What is the main difference between a dry chemical and a wet chemical extinguisher?

The main difference between a dry chemical and a wet chemical extinguisher is that dry chemical extinguishers use powder agents to suppress fires, while wet chemical extinguishers utilize liquid agents specifically designed to cool and suffocate fires, particularly those involving flammable liquids and cooking oils.

Dry chemical extinguishers are versatile and can be effective on a range of fire types, including those involving solids (Class A), flammable liquids (Class B), and electrically energized equipment (Class C). They disperse a fine powder that interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire.

On the other hand, wet chemical extinguishers are typically used for Class K fires, which involve cooking oils and fats. The wet chemical agent simmers at low temperatures, creating a barrier between the oxygen and the fuel, as well as cooling the fire.

This distinction highlights the unique application and context in which each type of extinguisher is used, reinforcing their roles in effective fire response strategies. Other options don’t convey this essential functional difference accurately.