Home Safety
Kitchen fires have been a common problem in all homes, and the best way to combat these is with your trusted and handy fire extinguisher. However, how much is a fire extinguisher? It depends on which kind and for what use you are going for. In this article, you will learn the different types of fire extinguishers, their price range and other additional expenses in preparing a fireproof kitchen for your home safety. Read on.
The Types of Fire Extinguishers
Before we learn how much is a fire extinguisher, we need first to know the types of fire extinguishers that can combat fires. Here are the most common types of fire extinguishers you can familiarize with:
Water and Water with Additive Fire Extinguishers
These fire extinguishers are the red-coded tanks with printed instructions on their cylinders. You only use these on flammable solid surfaces such as wood, paper, textiles, and furnishings.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishers
These extinguishers are marked black-coded tanks on the description label. They exist to fight against liquid fires—petrol, oils, and petroleum-based substances—but they are great for electric or electrical equipment fires to prevent damage.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
These extinguishers are color-coded cream in their labels. The large size of these extinguishers always come with extension hoses and low-pressure nozzles. You use them against flammable liquids, such as petrol, oils, and other solvents. They can also extinguish flammable solid fires, like the first type of extinguisher.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
These extinguishers are color-coded blue in the description label. They come in different sizes and have a versatile application. You can use these against flammable solids, liquids, and even gases, like propane and butane. They can also get rid of electrical fires.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
These extinguishers have yellow-coded labels. They contain a special chemical formula that is effective against cooking oil and fats, so they are perfect for kitchen use.
The Classes of Fire
Before purchasing your fire extinguisher, you also need to know the different fire classes these fire extinguishers put off. Here are the fire classes recognized universally:
Class A
These are ordinary combustibles, like wood, paper, plastic, cloth, etc.
Class B
These are called surface fires on flammable liquid or gas, such as gasoline, alcohol, paint, etc.
Class C
These are electrical fires such as motors, electric fans, computers, etc.
Class D
These are fires from combustible metals like aluminum, sodium, titanium, etc.
Class K
These are the kitchen fires from vegetable or animal oil.
How to Use Fire Extinguishers
Again, before we answer the question: “How much is a fire extinguisher?” You need to learn how to use a fire extinguisher to have the basics once you have purchased one. So, when operating a fire extinguisher, all you need to remember is the word “PASS.” It is really simple.
- First is pull the pin. Hold the fire extinguisher and make sure that the nozzle is pointing away from you before you release the mechanism.
- Second is you aim low and point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
- The third step is you squeeze the lever gently, slowly, and evenly.
- Last is you sweep the extinguisher nozzle from side-to-side.
How Much Do Fire Extinguishers Cost?
So how much is a fire extinguisher? Here is a general list of price ranges of fire extinguishers at present:
Single-Use Home Fire Extinguishers
These extinguishers fight against Class A, B, or C fires cost around $15 to $20.
Multi-Use Home and Office Fire Extinguishers
These cost around $35 to $75. They can fight Class A, B, or C fires too.
Rechargeable Fire Extinguishers
These extinguishers have a price range of $35 to $65.
Kitchen or Car Fire Extinguishers
These are usually smaller in size and cost between $10 to $20.
lndustrial Fire Extinguishers
These are great to combat Class A, B, C, and D fires and cost between $300 to $800. These come in yellow color instead of the red one.
Aerosol Extinguishers or Fire Sprays
These are small fire extinguishers that cost around $15 to $25.
The Additional Expenses
Besides buying the fire extinguisher, there are also other things you have to consider, such as refilling or recharging your fire extinguisher and the other accessories to use, such as wall mounts and signs.
Refilling or Recharging a Fire Extinguisher
This cost usually around $15 to $20. You can approach your nearest fire station for this service.
Wall Mounts
These items for your fire extinguisher cost around $5 to $100.
Signs
Fire extinguisher signs will cost you around $3 to $15
Conclusion
Now you know how much is a fire extinguisher and the accessories that come with it! The one thing left for you to do is apply what you have learned, especially the basic use of fire extinguishers and the different fires to avoid burning down your home.
Always remember that there are many types of fire extinguishers, and you have to familiarize yourself with the guidelines on fire prevention. Keep a close link with your fire department and always have one fire extinguisher handy at home. It is also important to have a fire safety plan because being ready is always better. Here’s how to learn more about Fire Extinguishers.