Fire extinguishers make up a crucial part of your business’s fire suppression system. But did you know that these units have specific regulations and inspection requirements? Or that certain models are suitable for certain applications? Properly understanding your fire extinguisher is important for property managers to ensure the safety of their building and their tenants/customers. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the five types of fire extinguishers, Alberta Fire Code regulations, the best type of fire extinguisher for commercial use, and more.
#1: They Are Required Under Alberta Law
Bolted to the walls of businesses, apartments, industrial facilities…fire extinguishers are all around us, at all times. And with good reason! Under the Alberta Fire Code, every business must have a fire extinguisher. These essential fire suppression systems help keep tenants and workers safe and protected.
#2: Different Fires Require Different Extinguisher Ratings
Fire extinguishers are rated for different fire types:
- Class A: Wood, paper, cloth, and ordinary combustibles
- Class B: Flammable liquids like oil, gasoline, and solvents
- Class C: Energized electrical equipment and wiring
- Class D: Combustible metals
- Class K: Cooking oils and fats
#3: There Are Several Kinds of Fire Extinguishers
While dry chemical fire extinguishers are typically the most common, there are several different types of extinguishers with different capabilities and limitations. Here’s a brief overview of extinguisher types and what class of fire they can fight:
| Extinguisher Type | Class |
| Water | A |
| Dry Chemical | Mostly B and C, Some A |
| Liquid Gas | Mostly B and C, Some A |
| Chemical Foam | A and B |
| Wet Chemical | K |
#4: ABC Extinguishers Are Best for Commercial Businesses
As mentioned, ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers are commonly found in buildings, mostly due to their versatility and ability to handle numerous classes of fires. When warehouses, retail spaces, or other businesses opt for this extinguisher type, they are thoroughly protected from fires involving ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment.
However, ABC units aren’t ideal for every circumstance. For example, if you operate a commercial kitchen, you’ll need a wet chemical fire extinguisher within 30ft of all cooking equipment.
#5: Your Fire Extinguisher Has Specific Service Requirements
Your fire extinguishers should be inspected and serviced on a schedule. Here’s a basic breakdown:
| Inspection Type | Frequency |
| Visual inspection | Monthly |
| Annual maintenance | Annually |
| Recharge | Every 6 years |
| Hydrostatic testing (Water and CO2 models) | Every 5 years |
| Hydrostatic testing (Dry chemical models) | Every 12 years |
Proper business owners and property managers can (and should!) perform monthly visual inspection of their fire suppression systems. This includes checking:
- Your extinguisher is fastened to the wall and well supported.
- It is accessible and free from obstructions
- The extinguisher is in good working condition
- The ring pin is in place
- The seal is intact
However, your annual maintenance, 6-year recharge, and 12-year hydrostatic testing must be completed by a certified fire extinguisher contractor like Karlen-Kada. To learn more about our fire suppression system services, contact our team today.
#6: Certain Brands Are Obsolete
In certain situations, there are fire extinguishers that are no longer serviceable. Here are some common obsolete fire extinguisher brands we find in Edmonton buildings and commercial spaces:
- General
- Flag Fire
- First Alert
- American LaFrance
Additionally, these types of fire extinguishers are also no longer allowed under the Alberta Fire Code:
- Old-style orange Pyrene models
- All extinguishers with a plastic head
- All fire extinguishers with a dimpled bottom
If your building relies on any of these models, schedule a fire extinguisher replacement immediately to ensure your building and your tenants are protected.
Karlen-Kada: Your Commercial Fire Safety Experts in Edmonton
Is your fire extinguisher obsolete? Are you overdue on your annual fire inspection? Don’t wait–call one of Edmonton’s best fire protection companies today. The Karlen-Kada team offers installation, inspections, and repairs in the Edmonton area. Our fire suppression systems are designed to prevent, detect, and suppress fires before they escalate. Contact us today to get started!