Water Extinguishers

[firey]

Reading a publication by FETA & IFEDA recently it seems the UK are the only european country to use water extinguishers, and im wondering is there really a need for them?

Their risks can be covered by Foam extinguishers, that although are slightly messier, have the same fire rating (21a 9L, 13A 6L) and also have the added benefit of passing the electric conductivity test and can be used on flammable liquids.


Just a thought

[AnthonyB]

Yes, the UK is unusual in it's wide choice of agents. The continent if you wanted to be picky doesn't actually use Foam in the traditional sense but for a long time has had water additive spray extinguishers (esp France & Spain) where a bit of AFFF is added - traditionally this only gave a minimal B rating, but increasingly in recent years the mix is such that they are now Foam Spray extinguishers in all but name.

Like the US a lot of European countries seem to use ABC Powder for almost everything with CO2 & Water/Water additive being "specialist".

For simplicity it is easy to see where this strategy comes from, but having used all the different agents I prefer to have the choice of the most effective agents.

Why do we still use plain water jet ext's when we have Foam & wetting agents?

Well, I would assume one factor is that it is cheaper than additive or Foam exts whilst still being effective on the type of fire it's designed for.

Although I prefer to spec AFFF or water additive as smaller lighter extinguishers can be used and you will have the 35kV dielectric test safety if the user accidentally sprays anything electrical