Portable fire extinguishers
Since 2025, fire-safety rules also cover hotels, B&Bs, holiday homes and short-term rentals, which need suitable portable extinguishers. We offer foam, CO₂ and powder extinguishers for different fire classes and help you choose the right model.
2025 fire-safety rules for accommodation businesses
Fire-safety rules in force since 2025 set specific requirements to protect guests and staff in hotels, B&Bs, holiday homes and short-term rentals. They include a careful risk assessment and EN3-approved portable extinguishers, correctly sized and positioned.
Foam extinguishers
Foam smothers and cools a fire and creates a film that helps prevent reignition. These extinguishers are suitable for Class A fires (solids such as wood, paper and textiles) and Class B fires (flammable liquids such as petrol, oil and paint). Many models are also approved for Class F (cooking oils and fats). A 6-liter model may have an extinguishing rating of 27A 233B 40F. Advantages include effectiveness on Class A and B fires, use where cooking oils are present, cooling and sealing action, and less damage to some equipment than powder. Some models carry MED certification for marine use. Foam extinguishers are unsuitable for Class C fires (flammable gases) and live electrical equipment unless specifically dielectrically tested. Common capacities are 2, 3, 6 and 9 liters. They are suited to B&B and short-term rental kitchens (Class F models), common areas, laboratories and stores containing flammable liquids.
CO₂ (carbon dioxide) extinguishers
These discharge an inert gas that removes oxygen from the fire and cools it. They are effective on Class B fires and suitable for live electrical equipment (sometimes called Class E fires, although this is not an official EN3 class): CO₂ is non-conductive and leaves no residue. A 2 kg extinguisher may have a 34B rating. CO₂ extinguishers leave no residue and suit electrical panels, server rooms and sensitive electronics; some models carry MED and PED certifications. Limitations include reduced effectiveness on outdoor Class A fires or in large spaces, an asphyxiation risk in small unventilated rooms and possible thermal shock or cold burns. Common capacities are 2 and 5 kg. They are suited to electrical panels, server rooms, laboratories with delicate instruments and small kitchens for liquids, but not fats.
ABC powder extinguishers
Fine chemical powder smothers a fire and interrupts the combustion reaction. It is effective on Class A (solids), B (liquids) and C (flammable gases such as methane and LPG). These extinguishers are rated for use on live electrical equipment up to 1,000 V at a distance of 1 m. A 12 kg model may have a rating of 55A 233B C. They offer broad ABC coverage and are suitable for outdoor use. The powder leaves corrosive residue that is difficult to clean and may damage electronics and fine mechanisms; discharge can reduce visibility and irritate the respiratory tract. Capacities range from 1–2 kg for cars and campers, through common 4, 6 and 9 kg models for buildings, to wheeled units of 12 kg and over. They are suited to hotels, B&Bs, garages, boiler rooms, workshops and areas with multiple risks where residue is not the primary concern.
Compliance and maintenance
When choosing an extinguisher, consider its type, capacity (in kg or liters) and extinguishing rating (for example, 27A 233B). Extinguishers should be: • EN3 approved and, where necessary, MED/PED certified. • Correctly installed and easy to access. • Periodically maintained by qualified personnel under current rules, such as UNI 9994-1. We can refer you to certified maintenance services. • Clearly marked with the year of manufacture or overhaul, for example “Year 2025” for an extinguisher new or overhauled that year.
FAIT support for fire safety
We offer advice on the 2025 fire-safety rules and on choosing extinguishers, with a range of foam, CO₂ and powder extinguishers in different capacities and with the required approvals. We select products that meet the stated standards and help you find certified maintenance services. Contact FAIT for advice or information about the range.