Defiantly not: although all of them are red as required by legislation there are 3 basic types used in South Africa. Each type is for a specific kind of fire:

Fire is a chemical reaction that requires fuel, oxygen and heat to occur.

Class A fire = Fire with ordinary combustible materials such as wood, plastic, rubber, paper, linen as fuel. These materials release flammable vapor once exposed to enough heat. Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguishers interrupt the chemical reaction between the fuel and oxygen. This then leads to the decay of a hostile fire.

Class B Fire = Fire that involve Flammable and combustible liquids and gases like oil, petrol, diesel, paint, alcohol as fuel. These liquids have enough flammable vapor at low temperatures and are therefore highly flammable.  Aqueous Film Forming Foam Fire Extinguishers form a “foam blanket” over the liquid with a smothering effect. This reduce the production of flammable vapor. AFFF fire extinguishers are very effective on flammable liquid fires.

Class C Fire = Fire that involve energized electrical equipment such as computers, distribution boards and appliances.  A non-conductive gas: Carbon dioxide replace the oxygen and causes a rapid decay of the fire. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers also have a cooling property to protect against re-ignition of the source.

Taking this into account, make sure you have the correct type of fire extinguishers for the fire risk involved. Alternatively contact someone you trust!

Albert Smit.

NOSA Safety Officer & SAQCC Fire Technician