No matter how well you plan for your business, the unexpected is bound to happen. And when the unexpected is a fire, you need to right tools to take care of it – and fast. The best way to be prepared is to find the right kind of commercial fire extinguisher to keep your business safe. Gateway Fire Supplies specializes in supplying commercial fire extinguishers for businesses and contractors around the world.

In the home where there are typically no more than four to six people, it can be much easier to identify fires and evacuate safely. As opposed to homes, commercial fire extinguishers are found in public places, where the risk of human error is greater, where flammable materials are in consistent use, and where injury and death are more likely due to crowds.   This includes schools at all grade levels, office buildings, factories, hospitals, restaurants, and retail stores. Public places present a new set of problems, not just because of the risk of the fire and smoke themselves, but the risk of panic if a fire breaks and people are only aware of one exit. Consequently, it is imperative to keep a fire extinguisher that can neutralize the fire quicker within reach in these places.   Also, it’s illegal to open your doors to the public without one.

The type of fire extinguisher you need for your commercial establishment depends on the type of fire risk associated with it. Fires are divided into four groups--Classes A, B, C, and K--which contain distinguishing attributes to inform according to their causes. For example, Class A fires are identified by combustible materials like cotton and wood. This applies to places where cloth and wood are handled in close enough proximity to fire, like campgrounds. Class B fires those with accelerants like gasoline, kerosene, or alcohol, making them the group where you’d put cocktail lounges and gas stations. Class C fires are electric, and pertain to places like crowded offices and factories with breaker rooms for their abundance of electrical equipment. Class K fires apply to locations that use controlled flames regularly, like restaurants and auto body shops. Note that body shots could fit into both C and K for their use of electrical equipment and welding torches. You’ll still want to consult with local regulations, but knowing which of these your establishment falls under should help with the initial shopping around.

ABC Fire Extinguishers
The most adaptable of commercial fire extinguishers, ABC Fire Extinguishers handle almost any kind of fire that develops. The name comes from the types of fires this extinguisher fights – A for trash, wood and paper; B for liquids, gases and solvents; C for electrical equipment. Although it might leave a film of residue after putting a fire out, these extinguishers are usually worth it for their versatility. Our most popular are our 5lb abc fire extinguisher and 10 lb abc fire extinguisher.

CO2 Fire Extinguishers
Named for the carbon dioxide they use to put out fires, CO2 extinguishers can handle class B and C fires. The non-flammable CO2 gets so cold that it works to lower the temperature of the fires it encounters. Most effective on liquid and electrical fires, these extinguishers are perfect for commercial kitchens and factories.

Halotron Fire Extinguishers
These extinguishers use liquefied gas that’s been pressurized with nitrogen to help fight mostly class B and C fires. More often than not, they’re used in situations where the protection of delicate and expensive pieces of equipment that could potentially be destroyed by other types of fire extinguishers, such as computer systems and airplane engines. These extinguishers won’t affect intricate equipment because of the pressurized gas they emit.

Water & Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
The most self-explanatory of the commercial fire extinguishers, Water & Wet Chemical fire extinguishers use liquid to fight fires. Because of this, they’re most useful when fighting class A fires. Since they only use a combination of water and pressurized air, they’re relatively easy to clean up afterwards. And as one of the few fire extinguishers that aren’t red, they’re easily recognizable in a large silver canister.

Marine Fire Extinguishers
Although you might be surrounded by water, marine fires are something that can’t be ignored. Because of this, it’s important to equip any boat or watercraft with a portable marine fire extinguisher. The best way to be prepared is to use an ABC extinguisher since they’re able to extinguish any type of fire you might encounter on the water, whether it’s a something that accidentally started with trash or a problem with the engine.

Wheeled Fire Extinguishers
Most of the fire extinguishers mentioned above, but most likely the ABC fire extinguisher, are available in a wheeled version. These types of extinguishers usually have a much larger capacity, making them ideal for most commercial and industrial situations where someone might encounter a large fire. Wheels also help these large quantity extinguishers be more mobile, an important component when it becomes necessary to act quickly.