Water Fire Extinguishers

Water fire extinguishers are designed for Class A fires — burning paper, cardboard, wood, fabric, and most plastics. They work by directing a pressurised jet of water onto the fire, rapidly cooling the burning material below its ignition temperature to extinguish the flames. Water is one of the most effective and environmentally clean extinguishing agents available.

Where Water Fire Extinguishers Are Used

Water extinguishers are a cost-effective, chemical-free choice for environments where Class A combustibles are the main fire risk:

Offices, workplaces, and retail spaces
Warehouses, storage facilities, and depots
Schools, universities, and libraries
Hotels and accommodation facilities
Hospitals and aged care facilities
Anywhere paper, cardboard, timber, or textiles are present in volume

What Water Extinguishers Cannot Be Used On

Water conducts electricity and is ineffective against flammable liquids, cooking oils, and gases. Water extinguishers must not be used on:

Class B fires — flammable liquids such as petrol, oils, and solvents
Class E fires — live electrical equipment (water conducts electricity and creates electrocution risk)
Class F fires — cooking oils and fats
Class C fires — flammable gases
Class D fires — combustible metals

If your site has electrical equipment or mixed fire risks, a dry chemical (ABE) extinguisher or CO2 extinguisher may be more appropriate. Browse our full range of fire extinguishers to find the right type for your environment.

Compliance and Servicing

All water fire extinguishers sold by Fire Extinguisher Shop meet AS/NZS 1841, the Australian and New Zealand standard for portable fire extinguishers. Under AS 1851, water extinguishers require a 6-monthly inspection and annual service to maintain compliance. Servicing must be carried out by a licensed fire protection technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fires can a water fire extinguisher put out?
Water extinguishers are rated for Class A fires only — paper, cardboard, wood, fabric, and most plastics and rubber. They cannot be used on flammable liquids, live electrical equipment, cooking oils, gases, or combustible metals.

Can I use a water fire extinguisher on electrical fires?
No. Water conducts electricity, making it dangerous on live electrical equipment. For electrical fire risks, use a CO2 extinguisher, which leaves no residue and is safe on live equipment.

What size water fire extinguisher do I need?
The standard for most commercial and industrial environments is 9 litres, which provides sufficient agent for medium to large Class A fire scenarios. We recommend confirming your requirements with a licensed fire protection technician, as coverage depends on the size and occupancy of your premises.

How often does a water fire extinguisher need to be serviced?
Under AS 1851, water extinguishers require a 6-monthly inspection and an annual service. An extended service is required every 5 years. All servicing must be performed by a licensed technician to maintain compliance.

Are water fire extinguishers environmentally friendly?
Yes — water is the cleanest extinguishing agent available. There are no chemical residues, no hazardous contamination, and no special disposal requirements after discharge, making water extinguishers a practical choice for schools, hospitals, and food-safe environments.