Class D Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

The class D powder falls under the category of a specialist type of extinguisher, not only in it`s application and chemical make up and formula but in its fire fighting capabilities.The powder is a specialist powder capable of controlling fires involving metals such as magnesium. The contents are expelled via a long lance and a low velocity applicator which allows the fine powder particles to gently fall onto the burning metal allowing the chemical reaction to take place.

Certain metals are flammable or combustible. Fires involving such are designated "Class D" in both systems. Examples of such metals include sodium, titanium, magnesium, potassium, steel, uranium, lithium, plutonium, and calcium. Magnesium and titanium fires are common, and 2006-7 saw the recall of laptop computer models containing lithium batteries susceptible to spontaneous ignition. When one of these combustible metals ignites, it can easily and rapidly spread to surrounding ordinary combustible materials.

With the exception of the metals that burn in contact with air or water (for example, sodium), masses of combustible metals do not represent unusual fire risks because they have the ability to conduct heat away from hot spots so efficiently that the heat of combustion cannot be maintained - this means that it will require a lot of heat to ignite a mass of combustible metal. Generally, metal fire risks exist when sawdust, machine shavings and other metal 'fines' are present. Generally, these fires can be ignited by the same types of ignition sources that would start other common fires.

Request a free no obligation quote

For a free no obligation quote please complete the form below with your request and we will provide you with a quote within 24 hours or please call us on  0800 998 7958





Contact Form

Name:              

E-mail:             

Phone Number:  


Full postcode:   

Message:



Preferred method of contact:

E-mail Phone


 0800 998 7958









Important safety message !

We don't use courier companies to deliver our fire extinguishers, British Standards BS 5306 states that the initial service & commissioning must be carried out by a "competent person" who has received the relevant training. This is very important as you may unknowingly receive and install a fire extinguisher which has suffered damaged or a fault in transit. Call us today for further information on Tel: 0800 998 7958

If you are seeking fire extinguishers for your business, building or property please contact us as we personally deliver the items to you, completely assembled, with an initial service, commissioned and installed.



i
i

There are several Class D fire extinguisher agents available, some will handle multiple types of metals, others will not. Sodium Chloride (Super-D, Met-L-X or METAL.FIRE.XTNGSHR) -contains sodium chloride salt and thermoplastic additive. Plastic melts to form an oxygen-excluding crust over the metal, and the salt dissipates heat. Useful on most alkali metals including sodium and potassium, and other metals including magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and zirconium.

Copper based (Copper Powder Navy125S) -developed by the U.S. Navy in the 70s for hard-to-control lithium and lithium-alloy fires. Powder smothers and acts as a heat sink to dissipate heat, but also forms a copper-lithium alloy on the surface which is non-combustible and cuts off the oxygen supply. Will cling to a vertical surface-lithium only.

Graphite based (G-Plus, G-1, Lith-X, Pyromet or METAL.FIRE.XTNGSHR) -contains dry graphite that smothers burning metals. First type developed, designed for magnesium, works on other metals as well. Unlike sodium chloride powder extinguishers, the graphite powder fire extinguishers can be used on very hot burning metal fires such as lithium, but unlike copper powder extinguishers will not stick to and extinguish flowing or vertical lithium fires. Like copper extinguishers, the graphite powder acts as a heat sink as well as smothering the metal fire.

Sodium carbonate based (Na-X)-used where stainless steel piping and equipment could be damaged by sodium chloride based agents to control sodium, potassium, and sodium-potassium alloy fires. Limited use on other metals. Smothers and forms a crust.

Some water based suppressants may be used on certain class D fires, such as burning titanium and magnesium. Examples include the Fire Blockade and FireAde brands of suppressant. Some metals, such as elemental Lithium, will react explosively with water, therefore water-based chemicals should never be used on such fires due to the possibility of a violent reaction. Most Class D extinguishers will have a special low velocity nozzle or discharge wand to gently apply the agent in large volumes to avoid disrupting any finely divided burning materials. Agents are also available in bulk and can be applied with a scoop or shovel.