Low-freeze additive fire extinguishers: A guide

Temperatures drop. And with that, the effectiveness of traditional fire extinguishers can be compromised. As winter approaches and chillier weather begins to set in, it’s crucial to prepare for icy conditions – especially in environments where fire extinguishers are installed.

Will a fire extinguisher freeze in lower temperatures? Here, we explain the risks units can face, the precautions to take, and why low-freeze additive fire extinguishers provide the perfect reliable solution during colder months.

Do fire extinguishers freeze?

Will a fire extinguisher freeze? Depending on the contents inside a unit (which have different freezing points), a regular fire extinguisher is susceptible to freezing – including standard water-based, dry chemical, foam, and sometimes even CO2 units. When this happens, it will not work as it should in the event of a fire. For those wondering “can ABC fire extinguishers freeze?”, this type of fire extinguisher operates normally right down to -20?C, so it’s highly unlikely it would freeze unless in extreme cold weather conditions.

It’s a responsible person’s legal duty to ensure fire equipment is properly maintained, regularly serviced, and easily accessible in case of emergencies. To prevent units from freezing, it’s crucial to protect them from the elements with fire extinguisher cabinets and covers, or invest in low-freeze additive fire extinguishers that remain operational in below-zero conditions.

How do low-freeze additive fire extinguishers work?

Pre-filled with anti-freeze that can withstand temperatures as low as -10°C, the extinguishing agent in Commander water and foam low-freeze fire extinguishers remains in a fluid state even under freezing conditions. This allows the fire extinguisher to function reliably in low-temperature environments, then effectively combat fires by suppressing the combustion process.

What can low-freeze additive fire extinguishers be used on?

A fire risk assessment will highlight the class of fire that may pose a risk in a specific building, environment, or organisation. Commander foam and water low-freeze additive fire extinguishers are primarily designed for use on Class A fires involving flammable solids like paper, wood, and textiles. While the foam units can also be used on Class B fires (flammable liquids, petrol, and spirits), it’s crucial to note that the water units are not suitable for this. Furthermore, none of our low-freeze additive fire extinguishers should be used on Class C (flammable gases), Class D (burning metals), Class F (cooking oils and fats), or electrical fires.

How to identify low-freeze additive fire extinguishers

Commander low-freeze additive fire extinguishers are specifically labelled with ‘low-freeze additive’ on the unit, and on our product pages, so users can easily identify the specific labelling at a glance. A reliable unit should also be stored with a label that explicitly indicates the fire extinguisher ID, with information about the classes of fires each can be low-freeze additive fire extinguisher can and can’t be used on.

Where are low-freeze additive fire extinguishers most suitable for use?

As the weather gets colder, low-freeze additive fire extinguishers are particularly essential in environments prone to lower temperatures. This includes petrol stations, holiday parks, cold-storage facilities, outdoor areas, and anywhere prone to harsh winter elements. Stocking up on these low-freeze units can provide highly reliable fire safety solutions for industries and premises, even in icy conditions.

Discover the best low-freeze additive fire extinguishers

CheckFire is the only UK supplier to offer pre-filled low-freeze additive fire extinguishers, offering utmost practicality. With water and foam units in 6ltr or 9ltr capacities, they’re ready to fight fires and maintain optimal functionality when needed. Designed to withstand freezing temperatures, as low as -10°C, our products guarantee peace of mind even in the coldest environments.

For convenience and compliance in harsher months, explore our range of low-freeze additive fire extinguishers. Alternatively, visit our resource centre or sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date on fire safety regulations.