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What Fire Extinguisher Do I Need For My Business?

Posted by Andy McCoy on

What Fire Extinguisher Do I Need For My Business? Class A, B, C, D & K Explained Simply

If you run a business — even a small one — you need the right type of fire extinguisher.

The problem is… most business owners have no idea which extinguisher matches which fire.

This guide makes it simple.

The 5 Fire Classes (in plain English)

Class Real Life Examples Extinguisher Type to Use
Class A Paper, wood, cardboard, trash Water / Foam / Dry Chem (ABC)
Class B Oils, gasoline, solvents, paint, propane CO₂ / Dry Chem (BC)
Class C Electrical fires & energized equipment CO₂ / Dry Chem (ABC)
Class D Metal manufacturing, magnesium, aluminum, titanium Special Class D dry powder
Class K Commercial kitchens, cooking oils, deep fryers Wet Chemical (K-Class)

Which extinguisher should most businesses buy?

For general commercial use, a growing number of safety officers are choosing Water Mist Fire Extinguishers.

Why?

Because water mist extinguishers create an ultra-fine “dry fog” of de-ionized water that removes heat AND starves oxygen — without leaving corrosive residue.

Benefits of Water Mist Extinguishers:

  • Multi-class protection — can be used safely on Class A, B, C & K fires (yes — even electrical because it’s de-ionized water)

  • No mess — unlike dry chemical, they don’t coat offices, equipment or inventory in powder

  • Electronics friendly — good for computers, POS, displays, offices, shops

  • Non-toxic / no cleanup — business can resume faster after a discharge

  • Future-proof choice — cleaner, safer and increasingly code-preferred in modern buildings

For many businesses, water mist is the best “covers most hazards” extinguisher while also avoiding all the downtime and cleanup that comes with ABC dry chemical.

How many extinguishers do you need?

Code varies by jurisdiction — but a common rule of thumb is:

Employees should not have to travel more than 75 feet to reach an extinguisher.

This is why placing one “near the door” is not enough.

What size should you choose?

For business use, most fire marshals recommend 5lb or 10lb units — not the tiny home units.

• 5 lb = small offices
• 10 lb = larger areas, warehouses, shops

When to replace or service an extinguisher

Action Timing
Visual check Monthly
Professional service / tag Yearly
Hydrostatic test Every 5 – 12 years (depending on cylinder)

And if an extinguisher is discharged even once, replace / recharge it immediately.

Summary

  • ABC = most common “general business” extinguisher

  • Class K = kitchens

  • Clean Agent = server rooms / electronics

  • Class D = metal manufacturing

If you are unsure — start with ABC for general use, then add specialty units based on the hazards you have.

Want us to recommend the exact units for your building?

Tell us:

  • type of business

  • square footage

  • number of rooms

  • any special hazards (kitchen, server room, manufacturing, etc.)

…and we’ll tell you the exact mix you need.