What additional criteria are extinguishers rated by?

Fire extinguishers are rated by several criteria to ensure they effectively combat specific types of fires. One of the key criteria is the volume of fire that can be effectively extinguished and the duration of time that the extinguisher can discharge its contents. These ratings provide users with important information about how long an extinguisher can be used, as well as the amount of fire it can adequately suppress.

The volume indicates the capacity of the extinguisher, while duration relates to how long it can operate before needing to be recharged or replaced. This is crucial for ensuring that individuals can effectively manage a fire until professional help arrives. Understanding these ratings helps users select the appropriate extinguisher for varying fire risks in different environments.

In contrast, other factors such as weight, cost, brand, model, size, and color do not influence the extinguisher’s effectiveness in fighting fires. While they may affect the decision of which extinguisher to purchase or where to install it, they do not alter the fundamental performance of the extinguisher in fire suppression.