FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR HOMES
Fires are unpredictable and can occur at any time. As such, it is crucial to have a fire extinguisher in your home to protect yourself, your family, and your property from the damage caused by a fire. As a leading fire protection solutions provider in Singapore, FALCON offers a wide range of fire extinguishers suitable for home use.
Why Every Home Needs a Fire Extinguisher
Of all household items, fire extinguishers are the most overlooked. In fact, many homeowners do not realise the importance of having a fire extinguisher until it is too late. However, fire extinguishers are a crucial part of a fire safety plan of any residential premise, and they are a must-have to protect your loved ones and yourself.
Even though homeowners are not legally obligated to install a fire extinguisher in their homes, it is essential to note that having one could mean the difference between getting out of a fire accident unscathed or not.
Home fires can start unexpectedly and spread quickly, and having a fire extinguisher within reach can help you contain the fire before it becomes too big to handle. For this very reason, fire extinguishers are available in various types and sizes, each designed to put out specific types of fires. By having the right fire extinguisher on hand, you can be sure that you are well-equipped to handle any fire emergency.
It is also essential to understand that fires can happen anywhere in the home, which is why it is crucial to have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers strategically placed throughout your living space. For example, if you have a kitchen, you should have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of cooking fires. Similarly, if you have a garage or workshop, you should have a fire extinguisher on hand to deal with fires that may start due to power tools or flammable liquids.
At FALCON, we understand the importance of having a fire extinguisher in your home, which is why we offer a range of fire extinguishers designed specifically for residential use. Our products are designed to be easy to use and effective, giving you the peace of mind that you need to keep your loved ones and your home safe from fire emergencies.
Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher for Your Home
Understanding the specific fire risks in your home and choosing the appropriate type of extinguisher is essential for effective safety and protection. At the same time, you must ensure your fire extinguisher meets the required Singapore standards for optimal performance. Consider these types of fire extinguishers and their applications:
ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Dry powder fire extinguishers are versatile and effective against a variety of fire classes. They work by forming a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen, effectively smothering the fire in your home. These extinguishers are suitable for:
- Flammable liquids: Fires involving petrol, oil and other flammable liquids.
- Gases: Fires caused by propane, butane and other flammable gases.
- Electrical equipment: Although not ideal, ABC dry powder fire extinguishers can still be used on fires caused by electrical equipment.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
Foam fire extinguishers are highly effective for fires involving solid materials and flammable liquids. The foam creates a cooling effect on the fire and prevents re-ignition by sealing the surface. These portable extinguishers are best for:
- Solid combustibles: Fires involving materials such as paper, wood and textiles.
- Flammable liquids: Suitable for petrol and oil fires but not for gas or electrical fires.
Water Mist Fire Extinguishers
Water mist fire extinguishers use fine water droplets to cool the fire and reduce the oxygen supply, making them safe for a variety of fire types. These extinguishers are ideal for:
- Cooking oils and fats: Effective in kitchens for tackling fires caused by oils and fats.
- Solid combustibles: Safe for use on fires involving paper, wood and textiles.
- Electrical fires: The mist is non-conductive and safe to use on electrical fires.
CO2 Fire Extinguishers
CO2 fire extinguishers discharge carbon dioxide gas, which displaces the oxygen and smothers the fire. They are particularly useful for fires involving electrical equipment as they do not leave any residue. These extinguishers are suitable for:
- Electrical equipment: CO2 fire extinguishers are ideal for home offices and areas with a high concentration of electrical devices.
- Flammable liquids: They can be used on petrol and oil fires but are not suitable for solids or cooking oils.
Fire Extinguishers for Kitchens
Kitchens are prone to fires due to the presence of flammable substances such as cooking oils and fats. It is recommended to have a wet chemical fire extinguisher in the kitchen to handle fires caused by cooking oils and fats. Wet chemical fire extinguishers have a unique design that is intended to deal with Class F fires, which are fires caused by cooking oils and fats.
Fire Extinguishers for Electric Fires
Fires caused by electrical equipment require a different type of fire extinguisher. A CO2 fire extinguisher is the best option for electrical fires in your home. CO2 fire extinguishers work by displacing the oxygen in the air, suffocating the fire.
Determining the Right Number of Fire Extinguishers for Your Home
The number of fire extinguishers needed in a property depends on multiple factors, such as the size of the living space and the potential fire hazards present. To ensure adequate coverage, it is generally recommended to have at least one fire extinguisher on every level of the home, as well as in areas where fires are more likely to occur, such as the kitchen.
Here are some guidelines to help you determine the right number of fire extinguishers for your home.
- Small homes or apartments: For smaller homes or apartments, having at least one fire extinguisher is essential. It is advisable to place it in the kitchen, as this area is prone to fires due to cooking activities.
- Medium-sized homes: For medium-sized homes, it is recommended to have a fire extinguisher on each level. This ensures quick access to a fire extinguisher in case of an emergency, reducing the time taken to respond to a fire.
- Large homes: Larger homes with multiple levels and expansive layouts should have a minimum of one fire extinguisher per level. Additionally, consider placing extra extinguishers in areas that are farther from the main living spaces, such as garages and storage rooms.
What Fire Extinguisher is Recommended for Homes in Singapore?
By selecting the appropriate fire extinguisher for each area of your home, you can ensure comprehensive fire protection that adheres to Singapore standards. Also, remember to check for ISO certifications and suitability for specific fire classes to guarantee the highest safety levels. Consider the following when determining the type of fire extinguisher for your residential property:
For Homes at Risk for Class A Fires
If a home contains several solid combustible elements such as paper, wood and textiles, the multi-purpose ABC dry powder fire extinguisher is ideal. As long as the extinguisher is ISO 9001:2000 certified, it can be reliable and effective in putting out Class A fires. Foam fire extinguishers are also suitable for these types of fires, providing excellent protection in general areas in your home.
For Homes at Risk for Class B Fires
Class B fires, caused by flammable liquids such as petrol and oil, require specific types of extinguishers. The ABC dry powder fire extinguisher is effective for these fires, making it a versatile choice for home use. Foam fire extinguishers are also particularly useful in home areas prone to flammable liquid fires.
For Homes at Risk for Class C Fires
For Class C fires involving flammable gases and electrical equipment, the ABC dry powder fire extinguisher is highly recommended. It provides reliable fire protection in areas with electrical risks such as home offices and entertainment rooms. CO2 fire extinguishers are also effective for electrical fires, as they leave no residue and do not damage electronic equipment.
Tips for Choosing the Best Fire Extinguisher for Your Home
Selecting the right fire extinguisher for your home involves several important considerations. Here are some tips to ensure you make the best choice for your safety and compliance needs:
Certification and Standards
When choosing a fire extinguisher, it's crucial to ensure that it conforms to the SS-EN 3 specifications for portable fire extinguishers. This standard guarantees that the extinguisher meets essential safety and performance criteria. At the same time, look into the serial labels issued by the certification body.
Physical Inspection
Before purchasing a fire extinguisher for your home, conduct a thorough physical inspection. Verify that the extinguisher matches the specified full weight. Check for any signs of physical damage, corrosion or leakage. Additionally, make sure all parts, including the hose and nozzle, are intact and functional.
Online Purchase Considerations
When purchasing a fire extinguisher online, it is important to buy from reputable sellers to ensure product quality and authenticity. Always check customer reviews and ratings to gauge the reliability of the seller and the quality of their products. Ensure the seller offers a return policy in case the product arrives damaged or defective. Additionally, verify that the extinguisher is certified and meets local safety standards.
Ensuring Your Fire Extinguisher is Ready to Use
After buying a portable fire extinguisher, homeowners are liable for the recharging, testing and maintenance of it to ensure it is in fully operational condition. At FALCON, we offer fire extinguisher servicing so that you do not have to worry if your home fire extinguisher conforms with the SS578 Code of Practice for Use and Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers.
Buy Your Home Fire Extinguisher Online from FALCON
At FALCON, we have a specially curated list of fire extinguishers and fire protection solutions such as fire blankets and fire alarm systems suitable for home use. Leveraging on our expertise, we manufacture reliable, high-quality fire safety products so that you and your loved ones can keep safe and always be prepared for any fire emergencies! Get in touch with us for a consultation on the proper type of fire extinguisher for your home and the amount of extinguishing agent you should have within your living space.
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