Commander | 6 Litre Plain Water Fire Extinguisher

FAQs

What type of fires can the Commander FX-PWA-006-DCF extinguish?

This plain water fire extinguisher is designed specifically for Class A fires, which involve combustible solid materials such as paper, wood, textiles, coal, rubber, soft furnishings and solid plastics. It works by cooling the fuel source and soaking burning materials with plain water to extinguish flames and prevent re-ignition. It should not be used on Class B fires (flammable liquids), Class C fires (flammable gases), Class F fires (cooking oils and fats) or electrical fires.

What does plain water mean and how does it differ from water with additive?

Plain water extinguishers contain pure water with zero additives, making them completely environmentally friendly. The FX-PWA-006-DCF achieves its superior 21A fire rating through its larger 6 litre capacity rather than relying on chemical additives. In contrast, smaller water extinguishers like the 3 litre model use PFAS-free additives to enhance performance. Plain water extinguishers are ideal where environmental considerations are paramount whilst still requiring excellent fire-fighting capability.

What does the 21A fire rating mean?

The 21A fire rating indicates the extinguisher’s effectiveness at suppressing Class A fires. The number represents the size of fire the extinguisher can tackle – in this case, a fire involving 21 layers of wooden cribs in standardised testing conditions. This is significantly higher than the 13A rating of smaller water extinguishers, demonstrating the superior fire-fighting capacity of the 6 litre model.

What are MED and MER approvals?

MED (Marine Equipment Directive 2014/90/EU) and MER (Marine Equipment Regulations) are certifications that confirm the extinguisher meets stringent quality and safety standards for maritime applications. MED-approved equipment is marked with the ‘Wheelmark’ symbol, whilst MER-approved equipment features the ‘Red Ensign’ flag symbol. These approvals make the FX-PWA-006-DCF suitable for use on vessels and in marine environments as well as land-based applications.

How should I maintain this plain water fire extinguisher?

Water fire extinguishers are among the easiest types to maintain. The unit should be checked regularly to ensure it remains fully charged, with the pressure gauge showing in the green zone. Annual servicing by a qualified technician is recommended to ensure continued reliability. The Commander range benefits from a full range of spare parts being available and is covered by a comprehensive 5-year warranty.

What is the operating temperature range?

This extinguisher operates effectively in temperatures ranging from +5°C to +60°C. It should not be installed in locations where temperatures regularly fall below +5°C, as freezing can damage the unit and prevent proper operation. For environments with lower temperatures, freeze-protected water extinguisher variants are available.