ABC Fire Extinguishers
ABC fire extinguishers are the most widely used extinguishers in American workplaces, because one unit covers the three most common fire classes. Each is filled with monoammonium phosphate, a multipurpose dry chemical rated for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper (Class A), flammable liquids and gases (Class B) and energized electrical equipment (Class C). Because one extinguisher covers all three classes, your staff only need to learn one type, which keeps training simple.
That broad coverage makes an ABC fire extinguisher the default choice for offices, warehouses, schools, retail stores, job sites, vehicles and homes. When a building has mixed hazards and you want one type of extinguisher on every wall, this is it.
We carry 70 ABC models from Amerex, Badger, Buckeye and Kidde:
- 2.5 lb and 5 lb units with vehicle brackets for cars, trucks, forklifts and boats
- 10 lb and 20 lb commercial units with wall hooks, the standard for facilities
- 30 lb, 50 lb and 125 lb units, including wheeled models for large hazards
- High-flow, cartridge-operated and offshore models for industrial sites
- Disposable and consumer models for homes, garages and personal vehicles
Compare sizes, ratings and valves below. Our ABC fire extinguisher buying guide further down the page explains how to choose the right size and where to mount it.
What Is an ABC Fire Extinguisher?
An ABC fire extinguisher discharges a fine yellow powder made mostly of monoammonium phosphate. On flammable liquids it interrupts the chemical reaction in the flame. On wood, paper and cloth it melts at about 374°F and forms a crust that smothers the burning material and keeps it from reigniting. The powder does not conduct electricity, so it is safe on live electrical equipment.
Reading an ABC Fire Extinguisher Rating
The UL rating on the label tells you how much fire the extinguisher can handle. In a rating such as 4-A:80-B:C, the 4 is a Class A water equivalent and the 80 is roughly the square footage of flammable-liquid fire it can put out. The C has no number. It confirms the agent is safe on energized equipment. Higher numbers mean more firefighting capacity, which usually means a larger cylinder.
Choosing the Right Size ABC Fire Extinguisher
2.5 lb and 5 lb ABC fire extinguishers
Small units are light enough to mount in a vehicle, kitchen or utility room. A 5 lb ABC extinguisher is a common choice for homes, garages, light commercial spaces and delivery fleets.
10 lb ABC fire extinguishers
The 10 lb unit is the workhorse of commercial buildings. It typically carries a 4-A rating, enough to meet NFPA 10 coverage for most offices, stores and light-hazard warehouses.
20 lb and larger ABC fire extinguishers
Choose 20 lb and 30 lb units for manufacturing floors, loading docks and other ordinary or extra hazard areas. For the largest risks, see our wheeled fire extinguishers.
Standard, High-Flow and Cartridge-Operated ABC Models
Standard stored-pressure ABC extinguishers suit most buildings. High-flow models discharge agent faster for pressurized gas or running fuel fires. Cartridge-operated units, such as the Badger Brigade line, keep the cylinder unpressurized until use and are easy to refill in the field, which makes them popular in mining and heavy industry.
Where an ABC Fire Extinguisher Is Not the Best Choice
ABC powder is mildly corrosive and hard to clean out of electronics, so server rooms and labs are better protected with CO2 or clean agent extinguishers. Commercial kitchens need a Class K extinguisher for cooking oil. Fuel-heavy sites get more knockdown from purple K. Never mix ABC and purple K powder when recharging, because the two react.
ABC Fire Extinguishers for Vehicles and Homes
For cars, trucks, forklifts and boats, choose a 2.5 lb or 5 lb ABC fire extinguisher with a vehicle bracket so it stays secured while the vehicle moves. Disposable models cost less and suit personal vehicles. Rechargeable models with metal valves hold up better in fleet service. At home, keep a 5 lb ABC unit in the kitchen, the garage and near each exit, plus a smaller one in the car.
ABC Fire Extinguisher Inspection and Maintenance
OSHA requires a monthly visual check and annual maintenance on workplace extinguishers. Stored-pressure ABC units also need a six-year internal examination and a 12-year hydrostatic test. After any use, even a short burst, have the extinguisher recharged before returning it to service.