BE Fire Extinguishers

BE fire extinguishers are dry chemical powder extinguishers rated for Class B fires (flammable liquids — petrol, diesel, paint, solvents) and Class E fires (live electrical equipment). Unlike ABE extinguishers, BE units do not carry a Class A rating — they use a different agent (sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate) that delivers superior performance on flammable liquid fires compared to monoammonium phosphate ABE powder. All models are certified to AS/NZS 1841. From $79.

When to Choose BE Over ABE

BE extinguishers are the right choice in environments where flammable liquids are the primary fire hazard and Class A combustibles (wood, paper, fabric) are not present or are minimal:

• Boat engine rooms — fuel and oil fires, no structural combustibles
• Fuel storage areas and service stations — petrol, diesel, lubricants
• Paint booths and spray rooms — solvent and lacquer vapours
• Laboratories — chemical and flammable reagent storage
• Electrical switchrooms — where Class A hazards are absent

For most homes, offices, and general commercial premises where both Class A and Class B hazards exist, an ABE fire extinguisher is the more practical choice.

BE and Purple K Sizes

BE vs Purple K

Standard BE extinguishers use sodium bicarbonate (white powder). Purple K extinguishers use potassium bicarbonate — a significantly more effective Class B agent that extinguishes flammable liquid fires approximately twice as fast per kilogram compared to standard sodium bicarbonate. Purple K is the preferred agent in aviation, petrochemical, and military applications where rapid knockdown of fuel fires is critical. The purple/violet colour identifies the agent.

For standard commercial or marine use, a BE dry chemical extinguisher is sufficient. Purple K is specified where the hazard demands the fastest possible knockdown — large fuel bunds, aircraft hangars, and industrial fuel handling.

Compliance

• AS/NZS 1841 — Certification standard. BE extinguishers are identified by a white colour band (same as ABE) — check the label for the fire class rating, which will show B and E but not A.
• AS 2444 — Selection and placement standard. In areas with flammable liquid hazards, AS 2444 may specify BE or Purple K in addition to or instead of ABE. A licensed fire protection assessor can confirm what’s required for your specific premises.
• AS 1851 — Maintenance standard. 6-monthly servicing required for all installed extinguishers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a BE fire extinguisher used for?

BE extinguishers are used on Class B fires (flammable liquids — petrol, diesel, paint, solvents, oils) and Class E fires (live electrical equipment). They are not rated for Class A fires (wood, paper, fabric) — for general-purpose use, choose an ABE extinguisher instead.

What is the difference between ABE and BE fire extinguishers?

ABE extinguishers use monoammonium phosphate and cover Class A, B, C, and E fires — the most versatile type. BE extinguishers use sodium or potassium bicarbonate and cover only Class B and E. BE agents are more effective on flammable liquid fires but provide no Class A protection. Choose BE only if Class A hazards are absent from your environment.

What is a Purple K fire extinguisher?

Purple K is a potassium bicarbonate dry chemical agent — approximately twice as effective on Class B (flammable liquid) fires as standard sodium bicarbonate BE powder. It is used in high-hazard applications — aviation hangars, petrochemical facilities, and fuel handling areas — where rapid fire knockdown is critical. Purple K extinguishers are identified by their purple/violet agent colour.