Can I use a BC fire extinguisher for all fires?

Question

I bought a fire extinguisher to keep in my kitchen. It does say "kitchen" on the package. Now I read that for wood/paper, etc. fires, you need an ABC. Won't this one also work on those? Why not? I would like one that works on all fires. Do I need to take it back?

Answer 1

There are actually 4 types of fires, Alpha, Beta, Charlie, and Delta. Alpha also known as class A fires include normal combustables such as wood and paper. Bravo fires or class B fires are fuel or gas fires in which a accelerant is involved such as oil, gasoline, or propane, Charlie or class C fires are electrical fires and only stay class C fires as long as power is supplied to the fire site, once power is removed these become class A fires. Delta fires or class D fires are special materials fires usually combustable metals such as magnesium or certain titanium alloys.

The extinguisher you have is probably a dry chemical extinguisher and because of this it will not smother the hot embers from a wood or paper fire and only put out the flames, if embers become hot enough they can and have in the past restarted fires, this is why an all purpose extinguisher is probably a good idea, see if you can aquire a PKP extinguisher (Potassium Bicarbonate) these are good for all three main fire types common with kitchen fires and although when discharged they can damage electronic devices (corrosive to metals) it is much better then yoru house burning down.

Answer 2

Bc Fire Extinguisher

Answer 3

Wood Paper Fire Extinguisher

Answer 4

The problem with a BC extinguisher that will take care of grease fires and is safe with electricity is that it is too small to take care of a wastebasket or similar fire and the way the chemical comes out it tends to scatter the burning stuff so you need more capacity. If you go back to shopping, you will find that the numbers will be like 1A3BC which means it has the lowest rating for A but 3 times the rating for B&C and will be bigger.
If you can keep track of it, you should be able to put out most paper fires with a glass or pot of water. Burning paper with grease on it or in a pan of grease needs the B type and the paper should not be blown around because of the weight of the grease.
You will have to decide about taking it back.

Answer 5

I would only have the ABC rated extinguisher because that puts out all common household fires. The BC works fine in the kitchen where you might have a stove or grease fire. You really need the A rating for regular wood and paper fires.
The kitchen is the place where most fires start. I would have one there and one near the bedrooms and garage.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You. RE: Fire extinguishers.... ABC vs a 5 -BC? I am starting a daycare and the fire inspector requires a ABC fire extinguisher... Before I knew that I ordered a 5BC does that cover the "A" part or do I have to reorder?

Answer 7

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can I use a BC fire extinguisher for all fires?
I bought a fire extinguisher to keep in my kitchen. It does say "kitchen" on the package. Now I read that for wood/paper, etc. fires, you need an ABC. Won't this one also work on those? Why not? I would like one that works on all fires. Do I need to take it back?

Answer 8

I would take it back because bc is only gonna cover a few fires any fire department will recommend an abc fire extinguisher. They are the best.

Answer 9

Your BC extinguisher is good for liquid or electrical fires. It will help, but it is not the answer for A class (wood, paper) fires.

Take it back and get and ABC and you will be covered.

Answer 10

* Class A fires are ordinary materials like burning paper, lumber, cardboard, plastics etc.

* Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, and common organic solvents used in the laboratory.

* Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, such as appliances, switches, panel boxes, power tools, hot plates and stirrers. Water can be a dangerous extinguishing medium for class C fires because of the risk of electrical shock unless a specialized water mist extinguisher is used.

* Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium as well as pyrophoric organometallic reagents such as alkyllithiums, Grignards and diethylzinc. These materials burn at high temperatures and will react violently with water, air, and/or other chemicals. Handle with care!!

* Class K fires are kitchen fires. This class was added to the NFPA portable extinguishers Standard 10 in 1998. Kitchen extinguishers installed before June 30, 1998 are "grandfathered" into the standard.