Wet Chemical Extinguishers

 

Best For

Wet chemical fire extinguishers are ideal for Class F fires, involving cooking oils and fats, such as lard, olive oil, sunflower oil, maize oil and butter.

 

Danger

Check manufacturer’s instructions for suitability of use. These extinguishers are usually not recommended for class B fires such as petrol, although Gloria has produced a 3l wet chemical extinguisher with B rating.

 

How to Use

Apply the wet chemical using the extended applicator in slow circular movements, which give a gentle, yet highly effective application. Apply the fine spray onto the burning fat until the surface of the burning cooking oil changes into a soapy like substance which prevents re-ignition. The gentle application helps to prevent burning oil splashing out of the container. Make sure that you empty the entire content of the wet chemical extinguisher onto the oil/fat, as the fire can re-ignite otherwise.

 

How it Works

Most class F extinguishers contain a solution of potassium acetate, sometimes with some potassium citrate or potassium bicarbonate. The extinguishers spray the agent out as a fine mist. The mist acts to cool the flame front, while the potassium salts saponify the surface of the burning cooking oil, producing a layer of foam over the surface. This solution thus provides a similar blanketing effect to a foam extinguisher, but with a greater cooling effect. The saponification only works on animal fats and vegetable oils, so most class F extinguishers cannot be used for class B fires. The misting also helps to prevent splashing the blazing oil.

 

Tests have established that a 6 litre wet chemical fire extinguisher with a 75F rating can deal with a fat fire of maximum 0.11 m2 surface area.