Water extinguishers are suitable for Class A type fires involving combustible materials such as wood, paper and fabrics. Water is a fast and efficient means of extinguishing these materials. It works by having a rapid cooling effect, so that insufficient heat remains to sustain burning and continuous ignition ceases. Manufactured in both stored pressure and gas cartridge versions, water extinguishers are available in two models: 9 and 6 Litre.

Foam spray extinguishers (AFFF), are ideal for multi-risk situations where both Class A combustible materials and Class B flammable liquid risks are likely to be found. Foam spray extinguishers are especially suitable for Class B fires involving flammable liquids such as oils, spirits, greases, fats and certain plastics. Manufactured in four stored pressure models: 9, 6, 2 and 1 Litres, and two gas cartridge models: 2 and 1 Litre.

Powder extinguishers are suitable for use on Class A, B and also Class C type fires involving flammable gases such as propane and butane. Powder is also highly effective for electrical hazards. This multi-purpose powder interferes with the combustion process and provides rapid-fire knock down. Multi-purpose powder extinguishers are Manufactured in five stored pressure models: 9, 6, 4, 2 and 1 Kilogram, and three gas cartridge models: 9, 6, and 4 kilogram.

CO₂ (carbon dioxide) extinguishers are for class B and C fires. They don't work very well on class A fires because the material usually reignites. CO₂ extinguishers have an advantage over dry chemical in that they leave behind no harmful residue. That makes carbon dioxide a good choice for an electrical fire involving a computer or other delicate instrument. Note that CO₂ is a bad choice for flammable metal fires such as Grignard reagents, alkyllithiums and sodium metal because CO₂ reacts with these materials.

Wet Chemical extinguishers are a specialist type of medium designed for use on class A and B fires and the only extinguisher that can be used on class F fires involving cooking fats and oils.

Kitemarked BS EN3

The Kitemark is a product or service certification mark that shows it has been tested independently and audited to ensure it meets the appropriate standards of quality and safety. It is a registered trademark of BSI (The British Standards Institution).
Link: The Kitemark FAQ.

CE Marking

Many products must meet legal requirements before they can be sold within the European Community, and must carry CE marking. CE marking attached to a product is a manufacturer's claim that it meets all the requirements of the European legislation.
The CE mark of approval on a fire extinguisher represents the new pressure equipment directive that came into force in June 2002. Any product that was manufactured after that date must, by law, carry the new CE mark to enable it to be sold within the EU.
Some products carry both a Kitemark and CE marking. This indicates that BSI has independently tested them against the appropriate standard.

Ship’s Wheel Mark

The Ship's Wheel mark shows the product has been approved to Marine Equipment Directive (MED) 96/98/EG making that suitable for use on boats and other marine craft.