Contempo Gold 6 Litre Water Extinguisher | Polished Gold Finish | Class A Fires (Wood & Paper)

FAQs

What are the advantages of water extinguishers over other types?

Water extinguishers offer several key advantages: they’re the most environmentally friendly option using no chemicals whatsoever, they’re highly cost-effective for Class A fire protection, they leave minimal residue making cleanup simple, and they provide excellent cooling and penetration into burning materials. The pure water rapidly absorbs heat and soaks deep into smouldering materials like wood and paper to prevent re-ignition. For environments where Class A combustible materials are the primary fire risk and there’s no concern about flammable liquids or electrical equipment, water extinguishers provide the simplest and most sustainable fire protection solution.

Why can’t water extinguishers be used on all fire types?

Water extinguishers are specifically designed for Class A fires only and must never be used on Class B flammable liquid fires, Class F cooking oil fires, or live electrical fires. Water spreads burning liquids and causes dangerous splashing with hot oils, whilst water conducts electricity creating severe shock risk. The +5°C minimum operating temperature also means water extinguishers can freeze in cold environments where powder or CO2 would remain functional. For these reasons, water extinguishers are ideal for offices, schools and similar environments with predominantly Class A risks, but require supplementing with other extinguisher types where additional fire classes are present.

How does the 13A fire rating compare to other extinguisher types?

The 13A rating means the CX-PWA-006-DGD can tackle Class A fires equivalent to a wood crib fire of 1.3 cubic metres, providing solid protection for a 6 litre capacity. Whilst this is lower than the 21A rating achievable with 6 litre foam extinguishers, water extinguishers offer superior cooling and penetration for deep-seated fires in materials like upholstery or timber. The rating is appropriate for typical office, school or residential applications where Class A materials are the sole fire risk. For higher fire ratings, the 9 litre CX-PWA-009-DGD model provides 21A protection.

What makes the designer gold water extinguisher suitable for premium interiors?

Water extinguishers are often the preferred choice for offices, schools, hotels and residential buildings due to their simplicity and environmental credentials. The designer gold stainless steel finish allows these commonly required extinguishers to complement premium interior design rather than appearing as purely functional safety equipment. The stainless steel construction provides superior corrosion resistance and durability compared to standard steel cylinders, whilst maintaining an upmarket appearance throughout the extinguisher’s service life. This makes the CX-PWA-006-DGD ideal for design-conscious environments where Class A fire protection is required.

Can water extinguishers be installed in unheated areas?

No, water extinguishers have a minimum operating temperature of +5°C because water freezes below this temperature, rendering the extinguisher inoperable and potentially damaging the cylinder. They must only be installed in heated areas or locations that maintain above-freezing temperatures year-round. For unheated buildings, outdoor locations, or areas that may experience freezing temperatures, powder or CO2 extinguishers with their sub-zero temperature capabilities are essential. The +60°C maximum temperature is suitable for normal heated environments but may be exceeded in very hot locations like boiler rooms.

What maintenance do water fire extinguishers require?

Water extinguishers require annual servicing by a competent person to check pressure, inspect for damage and corrosion, verify the discharge mechanism, and ensure the extinguisher remains in working order. Extended servicing at five-yearly intervals involves discharging and refilling the extinguisher with fresh water and inspecting internal components. The simple water-only contents mean there are no chemical agents to degrade, making water extinguishers one of the most maintenance-friendly options. CheckFire provides comprehensive support for ongoing maintenance throughout the 5 year warranty period.