A complete guide to fire extinguisher colour codes used in Ireland. What does each colour mean, which fires can it extinguish and which extinguisher does your business need?
In Ireland, all fire extinguishers have a red body. A coloured band or panel on the upper section identifies the type of extinguishing agent inside. This colour coding system is standardised across Ireland and the EU under European Standard EN 3.
| Colour | Type | Fire Classes | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Water | Class A | Offices, schools, retail |
| Cream | Foam (AFFF) | Class A & B | Most commercial premises |
| Black | CO2 | Class B & Electrical | Offices, server rooms |
| Blue | Dry Powder | Class A, B & C | Garages, plant rooms, outdoor |
| Yellow | Wet Chemical | Class F (cooking oil) | Commercial kitchens — legally required |
| White / Grey | Water Mist | Class A, B, C & Electrical | Modern offices, healthcare |
The red label identifies a water extinguisher — the most common type in Ireland. Suitable for Class A fires involving ordinary combustible materials.
⚠️ Never use on electrical fires or flammable liquids.
The cream label identifies a foam extinguisher — the most versatile general purpose extinguisher for commercial premises in Ireland.
⚠️ Never use on electrical fires or cooking oil.
The black label identifies a CO2 extinguisher — essential for any premises with electrical equipment. Leaves no residue and does not damage equipment.
⚠️ Not for Class A or cooking oil fires. Never use in confined spaces.
The blue label identifies a dry powder extinguisher — multi-purpose and effective on Class A, B and C fires. Best suited to outdoor and industrial environments.
⚠️ Not for offices — powder causes damage. Not suitable for cooking oil.
The yellow label identifies a wet chemical extinguisher — specifically designed for Class F fires involving cooking oils and fats. A legal requirement in commercial kitchens.
✅ Legally required in all commercial kitchens in Ireland.
The white or grey label identifies a water mist extinguisher — a modern multi-purpose option suitable for most fire classes including electrical fires.
⚠️ Not suitable for cooking oil fires (Class F).
RFC Fire & Security Systems supply, install and service all types of fire extinguisher for commercial premises across Dublin and Leinster. Our engineers assess your premises and recommend the correct types. Free site survey — no obligation.
Fire extinguisher colour coding exists so that the correct extinguisher can be identified quickly in an emergency. Using the wrong type of extinguisher on the wrong class of fire can be ineffective — and in some cases dangerous. For example, using a water extinguisher on an electrical fire can cause electrocution.
In Ireland, the colour coding system for fire extinguishers is standardised under European Standard EN 3. All extinguishers have a red body — with a coloured band or panel identifying the agent type. This replaced the older system where the entire extinguisher body was colour coded.
Prior to the introduction of EN 3, fire extinguishers in Ireland used a full-body colour coding system. The new system uses a red body with a coloured band only. You may still encounter older extinguishers with the old colour coding system — particularly in older buildings or on older equipment.
If you have older extinguishers with the full-body colour coding, RFC can assess whether they need to be replaced as part of your annual fire extinguisher service.
The correct type of fire extinguisher for your commercial premises depends on the fire risks present. As a general guide:
RFC's engineers assess your commercial premises and recommend the correct type and quantity of fire extinguishers — compliant with Irish Standard IS 291. Free site survey across Dublin and Leinster.
All extinguisher types · Supply · Installation · Servicing · Free site survey
