Water fire extinguishers are probably the example most people imagine when they think of a fire extinguisher. They’re a critical piece of equipment applicable for a variety of businesses, but not for every fire — it all depends on the risk within your building.

This month at Fire Safety Equipment, we’ve created our ultimate guide to water fire extinguishers, giving you the key insights into:

• What a water fire extinguisher is
• The types of fires they can be used on
• The pros and cons of water extinguishers
• Which locations are they best suited to?
• How to use a water fire extinguisher
• Maintenance requirements
• Where can you purchase water fire extinguishers?

What is a water fire extinguisher?

In the simplest terms, a water fire extinguisher is a piece of fire safety equipment that uses water to cool and extinguish flames. 

When activated, the water can be sprayed across the fire to lower the temperature of the burning materials, which is an effective means of breaking the fire triangle. However, this is dependent on the materials that are on fire, so be sure to read on to find out which types of fires it can be used on.

You can identify a water fire extinguisher by looking for the red label on the main body of the equipment. This label should also feature the word “Water” to help you find the right unit if your building has multiple extinguisher types.

Typical water fire extinguisher sizes include:

• 3 litres – for small spaces such as shops, cafes and residential flats
• 6 litres – for medium-sized spaces such as offices, warehouses and reception areas
• 9 litres – for large, open areas such as sports facilities, hotel lobbies and warehouses

What type of fires can a water extinguisher be used on?

Water fire extinguishers are most effective when used against fires involving solid combustible materials — also known as Class A fires. That means things like wood, paper and textiles, where the water will be able to soak in and cool the material.

You should never use a water fire extinguisher on anything other than Class A fires, as it can lead to further damage, posing other risks as a consequence. 

• Water on Class B fires can spread the flames as flammable liquids float on water.
• Water on Class C fires is ineffective, as water does not extinguish gas fires.
• Water on electrical fires is extremely dangerous, as there is a risk of electrocution.
• Water on Class F fires can cause burning oils to splatter and spread the flames.

Pros and cons of water fire extinguishers 

Trying to decide if a water extinguisher is the right option for you? Here are some of the pros and cons:

• Pros
  • They don’t contain any harmful chemicals, making them environmentally friendly
  • They’re widely available in different sizes and are cost-effective
  • They’re straightforward to use and easy to maintain
  • Ideal for tackling Class A fires that your business faces
• Cons
  • Limited to use on Class A fires and no other fire class
  • Can be dangerous if used on electrical fires or flammable liquids
  • Can cause water damage to a property when used

Where should you install them?

As with any fire safety equipment, it’s important to consider where it will be used most effectively. Water fire extinguishers are ideal for the following types of buildings and businesses:

• Schools – for classrooms and libraries containing wooden furniture and lots of paper
• Offices – for paper documents and wooden fixtures
• Residential buildings – for bedroom and living room furniture
• Warehouses – for the storage of combustible materials in large quantities
• Retail spaces – for clothing, paper goods and wooden displays

When it comes to the mounting of your extinguishers, you can use fire extinguisher stands, boxes, or mount them to your walls. They should be placed near exits and along escape routes, with clear signage and unobstructed access — when every second counts in an emergency, this makes them easy to reach and use.

How to use a water fire extinguisher 

1. Check it’s safe to approach and assess whether it’s a Class A fire – never attempt to extinguish a fire unless you are absolutely confident you can do so.
2. Pull the safety pin and break the tamper seal to activate the water extinguisher.
3. Hold the discharge hose and aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, standing back from the flames.
4. Squeeze the handle to release the water in a steady stream.
5. Use a sweeping motion to cover the whole area until the flames are completely out.

Maintenance and legal requirements for fire extinguishers

If you’ve already got your water fire extinguisher in place — great work! However, fire safety doesn’t stop there. You’ll need to carry out regular maintenance checks to ensure you meet your legal obligations. Here’s a brief overview of what you need to do:

• Carry out monthly visual inspections. You should be vigilant for any damage or pressure loss, while also checking that the unit remains accessible.
• Arrange for annual servicing. This should be carried out by a qualified fire extinguisher technician who will adhere to the relevant British Standards.
• Book extended servicing. Every five years, your water fire extinguishers should be professionally inspected and pressure tested to see if they need replacing.
• Record your compliance. Maintain a record for your extinguishers, including their certification and evidence of professional servicing.

Following the tips above will ensure you are doing your part to keep occupants of your building safe in regards to providing adequate fire safety equipment. This not only saves lives but also prevents you from falling foul of the law, which can result in serious financial penalties.

Get top-quality water fire extinguishers with Fire Safety Equipment

When it comes to fire safety, don’t compromise on quality. Here at Fire Safety Equipment, we stock a range of water fire extinguishers and the related signage you need. That means you don’t have to shop around to keep your building protected. Here are three reasons to buy online with confidence through our online store:

1. We offer free delivery in the mainland UK for water fire extinguishers
2. Our products are highly rated by our customers — just see our reviews!
3. We stock a full range of all extinguisher types for your peace of mind

Order online today for speedy delivery of your essential water fire extinguishers.