Not all extinguishers are suited for every fire. From water to CO₂, knowing which extinguisher to use can prevent costly mistakes, and injury. For example, using a water based extinguisher on an electrical fire can result in injury or worse.

Below is a brief run down on the different kinds and what they are used for.

Water. Red patch on the front. (I know they are all red but bear with me.) Flammable solids. paper, wood, textile. this isn't a comprehensive list, just the most common ones.

Foam. Beige patch. (All becomes clear). Flammable liquids or liquefiable solids such as wax. There has been a trend to use foam instead of water in areas such as offices where water would be more appropriate. Due to a regulation change, there will be a change over to water in these situations. They are still required in kitchens.

Powder. Blue Patch. No longer placed unless there is gas, compressed gas or LPG.

CO2. Black patch. For electrical fires. They will work on all fires by removing the oxygen but as no heat is removed, beware re-ignition.

Wet Chemical. Yellow Patch. For hot fat fires. Used exclusively in kitchens and most commonly in areas with large chippy style fryers.

Halon. Green patch. You will never see these unless you work in aviation and not always then.