Which Fire Extinguisher Do I Need? A Simple Guide by Fire Type

Using the wrong extinguisher can make a fire worse — water on a deep-fryer fire causes a violent steam explosion, and a dry-powder unit on burning cooking oil can spread it. So the real question isn't "which extinguisher is best," it's "which one matches the fire risks in my space." Here's the plain answer.

First, the fire classes

Australian fire classes describe what's burning, and each extinguisher is rated for specific classes:

• ✓Class A — ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, cardboard, fabric)
• ✓Class B — flammable and combustible liquids
• ✓Class C — flammable gases
• ✓Class E — energised electrical equipment
• ✓Class F — cooking oils and fats

Match the extinguisher to the classes present, and you're most of the way there.

The extinguisher types, and what each covers

1. 1ABE dry chemical powder (white band) — the most versatile and most common in Australian workplaces. Covers Classes A, B, C and E, which makes it the standard first-line unit for most general areas.
2. 2CO2 (black band) — covers Classes B and E. It leaves no residue, which is why it's the right choice around electrical switchboards and server rooms where dry-powder residue would damage equipment.
3. 3Wet chemical (oatmeal band) — covers Classes A and F, and it's the only type rated for Class F cooking-oil fires. Essential in any kitchen.
4. 4Foam (blue band) — covers Classes A and B; used where flammable liquids are present. Our eco foam unit uses a fluorine-free formulation — PFOS and PFOA free — for businesses wanting to avoid legacy firefighting-foam chemicals.
5. 5Water (red, no band) — covers Class A only. Never use it near electrical equipment or cooking oil.

For the full detail on colour coding and fire classes, see our guide to fire extinguisher types in Australia.

Which extinguisher for which space?

• ✓Office or retail → ABE dry chemical covers the main risks (Class A materials and Class E electrical). Add a 2.0kg CO2 unit near server rooms and electrical switchboards.
• ✓Commercial kitchen → a wet chemical unit at the cooking line is mandatory — it's the only type that safely handles Class F oil fires — paired with a fire blanket. Add ABE elsewhere. A kitchen running only ABE units is non-compliant and dangerous on a fryer fire.
• ✓Server room / electrical switchboard → 5.0kg CO2, because it's non-conductive and leaves no residue on sensitive electronics.
• ✓Warehouse or industrial → 9 kg ABE as the workhorse, with eco foam or other types added depending on what's stored.
• ✓Vehicle → a compact ABE unit covers the common risks.
• ✓Strata / apartment common areas → ABE in common areas, with wet chemical in any shared kitchen.
• ✓Paper stores, libraries and archives → a 9L air/water unit covers Class A risk without the powder residue of ABE or the cost of CO2 — never use it near electrical equipment or cooking oil.

If you're unsure, that's normal — the right mix depends on your specific hazards, and a licensed technician can confirm it against AS 2444.

Getting it right matters more than getting it cheap

The wrong extinguisher isn't just useless — it can worsen a fire and, just as importantly, a mismatched setup can fail a compliance audit or complicate an insurance claim. The goal isn't one extinguisher everywhere; it's the right type in each area.

Shop extinguishers — commissioned and tagged into service

Once you know the type you need, browse our full range — ABE, CO2, wet chemical, air/water and eco foam. Every extinguisher ships commissioned and tagged into service, pressure-checked and dated, ready to mount and rely on from the day it arrives, rather than a bare unit you still have to get certified. We also provide fire extinguisher servicing and electrical test and tag Sydney-wide, so your extinguishers and your appliances can be kept compliant by the one provider.

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