What types of fire extinguishers are available for home use?

Disposable and rechargeable fire extinguishers of Type A, Type B, Type C or a combination type are available for home use. Home fire extinguisher sizes typically range from 2 pounds to 10 pounds. Homeowners should choose the largest fire extinguisher that they are able to manipulate comfortably.

There are four classes of fire extinguishers. Type A extinguishers deal with combustible material such as wood or fabric. Type B extinguishers handle flammable liquid fires, such as grease fires, while Type C extinguishers target electrical fires. As homes often contain a mix of these flammable elements, the National Fire Protection Association recommends a Type A-B-C combination fire extinguisher for home fire safety. Type D fire extinguishers handle flammable metals and are common in industrial usage, but are not necessary for the home.