Which Fire Extinguisher Do You Need? A Complete Guide for UK Businesses
Water, CO2, foam, powder or wet chemical — choosing the wrong type could make a fire worse. This guide explains which extinguisher is right for each fire class and business type.
Fire Classes Explained
UK fire extinguishers are rated against fire classes: Class A (solid materials like wood and paper), Class B (flammable liquids), Class C (flammable gases), Class D (metals), Class F (cooking oils and fats), and electrical fires (not a class, but a specific hazard).
Water Extinguishers (Red)
Suitable for: Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles). Not suitable for: electrical equipment, flammable liquids, cooking oils. Water extinguishers are the most common type for offices and general commercial areas.
CO2 Extinguishers (Black band)
Suitable for: electrical fires, Class B fires (flammable liquids). Not suitable for: Class A fires, cooking oils. CO2 extinguishers are essential wherever electrical equipment is present — server rooms, offices, kitchens.
Foam Extinguishers (Cream band)
Suitable for: Class A and B fires. Not suitable for: electrical equipment (unless rated for it), Class F fires. A versatile option for mixed environments.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers (Yellow band)
Suitable for: Class F fires (cooking oils and fats). Essential in commercial kitchens. These are the only extinguisher type safe and effective on deep fat fryer fires.
How Many Do You Need?
BS 5306-8 provides guidance on the number and placement of extinguishers. As a general rule, commercial premises require at least two extinguishers per floor, with one CO2 for every electrical hazard area. FireJet can carry out a survey and recommend the correct provision for your premises.
4.9★ Google Rated
247 REVIEWS
BAFE Accredited
INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED
24hr Response
SAME-DAY CALL-OUT
12,000+ Inspections
COMPLETED
Need Help with Fire Safety Compliance?
FireJet covers the Northwest of England. Get a free, no-obligation quote today — our engineers respond within 24 hours.
Request a Callback
Fill in the form — we'll call you back within 24 hours.