Foam fire extinguishers
Foam extinguishers are one of the most common fire extinguisher types. They are generally used for fires involving flammable solids and liquids and so are suitable for the majority of businesses.
Foam fire extinguishers are identified by their cream-coloured label and are one of the most commonly used fire extinguishers in the UK. They are suitable for Class A fires involving materials such as wood, paper and textiles and Class B fires involving flammable liquids including petrol, diesel and paint. Many businesses are now switching to fluorine-free alternatives.
Foam extinguishers work by cooling the fire and creating a foam blanket that helps prevent re-ignition. They are commonly found in offices, warehouses, factories, hotels and commercial premises, although they should not be used on cooking oil fires or flammable gas fires.
2026 Update
The fire industry is undergoing significant changes regarding foam extinguishers. Modern foam extinguishers may be either traditional AFFF extinguishers or newer fluorine-free foam extinguishers.
Traditional AFFF foam extinguishers contain fluorinated chemicals known as PFAS. Due to environmental concerns, many manufacturers and businesses are moving towards fluorine-free foam extinguishers. Fluorine-free foam extinguishers are becoming increasingly popular because they do not contain intentionally added PFAS chemicals.
Existing foam extinguishers remain legal to service and use where appropriate, but many organisations are now choosing environmentally-friendly fluorine-free alternatives when replacing extinguishers. But not all foam extinguishers contain PFAS, so businesses should seek professional advice before replacing existing equipment.
How to identify a foam fire extinguisher:
• CREAM coloured label printed on the body stating ‘Foam’
• Should be identified by an extinguisher ID sign fixed nearby – ‘Foam Extinguisher’
Sizes of foam fire extinguisher available:
• 2 litre
• 3 litre
• 6 litre (most commonly used)
• 9 litre
What is a foam fire extinguisher used for?
Foam fire extinguisher uses:
• Fires involving flammable solids, such as paper, wood, and textiles (‘class A’ fires)
• Fires involving some flammable liquids, such as petrol, diesel, and paint (‘class B’ fires)
• Fires involving electrical appliances IF the extinguisher has passed the 35kv conductivity test
Please note: foam extinguishers are not explicitly designed for use on electrical fires.
The 35kv conductivity test is an additional safety measure intended to safeguard users who accidentally use a foam fire extinguisher on an electrical fire – there is a risk to using a foam fire extinguisher this way, including the possibility of getting an electric shock.
We strongly recommend ONLY using a CO2 extinguisher or a Dry Powder extinguisher for electrical fire risk.
Read more about the different types of fire extinguisher.
You can also learn what the different extinguisher colours signify.
Do not use foam fire extinguishers for:
• Cooking fires involving oil and grease, such as chip pan fires (‘class F’ fires)
• Fires involving flammable gases, like methane and butane (‘class C’ fires)
How do foam extinguishers work?
Foam fire extinguishers work in two ways.
Firstly, they are mainly water-based and so have the same cooling effect as water extinguishers, putting the fire out by lowering the temperature.
Pros and cons of foam fire extinguishers:
Foam vs water fire extinguishers: what’s the difference?
Which extinguisher should I choose?
Foam fire extinguishers are generally the better option where both Class A fires (wood, paper and textiles) and Class B fires (flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel and paint) are present. Water extinguishers are best suited to premises where the primary fire risk involves combustible materials such as paper, cardboard, wood and textiles.
* Foam extinguishers are not specifically designed for electrical fires. Although some models have passed the 35kV conductivity test, CO₂ extinguishers remain the preferred option for electrical fire risks.
Who needs foam fire extinguishers?
Foam extinguishers remain suitable for many commercial premises, particularly where Class A and Class B fire risks are present. However, extinguisher selection should always be based on a fire risk assessment and the specific hazards within the building.
Foam fire extinguishers are the ideal extinguishers for premises with multiple fire risks, such as:
• Offices
• Warehouses
• Factories
• Garages
• Hotels
In fact, most premises benefit from having foam extinguishers and these are frequently recommended, especially when paired with CO2 extinguishers for use on electrical fires.
How to use a foam extinguisher:
If you think you need foam fire extinguishers or if you’re not exactly sure what you need, just get in touch with our friendly team by calling 01276 684473 or emailing [email protected].
They can arrange a free survey visit for you from a BAFE registered engineer.
Why choose Surrey Fire & Safety?
When you buy foam fire extinguishers from Surrey Fire, you’re getting more than just the extinguisher itself. Here are the reasons why:
✅ Every extinguisher we supply is delivered, installed and commissioned by a qualified engineer, ensuring compliance with current fire safety regulations and insurance requirements.
✅ All foam extinguishers come with a 5-year guarantee.
✅ Our BAFE-registered engineers can provide a free, no-obligation survey to help you identify the most suitable extinguishers for your premises.
✅ We only buy foam fire extinguishers which are kitemarked and meet both British and European standards. And if you need any others, well of course we carry the full range of fire industry-approved extinguishers.
✅ We’ll also deliver, fit, and commission them – 100% free of charge.
✅ We offer competitive prices and a fast, friendly service.
✅ Next day delivery available.
✅ All our foam fire extinguishers are PFAS free.
✅ We supply, install and service foam fire extinguishers throughout Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire, including Guildford, Woking, Camberley, Farnborough, Bracknell and Reading.
Find out about UK fire extinguisher regulations here.
We’re confident you’ll find buying foam fire extinguishers from us affordable, simple and quick, regardless of the type or size of your business.
Call 01276 684473 to buy foam fire extinguishers or to book a FREE SURVEY visit from one of our friendly engineers.
Foam extinguishers – FAQs
What is a foam fire extinguisher used for?
Foam fire extinguishers are primarily designed for Class A fires involving combustible materials such as wood, paper and textiles and Class B fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel and paint. They work by cooling the fire and creating a foam blanket that helps prevent re-ignition.Are foam fire extinguishers being phased out?
Traditional foam extinguishers containing PFAS chemicals are being phased out due to environmental regulations. Many organisations are now replacing older foam extinguishers with fluorine-free foam alternatives or water mist extinguishers where appropriate.What has replaced foam fire extinguishers?
Depending on the risks present, many businesses are replacing traditional foam extinguishers with: Water mist extinguishers, fluorine-free foam extinguishers, water extinguishers and CO₂ extinguishers for electrical risks The best replacement will depend on the specific fire hazards within the building.What classes of fire can a foam extinguisher tackle?
Foam extinguishers are suitable for: – Class A fires (wood, paper, cardboard and textiles) and Class B fires (flammable liquids). They should not be used on Class F cooking oil fires or most combustible metal fires.How often should foam fire extinguishers be serviced?
Foam fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly by the Responsible Person and serviced annually by a competent fire extinguisher technician in accordance with BS 5306 recommendations.What are the advantages of foam fire extinguishers?
Key benefits include: Effective on both Class A and Class B fires, helps prevent re-ignition of flammable liquid fires as well as Easy to operate and widely recognised and understood.Can foam fire extinguishers be used indoors?
Yes. Foam extinguishers are suitable for many indoor environments including offices, schools, warehouses and retail premises. However, the suitability of any extinguisher should be determined as part of a fire risk assessment.Should I replace my existing foam fire extinguishers?
Not necessarily. Existing extinguishers may remain compliant and serviceable. However, businesses should review their fire safety arrangements and environmental objectives and consider whether fluorine-free alternatives may be appropriate when replacement becomes necessary.Read more about types of fire extinguishers:
- Water fire extinguisher
- Dry powder fire extinguisher
- CO2 fire extinguisher
- Wet chemical fire extinguisher
Also read our article: What Fire Extinguisher Do I Need for My Business
You may also find this article useful: Our Guide on How to Dispose of a Fire Extinguisher