When it comes to fire safety, choosing the right fire extinguisher isn’t just a safety precaution — it’s a legal and lifesaving requirement. With different industries facing different types of fire risks, selecting the appropriate extinguisher can make all the difference in preventing disaster.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to choose the right fire extinguisher for your specific workplace or business type.
Understanding Fire Classes: The Basics
Before picking the right extinguisher, it’s essential to understand the different classes of fire:
Class A – Fires involving paper, cloth, wood, plastic
Class B – Fires involving flammable liquids like petrol, diesel, paint
Class C: Fires caused by gasses like propane and LPG
Class D: Fires involving metals such as aluminum and magnesium
Class K (or F): Common kitchen fires caused by fats and frying oils
Electrical Fires – Not officially a class, but need special extinguishers
Every extinguisher is made to put out a particular kind of fire. Using the incorrect one could make the fire worse or create more risks.
Best Fire Extinguishers by Business Type
- Textile & Garment Industries (e.g., Tiruppur)
Recommended: ABC Dry Powder Extinguisher
Why: Combats fires from cloth, machines, and even short circuits
Add-ons: Fire blankets and smoke detectors
- Offices & Commercial Buildings
Recommended: CO₂ Fire Extinguisher (for electrical) + ABC for general use
Why: Prevents damage to electronics and handles paper-related fires
- Restaurants & Kitchens
Recommended: K-Class Wet Chemical Extinguisher
Why: Specifically made to tackle fires from cooking oil, without reignition
- Petrol Bunks & Chemical Warehouses
Recommended: Foam or Dry Powder Extinguishers (A, B, C)
Why: Foam covers flammable liquid fires and prevents vapour release
- Hospitals & Laboratories
Recommended: Clean Agent Extinguishers (like FM200 or NOVEC 1230)
Why: No residue, safe for sensitive equipment and enclosed spaces
- IT Companies & Data Centers
Recommended: CO₂ or Clean Agent Extinguishers
Why: Non-damaging to hardware and leaves no residue
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using water-based extinguishers on electrical fires (can cause shock)
Placing extinguishers too high or too hidden from access
Not training employees to use them (consider a demo session)
Failing to service or refill regularly — extinguisher may not work during an emergency
Key Checklist Before Buying
ISI or ISO certification
Check the fire rating label (e.g., 2A:10B)
Manufacturer warranty and refill options
Wall-mount brackets and proper placement
Service support and AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract)
Why Qstores Is Your Reliable Fire Safety Partner
At Qstores, we understand that every business has unique fire safety needs. With over 15 years of ISO-certified service in Tiruppur, we offer a wide range of certified extinguishers for all industry types, along with installation, AMC, and fire demo services.
