The Colour Code for Fire Extinguishers

It is critical to have the right fire extinguisher for the right job in all situations but none more so than in motor racing. The aim of a racing car fire extinguisher is two fold. Primarily it is to suppress a fire enough to allow safe exit from the car be that with the help of marshalls or by the drivers own power. The second purpose of a fire suppression system is to potentially save the car itself. If the right suppressant is used correctly the fire should be contained and ideally halted thus avoiding the car burning out completely.

Fire extinguishers in the United Kingdom are mostly colour coded to tell apart there extinguishing medium, usually a coloured patch:

• A Cream patch on a red extinguisher denotes a FOAM fire extinguisher.
• A Blue patch on a red extinguisher denotes a POWDER fire extinguisher.
• A BLACK patch on a red extinguisher denotes a CO2 fire extinguisher.
• A RED patch on a red extinguisher denotes a WATER fire extinguisher.

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Fire Ratings – Different Classes of Fire

Below is a list of the different types of fire you may come across. In motorsport flammable liquids are obviously one of the most important factors but plastic, paint and solvents also pose a threat as well as electrical fires. Gas may be an issue in some special sitations where nitrous oxide might be being used.

• (A) Class fires involving flammable solid materials, include Wood, Paper and Carbonaceous materials.
• (B) Class fires involving flammable liquids such as Paint, Petrol, Oil, Fat, Solvents and Grease.
• (C) Class fires involving flammable Gasses, including Propane gas, Butane gas and Natural gas.
• (E) Class fires involving Electrical, CO2, Carbon Dioxide are safe on electrical fires, as well as ABC dry powder.

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What to Use

Refer to the types of fire in the “Fire Ratings – Different Classes of Fire” section above.

Below is a list of the types of suppressant that should be used on the corresponding types of fires listed above.

• Water – (A) Types of Fire
• Dry Powder – (A) (B) (C) and (E) Types of Fire
• CO2 – (B) (C) and (E) Types of Fire
• Foam – (A) and (B) Types of Fire

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Important Do NOTS

Do not use Water Extinguishers on (B) Class fires or (E) class fires

If there is a risk to life, a risk of explosion, or the fire is out of control DO NOT attempt to put it out – Call the FIRE BRIGADE OUT

Click here to download the benefits of AFFF +ADS fire extinguisher systems

Click here to download the benefits of FX G-TEC (gas)

For more detailed technical data about any of our fire extinguisher systems included the suppresants used please contact us today. Our highly skilled and friendly team will be able to advise not only on the type of suppressant to use but also on the type of fire extinguisher system for each and every type of car and motorsport.