Which Fire Extinguisher Is Right for Your Business?
The right fire extinguisher for your business depends on your environment, industry, and risk factors — and that’s where CertaSite comes in. Our team evaluates your facility, identifies which extinguisher types you need, installs and maintains them, and trains your people to use them safely.
CertaSite is your dependable, simplified life-safety partner — protecting what matters most: people and property.
Every fire behaves differently depending on what’s burning. That’s why extinguishers are categorized by class:
Class A: Paper, wood, and ordinary combustibles
Class B: Grease, oil, and flammable liquids
Class C: Energized electrical equipment
Class D: Combustible metals such as magnesium
Class K: Kitchen fires caused by cooking oils and fats
Using the wrong extinguisher can make a fire worse. The right one can stop a disaster before it starts.
Each extinguisher is designed for specific fire classes and environments. Here’s how to choose:
Water-Based Extinguishers
Perfect for Class A fires in offices, schools, or warehouses. These use water — sometimes as a fine mist — to cool and suppress flames. Avoid freezing or outdoor environments.
Foam (AFFF) Extinguishers
Ideal for Class A and B fires. Foam smothers flammable liquids and prevents reignition. Great for automotive, manufacturing, or fuel-handling areas.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Extinguishers
Effective for Class B and C fires. CO₂ leaves no residue, making it safe for technology, labs, or kitchens.
Clean Agent Extinguishers (Halotron, FE-36)
Eco-friendly replacements for Halon. Suitable for Class A, B, and C fires, leaving no mess or damage to electronics.
Dry Chemical Extinguishers
Versatile and reliable. These handle Class A, B, and C fires by interrupting combustion and adhering to hot surfaces to prevent reignition.
Wet Chemical Extinguishers
Essential for Class K kitchen fires. The agent cools and coats oils to stop flare-ups. A must-have for restaurants and cafeterias.
Dry Powder Extinguishers
Used for Class D metal fires in manufacturing or laboratory settings. The powder agent is applied manually to smother the flames.
A wet chemical extinguisher is required for Class K kitchen fires. CertaSite provides and maintains these extinguishers to keep you compliant and safe.
According to NFPA 10, fire extinguishers must be visually inspected monthly and maintained annually. CertaSite technicians handle all required inspections and documentation for you.
A multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher can handle Class A, B, and C fires — but not metal or kitchen fires. CertaSite assesses your facility to make sure you’re fully protected.
Having extinguishers is one thing. Knowing they’ll work when you need them is another.
At CertaSite, we go beyond compliance to deliver complete protection:
Custom fire safety assessments for your facility
Installation, inspection, and documentation aligned with NFPA codes and local AHJ requirements
Employee training for confident emergency response
24/7 access to inspection reports through our customer portal
If you’re asking, “Which fire extinguisher is right for my business?” — the answer is simple: CertaSite will help you find it.
Schedule a free fire risk assessment today. Our certified technicians will identify your needs, match the right extinguishers to your environment, and make sure you’re protected and compliant year-round.