Fire Extinguisher Signs and Symbols: Meaning, Types & Placement Guide
- September 30, 2025
When it comes to fire safety, it is not enough to simply buy a fire extinguisher and place it in a corner. Instead, you should also be aware of where you need to keep it and what type of fire it can stop. For that, fire extinguisher signs and symbols are very important.
Because those signs make it easy to find the extinguisher in an emergency and help in using it at the right time. At Kanex Fire Solutions Limited, we believe that small details like signs matter a lot when it comes to saving lives and property.
What Are Fire Extinguisher Signs?
Fire Extinguisher Signs are visible safety indicators placed in strategic locations within buildings or facilities that clearly show where a fire extinguisher is located, identify the type of extinguisher, and indicate what kinds of fires it’s safe for.
In simple words, it acts like a direction board for fire safety. Imagine a fire breaks out, and people are rushing in different directions. At that time, a clear sign will guide them straight to the extinguisher. For example, a red board with a white extinguisher drawing is the most common one. Some also have arrows pointing up, down, left, or right, showing the direction clearly.
Types of Fire Extinguisher Signs
Here are some of the most common signs of fire extinguishers that you should keep in mind. Take a quick look:
Location Signs: These signs are placed just above or beside the extinguisher, so people can see them easily.
Directional Signs: These signs are very useful in large spaces like factories or malls. And these boards have arrows.
Instruction Signs: These signs have short steps written or shown in pictures. Using these signs, even a new person can use the extinguisher correctly.
Fire Extinguisher Symbols Explained
Every extinguisher has its own label and color code, which are called fire extinguisher symbols. These symbols show you what type of fire the extinguisher can stop. If you don’t check them properly, you may end up using the wrong extinguisher, which can be dangerous.
Class | Symbol | Used For |
Class A | Green Triangle | Wood, paper, cloth |
Class B | Red Square | Liquids like petrol, oil, paint |
Class C | Blue Circle | Gas fires such as LPG or natural gas |
Class D | Yellow Star | Metals like magnesium or aluminium |
Class K | Black Hexagon | Cooking oils and fats, mostly in kitchens |
Why Do Signs and Symbols Matter?
There are simple reasons why signs and symbols of fire extinguishers are important, and you should not ignore them:
- People find extinguishers fast when a fire starts.
- Symbols make sure the right extinguisher is used.
- In many industries, it is a legal requirement to display proper fire safety signs.
- Even visitors or new staff can understand the meaning without training.
Where Should You Place the Signs?
The board should be bright, visible, and, in some cases, glow-in-the-dark boards are also used so that they can be seen during power cuts.
Office: keep signs at eye level near corridors, exits, and server rooms.
Factory: Place them near machines, warehouses, and entry gates.
Restaurants or hotels: Put them near kitchens, dining halls, and staircases.
Homes: A simple sign near the kitchen or parking area works well.
Conclusion
Fire extinguisher signs and symbols are essential to ensure that no time is wasted during a fire emergency. These small boards help you find the extinguisher fast and use the right one without confusion. At Kanex Fire Solutions Limited, we remind you that an extinguisher is useful only when you can see it and know what it is for. So, when you plan fire safety for your home, office, or factory, don’t just buy equipment. Install the right signs and place them where everyone can clearly see them.