What is the primary purpose of dry powder extinguishers?

The primary purpose of dry powder extinguishers is to suppress flammable liquid fires, which is crucial in environments where such materials might be present. These extinguishers utilize a chemical powder that works by smothering the fire, cutting off the oxygen supply, and interrupting the chemical reaction that sustains the flames. This makes them particularly effective against Class B fires, such as those caused by flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and solvents.

While dry powder extinguishers can have some effectiveness against electrical and certain structural fires, their design and chemical composition are specifically intended for flammable liquids. They are not suitable for use on cooking oil fires, which typically require specialized extinguishing agents such as wet chemical extinguishers. Understanding the specific application of dry powder extinguishers is essential for effective fire safety management and ensuring appropriate responses to different types of fire hazards.