Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers from Amerex, Badger, Buckeye and Kidde, chosen for workplaces, vehicles, boats and homes. We carry every major extinguisher type, so you can match the agent to the hazard instead of settling for a one-size-fits-all unit. Whether you are outfitting a new building, replacing units that failed inspection or adding coverage after an insurance audit, you will find the right model here.
Start with the fire classes you need to cover. Most offices, warehouses and job sites need an ABC fire extinguisher, which handles ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids and electrical fires. Fuel and flammable-gas hazards call for purple K or high-flow dry chemical units. Server rooms, labs and electrical gear are better served by CO2 or clean agent extinguishers that leave no residue. Commercial kitchens need a Class K wet chemical extinguisher, and large high-hazard sites often add wheeled units.
Our range includes:
- Sizes from 2 lb to 125 lb, plus 2.5 gallon water and wet chemical units
- Rechargeable commercial models with metal valves, and disposable units for cars, boats and homes
- Wall hooks and vehicle brackets included with most models
- Specialty units for MRI suites, offshore platforms and automatic spot protection
Not sure where to start? Compare every extinguisher type in the chart below the products, then follow the link to the type you need.
Fire Extinguisher Types Chart
Use this chart to match each fire extinguisher type to the fire classes it is rated for. Click a type to see every extinguisher we stock in that category.
| Extinguisher type | Agent | A | B | C | D | K | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC dry chemical | Monoammonium phosphate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Offices, warehouses, vehicles, homes | ||
| Purple K dry chemical | Potassium bicarbonate | ✓ | ✓ | Fuel, oil and gas, airports | |||
| BC dry chemical | Sodium bicarbonate | ✓ | ✓ | Garages, fuel and electrical hazards | |||
| CO2 | Carbon dioxide | ✓ | ✓ | Electrical rooms, labs, machine shops | |||
| Clean agent | Halotron I | ✓* | ✓ | ✓ | Server rooms, electronics, aircraft | ||
| Water | Water | ✓ | Wood, paper and cloth fires | ||||
| Water mist | Deionized water | ✓ | ✓ | Hospitals, MRI suites, clean rooms | |||
| Wet chemical (Class K) | Potassium acetate solution | ✓* | ✓ | Commercial kitchens, deep fryers | |||
| Class D dry powder | Sodium chloride | ✓ | Magnesium, titanium and other metals |
✓ = rated for that class. ✓* = larger sizes or most models only; check the label. A = wood, paper, cloth. B = flammable liquids and gases. C = energized electrical equipment. D = combustible metals. K = commercial cooking oils.
Shop Fire Extinguishers by Type
- ABC Fire Extinguishers: multipurpose protection for offices, warehouses, vehicles and homes
- Purple K Fire Extinguishers: maximum knockdown on fuel and flammable gas fires
- CO2 Fire Extinguishers: residue-free protection for electrical equipment
- Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers: Halotron I for server rooms, electronics and aircraft
- Class K Fire Extinguishers: wet chemical units for commercial kitchens
- Wheeled Fire Extinguishers: 50 lb and 125 lb units for high-hazard areas
Fire Extinguisher Classes Explained
Every fire extinguisher label shows the classes of fire it is tested and listed for. The letter tells you the type of fuel. The number in front of A or B tells you the relative capacity, so a 4-A:80-B:C extinguisher can handle a larger fire than a 1-A:10-B:C unit.
Class A fire extinguishers
Class A fires burn ordinary combustibles: wood, paper, cloth, cardboard and most plastics. ABC dry chemical, water, water mist and most wet chemical extinguishers carry an A rating.
Class B fire extinguishers
Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases such as gasoline, diesel, solvents, paint and propane. ABC, BC, purple K, CO2 and clean agent units are all rated for Class B.
Class C fire extinguishers
Class C means energized electrical equipment. The C rating confirms the agent will not conduct electricity back to the operator. Once the power is off, the fire is treated as Class A or B.
Class D and Class K fire extinguishers
Class D covers combustible metals such as magnesium and titanium and needs a dedicated dry powder. Class K covers cooking oils and fats in commercial kitchens and needs a wet chemical extinguisher.
How to Choose a Fire Extinguisher
Match the agent to the hazard
Use the chart above to find the agent that covers your fire classes. Where two types qualify, think about cleanup. Dry chemical is inexpensive and effective but leaves a powder that can damage electronics. CO2 and clean agent extinguishers leave nothing behind.
Pick the right size and rating
A 2.5 lb or 5 lb fire extinguisher suits vehicles and small rooms. A 10 lb unit is the common choice for offices, shops and warehouses. Choose 20 lb or 30 lb units for larger hazards, and wheeled extinguishers for tank farms, hangars and loading docks.
Rechargeable or disposable
Rechargeable extinguishers have metal valves and can be serviced and refilled after use, which makes them the standard for commercial buildings. Disposable units cost less up front and suit cars, boats and homes, but must be replaced after any discharge.
Commercial or home fire extinguishers
Commercial extinguishers use metal valves and heads, carry higher ratings for their size, and are built to be inspected and serviced every year. Home and automotive models are lighter and simpler, and many are disposable. For a business, choose a commercial unit, because that is what OSHA and your fire inspector will expect to see on the wall.
Fire Extinguisher Placement and Inspection
NFPA 10 sets the maximum travel distance to an extinguisher at 75 feet for Class A hazards and 30 or 50 feet for Class B hazards, depending on the rating. Mount extinguishers weighing 40 lb or less so the top is no higher than 5 feet, and heavier units no higher than 3.5 feet, with at least 4 inches of clearance from the floor.
OSHA 1910.157 requires a monthly visual inspection and annual maintenance for every portable fire extinguisher in the workplace. Check that the gauge reads in the green, the pin and tamper seal are intact, and the label faces outward. Stock spare tags, brackets, cabinets and signs in our extinguisher accessories department.