Fire Extinguisher Classes – Asia
Classes of Fire
Fire classes and extinguisher labels are different throughout the world. There is no specific color code
in Asia, as it varies in every country. Typically, the color code from the United States, United Kingdom,
Korea, Japan, Australia or China may be used. Most Asian countries follow the same rule regarding
types of fire and classifications.
For China, as an example, the classes are as follows:
Fire Class Fuel Sources
A Solids (ordinary combustibles):
Wood, paper
B Liquids (Flammable liquids):
Gasoline, kerosene, diesel oil, methanol, ether, acetone
C Gases (Flammable gases):
Coal gas, natural gas, methane, propane, acetylene, hydrogen
D Combustible Metal:
Potassium, sodium, magnesium, titanium, zirconium, lithium
E Electrical:
Energized electrical equipment
Fire Extinguishers
Choose the correct class of fire extinguisher for the fire you intend to fight.
Fire extinguisher Fire Class
Water A
Foam A, B
ABC A, B, C, E
Dry Powder B, C, E
Carbon Dioxide A, B, C, D, E
Halon A, B, C, D, E
Using the wrong extinguisher to fight a fire can have serious consequences. For example, if a water-
based extinguisher is used on a flammable liquid fire, the fire has the potential to flare up, spread and
cause serious injury.
This job aid is intended to provide you with supplemental information associated with UL courseware.
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