The wrong fire extinguisher can make a fire worse — spraying water on burning oil or a live electrical panel is dangerous. Choosing the right type is simple once you match the extinguisher to the class of fire it will face. This guide covers every type sold in the UAE, where each belongs, and what Civil Defence expects.
Fire classes explained
- Class A — solids: wood, paper, textiles, plastics.
- Class B — flammable liquids: petrol, diesel, solvents, paint.
- Class C — flammable gases: LPG, methane.
- Electrical — live equipment, panels, servers.
- Class F — cooking oils and fats (commercial kitchens).
Which extinguisher for which fire
| Extinguisher | Handles | Best location |
|---|---|---|
| ABC Dry Powder | A, B, C + electrical | Offices, shops, warehouses, corridors, vehicles |
| CO₂ | B + electrical | Server rooms, electrical rooms, labs |
| AFFF Foam | A, B | Fuel stores, workshops, plant rooms |
| Wet Chemical | F (+ A) | Commercial kitchens |
ABC dry powder is the versatile all-rounder and the default portable for most premises — see the NAFFCO 6kg, Firex 9kg, Firex 4kg or the compact 1kg car extinguisher. For electronics and electrical rooms choose clean, residue-free CO₂ such as the Firex 2kg or NAFFCO 5kg. Where flammable liquids are stored, AFFF foam like the NAFFCO 9L or Firex 6L seals the fuel surface.
Sizing and placement
- Match the extinguisher rating (e.g. 34A 233B) to the risk and room size.
- Travel distance to an extinguisher should not exceed ~15 m for Class A risks.
- Mount on the wall with the handle about 1 m from the floor, near exits.
- Larger risks use trolley (wheeled) units — e.g. 50L foam or 9kg CO₂ trolley.
Standards & Civil Defence
Portable extinguishers should be manufactured to EN 3-7 and be UAE Civil Defence approved. ADCDA also expects extinguishers to be commissioned, tagged and serviced annually by an approved company — SafePass can supply and maintain them.
