Water Extinguishers

Water remains the most effective extinguishing agent for Class A combustibles — wood, paper, cardboard, textiles, lumber, and most plastics. A 2.5 gallon stored-pressure water unit rated 2-A clears NFPA 10 Class A travel-distance requirements for light-hazard occupancies at the lowest cost per square foot of any Class-A-rated portable.

Primary occupancies are schools, libraries, paper-product warehouses, lumber yards, recycling facilities, museums, and cardboard storage — anywhere the fuel load is overwhelmingly Class A and Class B/C hazards are minimal. UL 711 + ANSI/UL 626 listed.

Never use water on energized electrical equipment, flammable liquids, or cooking-oil fires. Water shorts circuits, splatters burning fuel, and clumps with hot oils. For mixed-hazard occupancies, pair water units with a Class B/C or ABC extinguisher at the appropriate travel distance. For occupancies with cooking equipment, see Class K wet chemical.