brandklassen

Brandklassen, or fire classes, are a standardized system used to categorize fires by the type of fuel involved. The classification guides emergency response, extinguishing methods, training, and the labeling of extinguishers and safety equipment. The common European scheme uses Class A, B, C, D and F.

Class A covers fires of ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, textiles and many plastics. Extinguishing methods typically rely on cooling with water, or using foam or multipurpose dry chemical agents.

Class B includes fires involving flammable liquids and hydrocarbons like gasoline, solvents and oils. Appropriate extinguishing agents include foam, dry chemical powders or CO2; water is usually ineffective and may spread the fire.

Class C denotes fires in energized electrical equipment. The priority is to de-energize the circuit if safe, and to use non-conductive extinguishing agents such as CO2 or dry chemical powders.

Class D concerns fires of combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium or certain aluminum alloys. These fires require specialized dry powder extinguishing agents; water or standard foams are generally unsuitable.

Class F (or, in some systems, K) covers fires of cooking fats and oils. Wet chemical extinguishers or other approved agents are used to saponify fats and cool the fire.

The exact definitions and naming can vary by country and standard (for example, some systems use K for kitchen fires in addition to or instead of F). Brandklassen provide a concise framework for selecting appropriate extinguishers and safety measures.