Fire extinguishing powders

What is it?

Dry chemical powder is a multipurpose fire extinguishing agent, which is used in the extinguishing of fires of class A, B and C.

The ABC powder – HIMIFOS® ABC-Е is essentially a fluidized and siliconized monoammonium phosphate powder.

The BC powder – CARBO® BC-Е is siliconized product on the base of potassium sulphate

Common uses

ABC powder (HIMIFOS® ABC-Е) is good for the extinguishing of common combustible materials, such as paper and wood.  Further uses include the extinguishing of burning liquids and gases, such as oil, gasoline , propane and others, usually classified as Class B and C.

Although it is not best to use it on electrical appliances and wiring (class E), ABC powder  (HIMIFOS® ABC-Е) is still very effective at extinguishing these types of fire, since it does not have any electricity conducting properties.

BC fire extinguishing powder CARBO®  BC-E is suitable for use at fires involving flammable liquids (Class B) and flammable gases (class C).

Not used in…

ABC powders are highly inefficient in the extinguishing of chlorine and oxidizer fires. The main reason is that the chemical reactions which occur during the process lead to the breakdown of the chemical structure and the release of toxic gases.
Furthermore as the powder possesses corrosive properties one should not use it on any sensitive equipment, which is sensitive to corrosion.
For the extinguishing of metals there is another type of powder- type D, nevertheless ABC is not effective.