Which type of dry chemicals should not be mixed with multipurpose dry chemicals?

Multipurpose dry chemicals are designed to extinguish various classes of fires, typically including those involving flammable liquids, gases, and electrical equipment. When considering the compatibility of dry chemical agents, it is important to recognize that alkaline-based dry chemicals can react adversely when mixed with multipurpose dry chemicals.

Alkaline-based extinguishing agents can create hazardous chemical reactions when combined with certain other chemicals, leading to decreased effectiveness or the release of toxic substances. In the case of multipurpose agents, which generally contain a chemical such as monoammonium phosphate, mixing them with alkaline substances may inhibit effective fire suppression and pose safety risks to both the user and the environment.

Understanding the chemical compatibility of extinguisher agents is crucial for safe and effective fire suppression. Therefore, it is vital for extinguisher technicians to select the appropriate extinguishing agent for the specific type of fire and to avoid mixing chemicals that could lead to dangerous outcomes.