Online Courses FAQs

Fire Safety Equipment FAQs

Are you aware of what each piece of fire safety equipment does or why it is required? Find out more with our FAQs.

• What are fire pumps used for?

  Fire pumps are part of a fire sprinkler system’s water supply, and are usually powered by electricity or diesel.

• How long will a fire extinguisher last while using it?

  Standard fire extinguishers will have enough extinguishing agent to last around 10 seconds.

• How do you identify different types of fire fighting equipment?

  Fire fighting equipment will all have different signs associated with it which can be easily identified by the corresponding signs – from fire extinguishers and fire blankets, to emergency exit signs and fire alarms.

  Learn more about the different types of fire extinguishers here.

• How many types of fire equipment are there?

  There are lots of different types of fire equipment, but there are four main types which are commonly found – fire extinguishers, fire hoses, fire blankets and fire buckets.

  Read our Fire Safety and Fire Protection Equipment Guide for more information.

• How many types of fire fighting systems are there?

  There are four different types of fire fighting sprinkler systems – pre-action systems, dry pipe systems, wet pipe systems, and deluge systems.

• What are the different types of fire fighting equipment?

  There are lots of different types of fire equipment, but there are four main types which are commonly found – fire extinguishers, fire hoses, fire blankets and fire buckets.

  Read our Fire Safety and Fire Protection Equipment Guide for more information.

• Does jockey pump need emergency power?

  A jockey pump does not require emergency power, as it is fed in the same way all other pumps within the building.

• How does a fire protection system work?

  Fire protection systems typically comprise of multiple sprinkler heads which are plugged with liquid-filled bulbs to prevent water from escaping. In the event of a fire, these bulbs are heated and expand which causes them to burst and allow the water to release.

  Learn more about recommended fire safety and fire protection equipment here.

• How many types of fire pumps are there?

  There are five types of fire pumps used in fire protection systems – horizontal split case, vertical split case, vertical in-line, vertical turbine, and end suction.

• What fire extinguisher is used for electrical fires?

  Powder, foam or CO2 fire extinguishers should be used for tackling electrical fires.

  Read our guide about fire extinguisher types and uses to find out more.

• Is it illegal to lock a fire door?

  Locking a fire door would be a violation of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) which states that “In the event of danger, it must be possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and safely as possible”.

• What are the five types of fire extinguishers?

  The 5 main types of fire extinguisher are – water, powder, foam, CO2, and wet chemical.

  Read our guide about fire extinguisher types and uses to find out more.

• What colour are fire equipment signs?

  Fire equipment signs are red.

• What is a Class D fire extinguisher used for?

  A Class D fire extinguisher is used exclusively on flammable metals.

  Read our guide about fire extinguisher types and uses to find out more.

• What is an ABC fire extinguisher?

  A powder fire extinguisher is also known as an ABC fire extinguisher as it can be used on Class A, B and C fire types.

  Read our guide about fire extinguisher types and uses to find out more.

• What is firefighting equipment?

  Fire fighting equipment is a range of items to be used in the event of a fire which aim to extinguish fires or protect the user from fire.

• What Is in a Class C fire extinguisher?

  Class C fire extinguishers are typically called powder fire extinguishers, and are filled with a powdered chemical compound which reacts to the heat of the fire and form a barrier between the fuel source and the oxygen.

  Read our guide about fire extinguisher types and uses to find out more.

• When should fire fighting equipment be used?

  Fire fighting equipment like fire extinguishers and fire blankets should be used if a fire is still contained and you have the right type of extinguishers for that classification of fire.

• What kind of water do firefighters use?

  Firefighters use mains water to fight fires.