When you have to decide what type of fire extinguisher to buy, since there are different types, you have to take into account the type of fire conceivable in the areas to be protected. Commonly, the choice falls on the powder extinguishers, highly appreciated for their very high power-off and for the cost absolutely not excessive: here is what they contain, how they work and what are the prices in the specialized shops and online.
Powder fire extinguishers: composition and functioning
The first question to answer is this: what do the powder extinguishers contain? Consisting of a steel sheet casing, pressurized with inert gas or dehumidified air at about 15 bar, there are powders in them which consist mainly of saline compounds such as potassium bicarbonate or baking soda (for class of Fire B and C) and ammonium sulphate and monoammonic phosphate (for Class A, B and C fires). The type of action that is carried out by the dust on the fire is suffocation, cooling and chemical inhibition. The Multipurpose powders (powders A, B, C) are the extinguishing agent that is most used both for the universality of the use and for the high efficacy: for this reason they can be used on electrical equipment and systems under voltage, Class A materials and flammable liquids.
Once the composition of the powder extinguisher has been established, it is advisable to check a series of variables before using it:
After completing these important operations, the powder extinguisher can be used on switchboards up to 1000 V; Class A materials, such as paper, wood, plastics, and textiles; Flammable liquids such as benzine, diesel and alcohol; Class D materials such as aluminium, sodium and potassium, only with special powders. Moreover, another aspect to be taken into account, is that for its constructive peculiarity this type of fire extinguisher is ideal to extinguish even more outbreaks.
Powder fire extinguishers: prices
The prices of the powder extinguisher vary depending on the size of the product chosen: for example, the 6 Kg fire extinguisher can be used comfortably to protect shops, offices, shipyards, vehicles and in general all those companies subjected to risk of Fires. Versatile and safe, it is perfect for medium and high fire hazard environments and allows to extinguish mixed fires that also cover liquids, flammable gases and electrical components.
This product can be purchased in the specialty stores or online and the cost is around 20/30 euros. For those who decide to buy the 9 kg powder extinguishers, indicated for larger spaces and where the risk of fire is even more present, the price is around 80/90 euros.
