fire hazard in unsupervised areas at home or in the workplace, they will find these types of automatic fire extinguishers indispensible.
