If you’re wondering whether it is important to have a fire extinguisher at home, the answer is yes.
A fire accident can happen when you least expect it. Given the affordable cost of fire extinguishers today, it’s a no-brainer to purchase a few for your home.
Maybe you already have one at home, but it’s been sitting unused for so long that you’re not even sure if it’s still working. You might be asking:
- How often should fire extinguishers be replaced?
- Do they expire?
- How many fire extinguishers do you need for a typical terrace house in Malaysia?
- What type of fire extinguisher is suitable for the home?
In this post, we’ll answer these questions.
Why Having a Fire Extinguisher at Home Is a Must
Fire extinguishers play an important role in your home. A report by The Edge in 2016 showed that 54.9% of fire incidents in Malaysia were reported from residential areas. In 2020, a statistic released by Bomba Malaysia recorded a total of 24,810 fire incidents in just the first half of the year, resulting in losses of more than RM1.2 billion!
The truth is that some of these incidents could be avoided if homeowners had a fire extinguisher at home. With the number of flammable materials we have—such as curtains, bedding, carpets, and furniture—fire can easily spread.
Did you know that if you’re planning to buy home insurance (which you should), having safety equipment like a fire extinguisher can help lower your premium? That’s a win-win situation!
4 Types of Fire Extinguishers
There are 4 types of fire extinguishers commonly available at most hardware stores in Malaysia:
1 – Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
Also known as the ABC extinguisher, a dry powder fire extinguisher is a multi-purpose device effective on most types of fires. It can be used on fires involving flammable gas/liquid, electronic equipment, and organic materials such as wood, fabrics, and cardboard—making it ideal for home use.
However, experts do not recommend using it in enclosed spaces because the powder can be easily inhaled, which may be harmful to your health. Additionally, dry powder extinguishers may not be effective for kitchen fires, as the powder is not designed to combat fires involving cooking oil.
Avoid using dry powder extinguishers for kitchen fires and fires in enclosed spaces.
2 – Water Fire Extinguisher
Another popular option for both household and commercial use is the water-based fire extinguisher. It works by spraying water onto the heat source, reducing its temperature and eventually putting out the fire. This makes it useful for fires involving paper, wood, light furnishings, and other flammable solid materials.
Avoid using water extinguishers for fires involving electronic equipment, flammable liquids/gases, and kitchen fires.
3 – Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are commonly used for fires involving electrical equipment, as they work by displacing oxygen and suffocating the fire. Because carbon dioxide is a non-conductive gas, it won’t react with electrical wiring, making it an ideal choice to protect computers and other electronics. They are typically installed in offices and server rooms where extensive electrical wiring is present, and are not very common for home use.
Avoid using carbon dioxide extinguishers for kitchen fires, fires involving flammable gases, or combustible solid materials.
4 – Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher
Wet chemical extinguishers are highly recommended for fighting fires involving cooking oil. When applied, the chemical (potassium) reacts with fats and oils to form a foam-like barrier that cools and extinguishes the fire, preventing the oil from continuing to burn.
They can also be used on fires involving flammable materials such as cloth, paper, and plastics, but most people purchase this type specifically for the kitchen.
Avoid using wet chemical extinguishers for fires involving flammable liquids/gases, electronic equipment, or flammable metals.
Which Fire Extinguisher Is Best for Home Use?
Ultimately, for convenience and flexibility, purchase a dry powder fire extinguisher. It works best in most situations, is more affordable, and is the preferred choice for most homes. Consider also getting a wet chemical extinguisher for your kitchen if you cook frequently, as it’s effective against cooking oil fires.
Buy a fire extinguisher for your home at HOMA2u.
How Many Fire Extinguishers and Where to Place Them at Home
Generally, you should have one fire extinguisher on every floor of your home. However, if you live in a condominium or a single-story house, it’s best to place them in key areas. Here are some suggestions:
1 – Your Kitchen
The kitchen is the most obvious heat source in your home. Cooking fires are among the most common domestic fire incidents in Malaysia—especially if food is accidentally left unattended on the stove. Ensure your fire extinguisher is placed near your kitchen, but not directly beside the stove, as smoke and flames could block your access in an emergency.
Safety tip: Never keep your extinguisher too close to any heat source.
2 – Car Porch or Garage
This is where most homeowners store tools, equipment, chemical products, and other infrequently used items. Make sure your fire extinguisher is within easy reach—ideally placed just beside the door to your home garage.
3 – Bedrooms
Since most fires occur at night, having a fire extinguisher nearby can be crucial. Rather than scrambling in an emergency, it’s safer to have one close by when you wake up.
Don’t like the bright red-colored fire extinguishers? You can also opt for creative designer options. For example, you might choose a design with a minimalist look, featuring a stainless steel finish, or even an industrial style that complements a modern interior.
Where Can I Buy Fire Extinguishers in Malaysia?
Some homeowners mistakenly believe that a license is required to purchase a fire extinguisher. In reality, you can buy fire extinguishers online if you’re purchasing multiple units. Prices for home fire extinguishers typically range between RM49.90 and RM298.00, with differences mainly due to the type and design of the extinguisher.
How to Choose the Right Fire Extinguisher Size
This is another frequently asked question from homeowners. The size of the fire extinguisher you need depends on your house layout and overall size. Fire extinguishers generally come in three sizes:
- 10-pound (~4.5kg): Best for your home garage or storage room, where fire may spread quickly. Consider a larger one if you live in a bigger house.
- 5-pound (~2.3kg): Suitable for placement in your kitchen area. It’s light enough for a quick grab and sufficient to put out a large fire.
- 2-pound (~0.9kg): Super lightweight and often disposable, these are usually kept in your car or used during outdoor activities like camping.
Ready to Buy Your First Fire Extinguisher?
Fire extinguishers are often neglected by homeowners until it’s too late. Don’t make the same mistake—ensure you have fire extinguishers in your home as soon as you move in.
What other questions do you have about fire extinguishers that we haven’t answered? Let us know in the comments below, and we’ll do our best to help.