Choosing the right fire extinguisher can be confusing, especially during a high-pressure emergency that requires a quick response. Our guide will examine why fire extinguishers are colour-coded, what each colour means, and what type of extinguisher you need.
Why are fire extinguishers colour-coded?
Fire extinguishers are now colour-coded to simplify the process of determining which type you need in an emergency. Previously, extinguishers were fully coloured to indicate the extinguishing agent they contained. This system was changed to all-red extinguishers for several reasons, including the fact that red is the most visible colour in darker environments, such as smoke-filled rooms.
To comply with British and European Standard BS EN3, all modern fire extinguishers must be either red or chrome. Although chrome extinguishers do not technically meet the guidelines, they are tested in accordance with British Standard BS EN3 in the UK. Since all current extinguishers are red, the identifying feature is a band around the top that includes the name of the extinguishing agent, such as “foam,” displayed in bold, contrasting letters.
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What are the colours of fire extinguishers?
In the UK, there are five different types of fire extinguishers available: red, cream, blue, black, and yellow.
Red: These fire extinguishers consist of water and are usually used on Class A fires.
Cream: Cream-coloured fire extinguishers consist of foam to be used on Class A and B fires.
Blue: Dry powder extinguishers can be used on Class A, B, C, D and electrical fires.
Black: Fire extinguishers with black bands contain carbon dioxide for Class B and electrical fires.
Yellow: Wet chemical fire extinguishers are identified with yellow and are most commonly used on Class A and F fires.
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Red Fire Extinguisher
Water-based fire extinguishers kill fires by cooling down the heat source to the point where the flames are completely smothered. There are also two types of water fire extinguishers: spray and mist. Mist extinguishers can be used on kitchen or electrical fires, as they are fine water mists that won’t splash on grease and are too fine to conduct electricity.
Water fire extinguishers can be used on organic solids such as paper, soft furniture, wood and straw, but they should not be used for electrical or fat fires, such as deep fat fryers or oil-based fires. (unless it is a mist extinguisher).
Is a Red Fire Extinguisher right for me?
Red fire extinguishers are usually found in buildings made from wood or other organic materials. They are also most commonly used in premises that store organic matter, such as schools, hospitals, offices, houses, and warehouses.
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Cream Fire Extinguisher
Cream fire extinguishers are foam that smothers and cools fires while preventing them from being reignited simultaneously. The foam is a water-based liquid with a foaming agent mixed in. These types of extinguishers can be used in Fire classes A and B and, again are most commonly used on organic solids and flammable liquids. However, these types of extinguishers are not suitable for domestic fires.
Similarly to Red fire extinguishers, if you are looking for fire protection for a building made of wood or are in a hospital or school a foam fire extinguisher is likely to be the right one for you!
Blue Fire Extinguisher
There are two types of Blue fire extinguishers: standard dry powder and specialist powder. Standard powder extinguishers are referred to as ABC extinguishers because they tackle all these classes of fires, as well as electrical fires. Specialist powders are only meant to be used on flammable metals such as magnesium, titanium, sodium and potassium.
Blue fire extinguishers work by smothering the fire and cutting off the oxygen supply. Therefore, they are safe to use on organic solids and flammable liquids like petrol, oil, solvents, paraffin, and gases such as methane, metals, and butane. Powder should not be used on cooking oil fires, high-voltage electrical fires, and fires in enclosed spaces.
Who uses a Blue Fire Extinguisher?
Businesses that regularly use flammable gases, locations where flame cutting or welding is carried out, garage forecourts, and buildings with large boiler rooms should all stock blue fire extinguishers for emergencies.
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Black Fire Extinguisher
Black fire extinguishers contain carbon dioxide (CO2) and work by displacing the oxygen in a fire, effectively suffocating the flames and extinguishing the fire. CO2 is non-toxic and leaves no residue, which means it won’t cause damage to surrounding electrical systems or machinery. As a result, black extinguishers are suitable for use on flammable liquids and electrical fires of any voltage.
It is advisable to have black fire extinguishers available in locations with a significant amount of electrical equipment, such as office buildings, commercial kitchens, server rooms, construction sites, and work vans.
Yellow Fire Extinguisher
A wet chemical fire extinguisher, or yellow fire extinguisher, works by discharging a potassium mist that creates a foam layer on top of the burning material. This method not only cools the fire but also deprives the flames of oxygen. Wet chemical extinguishers are suitable for Class A and F fires, which include organic solids as well as cooking oils and fats. They are particularly effective for extinguishing fires at extremely high temperatures. These types of extinguishers are commonly found in professional kitchens, chip shops, restaurants, and canteens for emergency situations.
If you’re still confused about what fire extinguisher is most suited to you and your business, get in touch with one of our friendly team members today and enquire about our fire extinguisher installation service.
Fire Extinguisher Colour FAQ’s
What extinguisher should I use if the label becomes unreadable?
Even if the colour band or label is faded or damaged, never use the extinguisher. Contact a qualified provider to inspect, replace, or re-label your extinguisher to ensure safety and compliance.
Can I use one extinguisher type for multiple fire classes to save space?
No. Each fire class requires a specific agent; mixing or substituting could be ineffective or dangerous. Always choose an extinguisher with the correct label for the type of fire you’re likely to encounter.
How often do colour-coded bands need inspecting or updating?
Check the condition and visibility of the coloured band during regular extinguisher maintenance. Any signs of fading, peeling, or obscuring should prompt replacement or relabelling to maintain clarity in an emergency.
Are there legal requirements for extinguisher colour-coding in commercial premises?
While all modern UK extinguishers must be red with a colour-coded band to indicate the agent (in line with BS EN3), accurate and legible labelling is also essential for regulatory compliance and effective emergency response.