Circular 52/2019/TT-BCA: Guidance on Classification of Fire Extinguishers

According to the National Technical Regulation "Fire Protection and Fire Fighting Systems for Storage Facilities, Export and Import Ports, and Gas Distribution Stations - QCVN 01: 2019/BCA" issued along with Circular 52/2019/TT-BCA, based on structural characteristics, features, and effects, fire extinguishers are classified into several basic types as follows:

Illustrative image (source: internet)

Firstly, by weight: Fire extinguishers are classified into portable types (weighing less than 20 kg) and mobile types with wheels (weighing from 20 kg to under 400 kg).

Secondly, by type of extinguishing agent: Fire extinguishers are classified into:

- Water fire extinguishers;

- Foam fire extinguishers (chemical foam A + B or air-foam);

- Powder fire extinguishers;

- Gas fire extinguishers (Carbon dioxide - CO2, halon or gaseous mixtures);

Thirdly, by pressure principle: Fire extinguishers are classified into:

- Fire extinguishers with directly compressed pressure (compressed gas directly with extinguishing agent);

- Fire extinguishers with pressure isolated from extinguishing agent (with gas bottle);

Fourthly, by operating pressure: Fire extinguishers are classified into:

- Low-pressure fire extinguishers: Operating pressure is less than or equal to 2.5 MPa (25 kg/cm²) at ambient temperature of (20 ± 2)°C;

- High-pressure fire extinguishers: Operating pressure is greater than 2.5 MPa (25 kg/cm²) at ambient temperature of (20 ± 2)°C.

Fifthly, by the function and effectiveness of the extinguishing agent: Fire extinguishers are classified into:

- Fire extinguishers for solid material fires (Class A fires);

- Fire extinguishers for liquid fires (Class B fires);

- Fire extinguishers for gas fires (Class C fires);

- Fire extinguishers for metal and metal compound fires (Class D fires);

- Fire extinguishers for electrical equipment fires (Class E fires).

Note: Fire extinguishers may extinguish several types of fires.

Sixthly, for water fire extinguishers: Based on the spray type, water fire extinguishers are classified into:

- Solid water jet fire extinguishers;

- Spray fire extinguishers (water droplet diameter greater than 100 micrometers);

- Mist fire extinguishers (water droplet diameter less than 100 micrometers);

Seventhly, for foam fire extinguishers: Based on foam expansion ratio, foam fire extinguishers are classified into:

- Low-expansion ratio foam fire extinguishers (expansion ratio from 5 to 20);

- Medium-expansion ratio foam fire extinguishers (expansion ratio from above 20 to 200).

Eighthly, for powder fire extinguishers: Based on the effectiveness and composition of the powder, powder fire extinguishers are classified into:

- Multi-purpose powder fire extinguishers (type ABC, ABCD);

- Specialized powder fire extinguishers for Class D fires and some other types of fires.

See more related regulations in Circular 52/2019/TT-BCA effective from December 18, 2019.

Thu Ba

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE