BrainStuff Season 3 Episode 9 How Fire Extinguishers Work

In season 3, episode 9 of BrainStuff, viewers are taken on a journey to learn about how fire extinguishers work. The episode starts with the necessity of fire and its dangers and goes on to explain the various types of fires and how important it is to use proper fire safety precautions. The host then introduces the history of fire extinguishers which dates back to the 18th century where it was called a "fire engine".

The episode then delves into the various types of fire extinguishers and their mechanisms. It explains that fire extinguishers work by interrupting the fire's tetrahedron, which includes removing one of the four elements that a flame requires to burn: heat, fuel, oxygen, and the chemical chain reaction. There are many different types of fires, and not all extinguishers work on all fires. The host explains the different classes of fires, and the types of extinguishers that are appropriate for each class. For example, a Class A fire extinguisher is used to extinguish wood, paper, or cloth fires. Class B is used for flammable liquids, such as grease and gasoline, and Class C is used for electrical fires.

The episode also talks about each of the extinguishing agents used such as water, carbon dioxide, foam, halon, and dry powder. Each agent has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to its effectiveness and safety levels. The host explains how water extinguishers work by cooling a fire's fuel source, and how carbon dioxide extinguishers work by displacing the oxygen needed to sustain a fire.

The episode then moves on to the rating system used to determine the size of the fire that an extinguisher is capable of putting out. The rating system is set up by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) which assigns ratings based on the size of the fire, and the amount of the extinguishing agent needed to put it out. The host explains that the number on an extinguisher represents the number of square feet of fire it can put out, and the letter rating denotes the type of fire the extinguisher is rated for.

The episode also covers the importance of understanding how to properly use a fire extinguisher in the event of an emergency. The host demonstrates the proper technique, which includes remembering the acronym "PASS" - Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the trigger, and Sweep the nozzle side to side. In addition to knowing how to use an extinguisher, it's important to understand when it's time to evacuate and call for professional help.

Overall, season 3, episode 9 of BrainStuff provides a detailed and informative look at fire extinguishers and their mechanisms. The episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to better understand the importance of fire safety and the proper use of extinguishers.