What type of fire extinguisher is classified as multipurpose?

A multipurpose fire extinguisher is designed to be effective on different types of fires, making dry chemical extinguishers particularly valuable in diverse settings. These extinguishers can combat Class A fires (ordinary combustibles like wood and paper), Class B fires (flammable liquids), and Class C fires (electrical fires), making them versatile tools for fire safety.

The effectiveness of dry chemical extinguishers arises from the powder they contain, which interrupts the chemical reaction of a fire, effectively smothering the flames and preventing re-ignition. This makes them ideal for environments where various materials might catch fire, allowing users to have one extinguisher that can address multiple fire scenarios.

In contrast, other extinguisher types, such as water type, are limited to Class A fires, as water can conduct electricity and can react dangerously with flammable liquids or gases. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are effective primarily on Class B and C fires but are less effective on Class A fires due to their inability to cool surfaces and prevent re-ignition. Halogenated agents, while suitable for liquid and electrical fires, also do not have the multipurpose capability offered by dry chemical extinguishers.