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Fire Classes and PAF-222 [FK-5-1-12]: Which Types of Fire Can It Extinguish?

Explain fire classifications Class A, B, C, D, and K, as well as the guidelines for determining which fire classes PAF-222 [FK-5-1-12] is suitable for.

What Is a Fire Class? Why Does It Matter When Choosing an Extinguishing Agent?

A fire class is a way of grouping fires by the type of fuel that causes them. It matters when choosing an extinguishing agent and a fire protection system that suit the risk of each area. Read more: Elements of Fire.

Each extinguishing agent has its own properties and limits. So the choice should not rest only on whether the agent can put out a fire. It must also take into account the type of fuel, the equipment to be protected, the safety of the people using it, and the relevant standards. Read more: Why Identify the Fire Class.

PAF-222 [FK-5-1-12] is a clean agent extinguishing agent designed for fire suppression systems in areas and equipment where damage from agent residue must be kept low, such as server rooms, electrical control rooms, and areas with critical electronic equipment. Read more: What is PAF-222 and What is FK5112 / What is FK-5-1-12.

What Are the Fire Classes?

Under the approach commonly used in NFPA standards for fire extinguishers, fires are divided into 5 main classes: Class A, B, C, D, and K. https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2023/08/01/fire-extinguisher-types

1. Class A: Fires from Ordinary Combustibles

These fires come from ordinary combustible materials, such as:

  • Wood and paper

  • Cloth and textiles

  • Rubber

  • Some types of plastic

Example risk areas: offices, warehouses, document storage rooms, and areas with combustible materials.

When choosing an agent for Class A, check whether it can control the burning of the fuel well, and whether there is a risk that the fire will smolder again after the flames are out.

For a PAF-222 [FK-5-1-12] system, check the test results against Class A fuels and the design concentration before using it in a real area. See more details: FK-5-1-12 Fire Extinguisher Testing.

2. Class B: Fires from Flammable Liquids

These fires come from flammable or combustible liquids, including some fuels and solvents, such as:

  • Fuel oil

  • Combustible oils and greases

  • Paints and flammable solvents

  • Flammable liquids used in production processes

Example risk areas: industrial plants, flammable material storerooms, fuel storage areas, and areas where solvents are used.

Some clean agent systems can extinguish Class B fires. How well they work depends on the type of fuel, the agent concentration, and the system design conditions. Learn more: Different Types of Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems.

For PAF-222, refer to test results and certification documents that clearly state the fuel types and scope of use. Do not conclude that it can extinguish every flammable liquid without data to support it. Read more: What are the certifications of PAF-222?

3. Class C: Fires Involving Energized Electrical Equipment

Under the NFPA classification, Class C means fires involving electrical equipment that is still energized, such as:

  • MDB cabinets

  • Control panels

  • Machine control cabinets

  • Power distribution equipment and control systems

  • Electrical and electronic equipment in server rooms

Why is a clean agent worth considering in these areas?

Some clean agents are non-conductive and leave no residue under proper conditions of use. This makes them an option for areas with critical equipment where damage from the agent itself must be kept low. Read more: What is Non-Conductive (Dielectric)?

PAF-222 [FK-5-1-12] can be considered as an option for fire protection in electrical equipment areas. The agent properties, certification documents, and system design must be checked to match the risk of that area. Read more: What is PAF-222. See more details: Fire Suppression Systems for MDB Cabinets and Control Panels.

However, using a clean agent does not mean every kind of electrical damage is prevented. It also does not make energized equipment safe to touch. Isolating the power supply and controlling risk are still important.

4. Class D: Fires from Combustible Metals

These fires come from certain metals that can burn, such as:

  • Magnesium

  • Sodium

  • Potassium

  • Titanium

  • Zirconium

This class needs an agent suited to the metal and the chemical reactions involved, because using the wrong agent can make the situation worse.

Caution: Do not assume that PAF-222 or clean agents in general are suitable for Class D fires, unless there are test results and documents confirming this for that specific metal.

5. Class K: Fires from Cooking Oils and Fats

These fires come from oils or fats used in cooking, especially in commercial cooking equipment, such as:

  • Deep fryers

  • Fryers in restaurants

  • Hotel kitchens

  • Shared kitchens in buildings

This class needs a method suited to very hot oils and fats. Wet chemical extinguishers are one of the options designed for this kind of risk.

For PAF-222, check whether there are test results supporting use on Class K fires before using it as the main protection system in a kitchen.

Which Fire Classes Is PAF-222 [FK-5-1-12] Suited For?

When judging whether PAF-222 is suitable, separate the general properties of FK-5-1-12 from the tested and certified performance of the PAF-222 product and the system actually installed. Read more: What is FK5112 / What is FK-5-1-12.

Fire class

Type of fuel

What to check for PAF-222

Class A

Paper, wood, cloth, and some plastics

Check test results and design concentration

Class B

Flammable liquids and some fuels

Check the fuel type and the required concentration

Class C

Energized electrical equipment

Consider using a system designed and certified for electrical areas

Note: This table is a guide for considering use. It is not a statement that PAF-222 has passed tests for every fire class. Any fire class shown on labels, technical documents, or marketing material should refer to the actual product test results. See more details: FK-5-1-12 Fire Extinguisher Testing.

Why Is a Clean Agent Suitable for Server Rooms and Data Centers?

Server rooms and data centers hold high-value electronic equipment that can be harmed by fire, smoke, heat, and leftover extinguishing agent. Read more: Fire Extinguishers for Data Centers / Server Rooms / Electrical Rooms.

A clean agent system has advantages that may fit these areas, including:

  • Less residue: FK-5-1-12 evaporates, which helps reduce the cleanup some other agents leave behind.

  • Non-conductive: Suitable to consider for protecting areas with electrical equipment, when the system is properly designed.

  • Fast response to fire: A correctly designed system can discharge the agent under its set operating conditions.

  • Less damage and downtime: Choosing the right system may help reduce the impact on equipment and business operations.

However, how well the system works also depends on fire detection, agent quantity calculation, agent distribution, room tightness, and control of the ignition source. This is especially true for fires inside equipment or batteries, where heat can build up and the fire can reignite. See more details: Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems.

Precautions When Choosing PAF-222 by Fire Class

Before installing a PAF-222 [FK-5-1-12] system, check the following key points: Read more: What is PAF-222.

  1. the fuel type: Decide whether the main risk is ordinary materials, flammable liquids, electrical equipment, or other materials.

  2. Check the product test results: Use documents that clearly state the fire types and test conditions.

  3. Calculate concentration and agent quantity: Design to the relevant standards and the product-specific data. Learn more: What is NFPA 2001?

  4. Consider user safety: Assess the risk from agent discharge and combustion products, and provide alarms and evacuation measures as needed.

  5. Check suitability for the equipment: Take into account built-up heat, reignition, and the need to isolate power.

So the choice of agent should consider the fire class, the risk of the area, and system design by experts, not only the agent name or the fire class alone. Learn more: Choosing fire protection equipment to suit your area and risk.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which fire classes can PAF-222 [FK-5-1-12] extinguish?

PAF-222 covers Class A, Class B, and Class C fires.

2. Can PAF-222 be used for MDB cabinets and control panels?

It can be considered as an option for fire protection in electrical cabinet areas, with the system designed to suit the volume of the cabinet or the area to be protected.

3. Is PAF-222 suitable for server rooms and data centers?

FK-5-1-12 agents are used in clean agent systems for areas with electronic equipment. Read more: What is FK5112 / What is FK-5-1-12.

4. Can PAF-222 replace every type of fire extinguisher?

Not always, because each agent is designed for different risks. The choice must consider the fuel type, the environment, and safety requirements together. See the difference: What is the Difference Between PAF-222 and General Fire Extinguishing Agents?