Class A fire extinguisher are rated from 1a to 40a
1A = 1 1/4 gallons of water
2A = 21/2 gallons of water
40A = 50 Gallons
6A is the biggest size in a water extinguisher.
Our classroom dry chem extinguisher is a 2A.
To get an extinguisher rated, it has to pass a
crib test -douglas fir blocks stacked 8 by 8 until 80 times
wall panel test -will excelsior fuel at bottom of wall
excelsior fuel test -ordinary random combustible trash
Heptane Pan Test
Alkane with 7 carbons.
Heptane is the flammable liquid that is used to test extinguishers for CLASS B fires.
Multipurpose Dry Chem 2A 10BC Extinguisher is the main extinguisher used in houses today.
Types of Building Hazards:
Light Hazard
Moderate Hazard
High Hazard
For a light hazard, 75 feet from entrance to the extinguisher is the requirement. Also applies to obstructed pathways, too. Also considered at least one extinguisher (multipurpose dry chem 2A 10BC) every 3000 Sq Feet. All extinguishers has to be well visible, and signage has to be clearly visible if the fire extinguiser is in a cabinet or drawer. If inside a closet, the clost can NOT have any locking mechanisms, and has to be accessible at all times. Anything besides this is in violation of the Fire Code. When the extinguisher is under 40 pounds, it must be situation in a cabinet or drawer no higher than 5 feet, and no lower than 3.5 feet. If the extinguisher is above 40 pounds must be at highest, 3.5 feet, and no lower than 4 inches from the ground.
