A- Burning material that leaves an ASH
B- Burning liquids (liquids can BOIL)
C- Electrical fires (CURRENT)
D- Burning metals, such as magnesium (metals can DENT)
K- Burning cooking fats (fires in the KITCHEN)
FIRE extinguishers are used to put out fire.
In the USA, marine fire extinguishers must be UL listed and US Coast Guard approved. Don't know about other countries. There are private testing agencies to which a fire extinguisher applies for the necessary testing and certifications, according to the UL and USCG standards.
to put out fire In other words, because there are different types of fires there are different types of fire extinguishers. The label will tell you what type of fire it is designed for.
The different types of fire extinguishers are listed in classes according to which is appropriate for what type of fire. Below is an article which goes into the different classes of fire extinguishers.
Extinguishers with a Class C rating (C can be used on Currents)
There are several types of fire extinguishers that one should purchase that rely on their compact form and low weight such as Alert 5 Rechargeable fire extinguishers, and Tundra Tundra extinguishers.
liquids
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers can be used on Class B, C and E.
There are different types of fire extinguishers. For a boat it would be best to get a portable type like those designed for use in automobiles.
It is very important to know the proper way to use a fire extinguisher. If you would like to learn the ABC's of fire extinguishers, you should go here: http://www.fireextinguisher.com/ This interactive and thorough website will teach you all about fire extinguishers and what types of extinguishers you should use on certain types of fires. The site is very in depth.
Class A
Many. Axes, fire extinguishers of all types, torches, I could go on forever.