132.210—Classification.
(a)
Each portable fire extinguisher and semiportable fire extinguisher is classified by a symbol combining letter and number. The letter indicates the type of fire that the unit should extinguish; the number indicates the relative size of the unit.
(1)
“A”—fires in ordinary combustible materials, where the quenching and cooling effect of quantities of either water or solutions containing large percentages of water is essential.
(2)
“B”—fires in flammable liquids, greases, and the like, where the blanketing effect of a smothering-agent is essential.
(3)
“C”—fires in electrical equipment, where the use of nonconducting extinguishing-agent is essential.
(c)
The sizes of units run from “I” for the smallest to “V” for the largest. Sizes I and II are portable fire extinguishers; sizes III, IV, and V, which exceed 25 kilograms (55 pounds) in gross weight, are semiportable fire extinguishers and must be fitted with suitable hose and nozzle or other practicable means to cover any part of the space involved. Typical portable and semiportable fire extinguishers are set forth by Table 132.210 of this section.
| Classification | Halon 1211, 1301, and 1211-1301 mixtures kgs. (lbs.) | Foam, liters (gallons) | Carbon dioxide, kgs. (lbs.) | Dry chemicals, kgs. (lbs.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Size | ||||
| A | II | 9.46 (21/2) | |||
| B | I | 1.13 (21/2) | 1.8 (4) | 0.91 (2) | |
| B | II | 4.5 (10) | 9.46 (21/2) | 6.8 (15) | 4.5 (10) |
| B | III | 45.4 (12) | 15.9 (35) | 9 (20) | |
| B | IV | 75.7 (20) | 22.6 (50) | 13.6 (30) | |
| B | V | 151.4 (40) | 453 (100) | 22.6 (50) | |
| C | I | 1.13 (21/2) | 1.8 (4) | .91 (2) | |
| C | II | 4.5 (10) | 6.8 (15) | 4.5 (10) | |
(d)
Each portable fire extinguisher and semiportable fire extinguisher must have permanently attached an identification plate that gives the name of the extinguishing-agent, the capacity of the agent in liters (gallons) or kilograms (pounds), the classification of the extinguisher expressed by letter or letters indicating the type or types of fire for which it is intended, and the identifying mark of the manufacturer.