Commander | 3kg ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher

FAQs

What types of fires can the Commander FX-PWD-003-DCF extinguish?

This ABC powder fire extinguisher is designed for Class A fires (combustible solid materials such as wood, paper, textiles and plastics), Class B fires (flammable liquids including petrol, oils, paints and solvents in open spaces), and Class C fires (flammable gases such as propane, butane and methane). The dry powder works by smothering fires with a thick barrier between fuel and oxygen whilst interrupting the chemical reaction of combustion. It should not be used in confined spaces as the powder can be easily inhaled, and is not suitable for Class F fires (cooking oils and fats in deep fat fryers).

What does the 13A 89B C fire rating mean?

The 13A 89B C rating indicates this extinguisher’s multi-purpose capability. The 13A rating shows effectiveness on Class A fires involving 13 layers of wooden cribs in testing, the 89B rating demonstrates capability on Class B flammable liquid fires covering 89 square decimetres, and the C rating confirms suitability for Class C flammable gas fires. The 89B rating is particularly impressive for a 3kg unit, demonstrating superior performance on flammable liquid fires compared to smaller capacity models.

Why is the 3kg size recommended for commercial premises?

The 3kg capacity provides a substantial increase in fire-fighting capability over smaller models, whilst remaining portable enough for quick deployment by most users. At 4.84kg total weight, it offers an optimal balance for commercial and industrial environments where larger fire risks may be present but full mobility is still required. The enhanced 13A 89B C rating makes it suitable as a primary extinguisher for medium to large rooms, workshops, and commercial spaces where the additional capacity provides crucial extra firefighting time and coverage.

What makes this extinguisher suitable for welding areas?

ABC powder extinguishers are particularly well-suited for welding areas because they can tackle multiple fire classes that may occur in hot work environments. Welding can ignite combustible materials (Class A), flammable liquids like oils or solvents (Class B), and flammable gases used in welding processes (Class C). The powder’s ability to handle all three fire classes, combined with its excellent knock-down properties and wide operating temperature range, makes it ideal for workshop environments where various fire risks coexist.

Can this extinguisher be used on electrical fires?

Yes, ABC powder extinguishers can be used on electrical fires as the dry powder is non-conductive and will not conduct electricity, making it safe to use on live electrical equipment. However, users should be aware that the powder will leave a residue on electrical equipment which may require professional cleaning afterwards. For sensitive electrical equipment where residue is a major concern, CO2 extinguishers are often preferred as they leave no residue.

What is the operating temperature range?

This extinguisher operates effectively across an exceptional temperature range of -30°C to +60°C, making it particularly suitable for all-year-round external situations and environments subject to temperature extremes. Unlike water-based extinguishers which typically operate from +5°C upwards, powder extinguishers can function reliably in sub-zero conditions, making them ideal for outdoor locations, unheated buildings, cold storage facilities, and commercial premises where heating may be reduced outside working hours.