Best Fire Extinguishers for the Workshop
Protecting your workshop and home from fires often means having a fire extinguisher on hand. In fact, everyone should have a small fire extinguisher in their home. If you’re a welder though or only weld as a hobby, you definitely need one or more in your work area. Should a fire break out, catching it early can be the difference between minor damage and a call to 911. While a fire blanket can stop small fires, you need a fire extinguisher to battle flames that are quickly spreading.
Fire Exintguisher Classifications
When you’re looking to buy a fire extinguisher, there are a couple of model designations to keep in mind. Extinguishers designed for home use are classified as A, B, or C.
- Class A: designed for fires started by regular combustibles.
- Class B: designed for flammable liquids.
- Class C: designed for electrical fires.
Most modern extinguishers are actually rated for all three, so individual classifications are now typically reserved for special use models.
Fire Extinguisher Capacities
Extinguishers also carry a capacity number which varies based on class. For Class A models, the number designation is its equivalent capacity in gallons of water (1.25 gallons to be exact). So for example, a fire extinguisher tagged 5-A, means that extinguisher’s capacity is equivalent to 6.25 gallons of water. This number on a Class B extinguisher represents coverage in square footage. An extinguisher rated as 15-B has enough chemical mixture within it to cover 15 square feet of space.
Fire Extinguisher Types
Extinguishers are either rechargeable or disposable. A rechargeable extinguisher has a metal valve that allows the cylinder to be re-filled. These types tend to cost more up front although the refills are relatively cheap. All rechargeable extinguishers will lose some pressure over time and should be inspected monthly. A disposable extinguisher has a plastic valve and cannot be refilled after it’s used. These are usually smaller capacity, single use models.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at our list of the Best Fire Extinguishers for the Workshop.
Amerex B500 Dry Chemical Class A B C Fire Extinguisher
The Amerex B500 fire extinguisher is considered to be one of, if not the, best fire extinguisher currently out there. It’s a reliable safety device that is perfect for home use. It has five pounds of chemical flame retardant, a 14-second discharge time, and has a rating of 2A-10B-C. That means it’s great for small spaces such as your garage or a small workshop. It weights a less than ten pounds, so no one should have any issue with handling it during a fire. This extinguisher is refillable and has a six-year warranty.
Pros:
- All metal valve construction.
- Wide discharge nozzle.
Cons:
- May not be enough if you have a large workshop.
- Heavier than other options.
First Alert Fire PRO5 Fire Extinguisher
The First Alert PRO5 Fire Extinguisher is designed for a standard size room with its rating of 2A-10B-C. The PRO5 is a durable, all-metal device with a metal trigger and valve. It’s ideal for home use, including workshops, and includes easy to read and follow instructions on the canister. It weighs 9 pounds and holds 5 gallons of extinguishing chemical. This extinguisher comes with a 12-year warranty and can be refilled.
Pros:
- Commercial-grade metal valve and trigger.
- 12-year warranty.
Cons:
- Relatively short shelf life. May arrive partially discharged.
Kidde Pro 210 Consumer Fire Extinguisher
Another great fire extinguisher option is the Kiddie Pro 210. This model features four pounds of extinguishing chemical and weighs only seven pounds. It’s rated as 2A-10B-C, so it’s comparable to the Amerex extinguisher. It has a discharge rate of 13-15 seconds and a maximum range of 15 feet. This durable extinguisher doesn’t take up much space, so it can be stored just about anywhere. It’s also refillable and has a six-year warranty.
Pros:
- Compact design.
- Cheaper than the similar Amerex option.
Cons:
- Slightly less chemical extinguishing agent.
- Relatively short shelf life. May arrive partially discharged.
Conclusion
These three fire extinguishers are ideal for use in your home and your garage or small workshop. They combat all types of fires, and you can be rest assured that your family and home are safe when you have one of them on hand. As to which one is the best for you, that depends on the size of your space and your budget.
