Which type of fire extinguisher is classified as an ABC fire extinguisher?

An ABC fire extinguisher is specifically designed to combat fires involving ordinary combustibles (Class A), flammable liquids (Class B), and electrical equipment (Class C). The multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher is effective against all three classes of fires, making it a versatile choice for various fire scenarios.

The dry chemical agent often used in these extinguishers is sodium bicarbonate or monoammonium phosphate, which works by interrupting the chemical reaction of fire, effectively smothering the flames. This ability to handle multiple types of fires together is what distinguishes it as an ABC extinguisher.

Other types of extinguishers do not provide this broad range of protection. For instance, water extinguishers are primarily suited for Class A fires; foam extinguishers can address Class A and B fires but not effectively for Class C; and CO2 extinguishers are primarily effective for Class B and C fires, as they displace oxygen but are not suitable for Class A fires. Hence, the multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher is uniquely categorized under the ABC classification for its comprehensive fire-fighting capability.