In the UK, fire extinguishers made to BS EN 3 have a red body, and a coloured band or panel shows what is inside it: red for water, cream for foam, blue for dry powder, black for CO2 (carbon dioxide) and yellow for wet chemical. The colour tells you the extinguishing agent. The label tells you which classes of fire the extinguisher is rated for. Always read both before you use one.
This guide covers fire extinguisher colours, the main types of fire extinguisher and what each one is for. It also explains the British Standards behind the colour coding, so you can check that the right extinguishers are on each fire point.
Fire extinguisher colours at a glance
| Type | Label colour | Fire classes (typical) | Not for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Red (no separate colour) | A | Flammable liquids (B), cooking oil (F), live electrical equipment unless the label says it has passed the 35 kV dielectric test, and then only up to the stated voltage |
| Foam | Cream | A, B | Cooking oil fires unless the label shows an F rating; live electrical equipment unless dielectrically tested; metals (D) |
| Dry powder (ABC) | Blue | A, B, C and electrical | Enclosed spaces inside buildings, where the powder cloud reduces visibility; cooking oil fires (use wet chemical); metal fires (these need a specialist powder) |
| Specialist powder (metals) | Signal violet | D | General use. It is a specialist extinguisher for specific metal risks. |
| CO2 | Black | B and electrical | Solid materials (it is not A-rated), cooking oil fires, small spaces where the gas could affect people |
| Wet chemical | Canary yellow | F (many are also A-rated) | Anything not shown on its label, including live electrical equipment unless rated |
| Water mist | No single agreed colour: manufacturers use a white or red band | Varies by model. Many are rated A and F, and for electrical equipment up to 1000 V at 1 m. | Any class or risk not shown on its label |
| Clean agent | Green | Varies by model (check the label) | Any class or risk not shown on its label |
What the British Standards say about extinguisher colours
Portable extinguishers should conform to BS EN 3, which requires a red body whatever the extinguishing agent. In the UK, a colour zone covering no more than 5% of the body's surface may be used to identify the agent. The colours are set out in the code of practice BS 5306-10:2019, which replaced BS 7863:2009.
Some companies use extinguishers with silver or grey bodies to match their branding. These may still carry the agent colour in a small colour zone. Older vaporising liquid (halon) extinguishers were coloured green, and you may still find them in some specialist applications.
Classes of fire explained
Fires are classified under BS EN 2 according to what is burning. Every extinguisher label shows the classes it is rated for, usually as a rating such as 13A, 34B or 15F. Our guide to the classes of fire explains each one in more detail.
- Class A: solid materials such as wood, paper and textiles.
- Class B: flammable liquids and liquefiable solids such as petrol, diesel and oils.
- Class C: flammable gases.
- Class D: burning metals.
- Class F: cooking oils and fats, such as in deep fat fryers.
Electrical fires are not a separate class in the UK. An extinguisher that is safe to use on live electrical equipment says so on its label. For more detail, see our guide on which fire extinguisher to use on electrical fires.
Types of fire extinguisher
Water extinguishers (red)
Water extinguishers cool burning solids and are rated for Class A fires only. Water-with-additive versions are also available. When you compare models, look at the fire rating rather than the size: a 13A extinguisher does not have to be a heavy 9 litre water unit, and a smaller one that meets the same rating works just as well. Browse water fire extinguishers.
Foam extinguishers (cream)
Foam extinguishers work on Class A solids and Class B flammable liquids, so a single extinguisher covers both risks. Fluorine-free foam versions are also available. Browse foam fire extinguishers.
Dry powder extinguishers (blue)
ABC powder extinguishers are versatile and cover Class A, B and C fires as well as electrical equipment. Some fire and rescue services advise against using them inside buildings, because the fine powder cloud can disorientate the user, and the residue can damage equipment. Browse powder fire extinguishers.
CO2 extinguishers (black)
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are rated for Class B liquids and are the usual choice for electrical equipment, because they leave no residue. They are not rated for Class A solids. Browse CO2 fire extinguishers.
Wet chemical extinguishers (yellow)
Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for Class F cooking oil and fat fires, and many are also rated for Class A. Government guidance says kitchens with fat fryers or similar equipment should have a Class F extinguisher and a fire blanket. Browse wet chemical fire extinguishers.
Water mist extinguishers
Water mist extinguishers spray very fine droplets, typically of de-ionised water. The ratings depend on the model. Many cover Class A and F, and models that pass the 35 kV dielectric test are marked for use on live electrical equipment up to 1000 V at a distance of 1 m. Browse water mist fire extinguishers.
Lithium-ion battery extinguishers
Specialist extinguishers are available for lithium-ion battery risks such as e-bike storage and charging areas. Their agents, colours and ratings vary between manufacturers, so check the stated ratings against your fire risk assessment. Browse lithium battery fire extinguishers.
How to choose the right fire extinguisher
- Start with your fire risk assessment. It should identify the fire risks in each area and the type and number of extinguishers needed. BS 5306-8 gives guidance on selecting and positioning them.
- Match the rating to the risk. Compare fire ratings (such as 13A or 34B), not size or weight.
- Cover mixed risks. Many workplaces pair a water-based extinguisher for solid materials with a CO2 extinguisher for electrical equipment.
- Site them sensibly. Place extinguishers on escape routes near exits, grouped at fire points, and use signs where they are not in plain view.
- Maintain them. Check them visually on a regular basis and have a competent person service them every year, in line with BS 5306-3.
You can compare every type in our full fire extinguishers range. We supply genuine, brand-new, factory-sealed products with fast, tracked UK delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What colour is a foam fire extinguisher?
A foam extinguisher has a red body with a cream band or label panel.
What colour is a water fire extinguisher?
A water extinguisher is all red, with no separate colour zone.
What colour is a powder fire extinguisher?
A dry powder extinguisher has a red body with a blue band or label panel. Specialist powders for metal fires (Class D) use signal violet.
What colour is a CO2 fire extinguisher?
A CO2 extinguisher has a red body with a black band or label panel.
What are the main types of fire extinguisher?
The main types in the UK are water, foam, dry powder, CO2 and wet chemical. Water mist, clean agent and lithium-ion battery extinguishers are used for more specialist risks.
This guide is general information; follow your fire risk assessment and a competent person's advice.