The right extinguisher depends on what could catch fire. Match the extinguisher to the risk and you're most of the way there.

Our Standard Advice

For a typical fire point in an office, shop or similar premises, we recommend a 6 Litre Water Fire Extinguisher, plus a 2kg CO2 Fire Extinguisher where there's electrical equipment, near the exits on each floor. Between them they cover ordinary combustibles and electrical equipment – and they avoid the problems with foam (see AFFF and Fluorine-Free Foam below). To work out how many you need, see How Many Fire Extinguishers Do I Need?

Add other types only for specific risks: wet chemical and a fire blanket in a kitchen, foam or powder where flammable liquids are stored.

The Main Types

  • Water (including water with additive) – for Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles). An additive helps water put out a bigger fire than plain water of the same size. Some branded special products, such as Firexo, should be treated as water additive extinguishers – and may also be rated for other fire classes, so check the label. Never use plain water on cooking oil. Many water extinguishers have passed the dielectric test and are approved for accidental contact with live electrical equipment up to 1000 volts – check the label, and see Fire Classes Explained.
  • CO2 – the usual choice for electrical equipment, and also works on Class B. Leaves no residue, so it won't damage computers or machinery.
  • Water mist – covers Class A, B and F fires and is generally safe near electrical equipment.
  • Foam – for Class A and Class B fires (flammable liquids such as petrol or paint). Only needed where there's a flammable liquid risk – and then choose fluorine-free foam where you can.
  • Dry powder – covers Class A, B and C (flammable gases) and electrical fires. Best outdoors, in garages and in vehicles. Not recommended in enclosed spaces indoors – the powder reduces visibility and is hard to clean up.
  • Wet chemical – for Class F fires (cooking oils and fats). Essential in commercial kitchens.
  • Lithium-ion battery extinguishers – for areas where e-bikes, scooters or battery packs are stored or charged. Lithium-ion battery fires now have their own fire class, Class L, but no extinguisher can be officially rated Class L yet – see Fire Classes Explained.

AFFF and Fluorine-Free Foam

Most foam extinguishers have traditionally used AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam). AFFF contains PFAS – so-called "forever chemicals" that don't break down in the environment.

  • Older "C8" AFFF (made with PFOA) has been banned in the UK since 4 July 2025. Any extinguisher still containing it must be taken out of service.
  • Newer "C6" AFFF is still legal in Great Britain, but a ban on PFAS in firefighting foams is expected. The current proposal gives existing portable extinguishers a transition period, so most can be replaced at the end of their normal life or at their next extended service (also known as a discharge test), rather than straight away.
  • Fluorine-free foam (sometimes called F3) contains no PFAS. If you need foam, it's the sensible choice for new and replacement extinguishers – just check its fire ratings suit your risk.

For the full story, see Are Foam Fire Extinguishers Banned?

At the time of writing (October 2026), the UK ban hadn't yet become law. The current proposal gives existing portable extinguishers five years. Northern Ireland follows the EU rules, which have different dates.

Worth remembering… your fire risk assessment is what decides the equipment your premises need. This guide is general advice, not a substitute for it.

Not sure what you need? Get in touch with our team – we'll be delighted to help. No pressure. No sales patter.