Dry Powder Features
What makes our extinguishers better than the rest?
Certified And Approved
To the AS/NZS 1841.5 standard
Easy To Read
Gauge tells you when the fire extinguisher is charged and ready for use
Built To Last
Tough impact resistant metal valve, handle, and lever
Multipurpose Protection
Suitable for Class A (trash, wood & paper), B (liquids & gases) and E fires (electrical)
Simple To Use
Easy to pull safety pin for quick, convenient use
Easy To Read Label
Shows the steps required to operate the extinguisher
The Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher is the most popular fire extinguisher in New Zealand.
This is due to their effectiveness to a wide range of various classes of fire, paired with a low cost per unit.
Also known as, ABE, or BE Fire Extinguishers, they contain dry chemical powder as the snuffing out agent.
What Colour Band Does A Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher Have?
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers come in all-red cylinders with a white band running around the tank near the top.
When To Use A Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher?
Due to their capability to extinguish numerous class fires, dry Powder fire extinguishers can be used in various settings such as workplaces, houses, factories and much more kinds of structures.
There are two kinds of dry powder fire extinguishers in New Zealand.
BE Fire Extinguishers
BE Fire extinguishers can be used to deal with fires of classes B and E, which include flammable liquids like gas and diesel, along with electrical fires.
Though not mentioned in the ranking, BE fire extinguishers can also be used on fires consisting of cooking oils and fats.
By releasing a fine powder, they can remove the fuel source from the fire.
BE fire extinguishers can not be used on Class A fires containing wood, paper or carbon-based material.
ABE Fire Extinguishers
This extinguisher can be used to put out fires of class A, B, C and E.
Due to its efficiency on a variety of various fire classes, it is the most popular fire extinguisher on the market.
Comparable to the BE extinguisher, it spreads out a dry chemical powder over the fire and melts the flames, preventing re-ignition.
Incredibly effective on electrical fires, coupled with the truth they are exceptionally cost-effective makes the ABE fire extinguisher the ideal option for a wide variety of circumstances.
How Does Dry Powder Work?
All extinguishers work by removing one or more of the three crucial elements that are required for a fire to thrive.
ABE fire extinguishers are filled with the chemical powder, monoammonium phosphate, which acts as an extinguishing agent. The chemical spreads out quickly and melts over the flames to cover the fire when it comes to class A and E fires, and hence puts it out.
With class B fires, the powder smothers the base of the fire and blocks the vapour from escaping, which puts out the fire immediately.
BE fire extinguishers include a different type of dry powder which doesn’t melt over the flames. Hence, it can not be used to put out Class A fires.
Advantages Of Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers can be used on a variety of different types of fire. So, it’s reasonably more secure even in demanding scenarios such as electrical fires.
Exceptionally cost-effective compared to other kinds of fire extinguishers.
They can be found in numerous sizes and can likewise be kept quickly in typical home/office settings.
These powder fire extinguishers can cover great locations, hence supplying more security.
Dry Powder fire extinguishers likewise serve as impressive heat shields. The discharge of the dry powder serves as a guard against radiated heat.
Downside Of Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Tidying up after use can be a task because of the mess developed by the powders in the process of extinguishing the fire.
Visibility can be reduced by a great deal while using this extinguisher. This might hinder in discovering the exits and accurately focusing on the fire.
Breathing in the powder in these extinguishers for an extended period can be hazardous.
While these ABE fire extinguishers are versatile, they still have some constraints and will not work against Class C and Class D fires.
DRY POWDER FAQ
As the name suggests, ABE fire extinguishers can be used to fight fires of class A, B, and E.
This covers a wide range of hazards, including fires involving paper, wood, petrol, as well as electrical fires.
Although not included in the rating, ABE fire extinguishers are also capable of extinguishing class C fires – flammable gases.
ABE fire extinguishers are filled with the chemical powder, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), which acts as an extinguishing agent. This chemical spreads easily and melts over the flames to cover the fire in the case of class A and E fires, and thus puts it out.
With class B fires, the powder smothers the base of the fire and blocks the vapour from escaping, which extinguishes the fire immediately.
Yes, however, a side effect of powder is that it's corrosive to soft metals and also attracts moisture, so if used on electrical products, they will pretty much be destroyed and useless
Like all other fire extinguishers, you need to remember the PASS-word.
Pull the Pin.
Aim at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle.
Sweep from side to side.
