Water Additive Fire Extinguishers

What is a Water Additive Fire Extinguisher?

A water-additive fire extinguisher contains water mixed with additives to improve performance. The additives make the water more effective at cooling the fire. They can also help prevent re-ignition.

• These extinguishers are best suited for Class A fires.

• Water additive extinguishers are more efficient than regular water extinguishers.

• Ideal for protecting sensitive environments with high-risk of rapid fire spread.

How Does a Water Additive Fire Extinguisher Work?

A water-additive fire extinguisher works by reducing the water’s natural surface tension.

Adding additives to the water agent enhances the water’s ability to penetrate a burning surface or material. Once the water additive extinguisher has been deployed, the water will ‘stick’ to the affected area. This allows the water to cool down the surface quicker and prevent it from reigniting.

• The water additive makes the water agent ‘wetter’ or ‘sticker’.

• Once applied to the affected area the water will cool the fire.

• The water additive has a higher evaporation temperature. This allows the water to stick longer in hotter areas and prevent reignition.

What Is a Water-Additive Fire Extinguisher Used For?

Water additive extinguishers are ideal for combatting Class A fires.

Because the additive enhances the extinguishing agent’s ability to stick and cool, water additive fire extinguishers are also used for suppressing fires fuelled by solid carbon-based materials.

When To NOT Use a Water Additive Fire Extinguisher

Water additive fire extinguishers should not be used on an Electrical or Class F fire.

Remember, water extinguishers and water additive extinguishers are different. Water extinguishers should never be used on an electrical fire. Water is a conductor of electricity and applying it to an electrical environment can increase the risk of electrocution or extreme damage to the area.

However, water additive fire extinguishers have been modified to pass the 35KV electrical conductivity tests to BSEN3-7:2004. While they are not ideal for successfully extinguishing electrical fires, if they are accidentally used on an electrical surface, they will keep the user safe. For electrical fires, we recommend CO2 or Dry Powder extinguishers.

How To Identify a Water-Additive Fire Extinguisher

Water additive extinguishers are lighter and smaller than standard water extinguishers. The body of the water additive extinguisher is painted signal red.

Should You Use a Water Fire Extinguisher or Water-Additive Fire Extinguisher?

Both types of water fire extinguishers are effective against Class A fires. However, there are three main differences to consider when choosing between the two types of extinguishers:

• Water-additive extinguishers are chemically engineered to penetrate burning surfaces more effectively. This makes them 300% more effective at extinguishing Class A fires than standard water fire extinguishers.

• Water-additive fire extinguishers are more compact and lighter but powerful enough to conform to safety legislation. 

• The shape of the nozzle on a water additive fire extinguisher allows more direct application. Water additive fire extinguishers are also safe to use near electrical equipment without the risk of conducting.

The Pros and Cons of a Water Additive Fire Extinguisher

Pros of a water additive extinguisher:

• Effective on Class A fires, like wood and paper.

• Affordable and easily refillable.

• Ideal for offices, schools, apartment blocks and hospitals.

• Does not leave behind harmful residue.

Cons of a water additive extinguisher:

• Cannot effectively extinguish electrical fires.

• Can spread flammable liquids like oil.

• Damages electronics and valuable items.

• Limited to Class A fires only.