Can dry powder BC fire extinguishers and ABC fire extinguishers be used together?

Standards of the People’s Republic of China – Code for Design of Fire Extinguisher Installation in Buildings GBJ 140-90 (1997 edition). Authority responsible for drafting: Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China. Authority responsible for approval: Ministry of Construction of the People’s Republic of China. Date of implementation: August 1, 1991. Chapter 1, Article 10.1.0.1: This code is formulated in order to ensure the proper installation of fire extinguishers, to enable effective suppression of incipient fires in industrial and civil buildings, to reduce fire-related losses, and to protect human life and property. Article 10.1.0.2 These specifications apply to industrial and civil construction projects for the new construction or expansion of facilities where flammable materials are produced, used, or stored. These specifications do not apply to factories (warehouses) that produce or store **, ammunition, explosives, and firecrackers, nor to ordinary residential buildings with fewer than nine floors. Article 10.1.0.3 The type, specifications, quantity of fire extinguishers to be installed, as well as their placement locations, shall be part of the building design and must be indicated on the engineering design drawings. Article 10.1.0.4: The design for the installation of fire extinguishers in buildings shall, in addition to complying with the provisions of these specifications, also meet the requirements of **current relevant standards and specifications. Chapter 2, Article 10.2.0.1: The hazard level of areas where fire extinguishers are required in industrial buildings should be classified into the following three levels, based on factors such as the fire hazard of the materials produced, used, or stored there, the amount of combustible material present, the speed at which fires can spread, and the difficulty of controlling such fires. Level 1: High hazard level – areas with a high fire hazard, large amounts of combustible material, rapid fire spread in the event of a fire, or a high risk of significant fire damage ； II. Medium-risk level: Locations with a high fire hazard, plenty of combustible materials, and rapid spread of fire once it breaks out ； III. Low-hazard level: Locations with low fire risk, few combustible materials, and slow spread of fire in the event of a blaze. Examples of the hazard levels for locations where fire extinguishers are to be installed in industrial buildings are given in Appendix II of this code. Article 10.2.0.2 The hazard level of locations in civil buildings where fire extinguishers are installed shall be classified into the following three levels based on factors such as their functional nature, fire risk, quantity of combustible materials, speed of fire spread, and difficulty of extinguishing fires: 1. High hazard level: Locations with complex functions, extensive use of electricity and fire, valuable equipment, high fire risk, large amounts of combustible materials, and where fires spread rapidly or can cause significant damage ； II. Medium-risk level: Locations with heavy use of electricity and fire, a high risk of fires, plenty of combustible materials, and rapid spread of fire in the event of an outbreak ； III. Low-risk level: Locations where electricity and fire are used less, the risk of fire is low, there are few flammable materials, and fires spread slowly once they start. Examples of the hazard levels for locations where fire extinguishers are required in civil buildings are given in Appendix 3 of this code. Article 10.2.0.3 Fire types shall be classified into the following categories according to the substances and their combustion properties: 1. Class A fires: refer to fires caused by the combustion of carbon-containing solid combustibles, such as wood, cotton, wool, linen, paper, etc ； II. Class B fires: Fires involving liquids of categories A, B, and C, such as gasoline, kerosene, methanol, ether, and propane ； III. Class C fires: refer to fires caused by the combustion of flammable gases, such as gas, natural gas, methane, acetylene, hydrogen, etc ； IV. Class D fires: refer to fires caused by the combustion of flammable metals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, titanium, zirconium, lithium, and aluminum-magnesium alloys ； V. Fire involving live electricity: refers to a fire caused by the burning of live electrical objects. Article 10.2.0.4 The fire extinguishing rating of a fire extinguisher shall consist of numbers and letters; the numbers shall indicate the level of the fire extinguishing capacity, while the letters (A or B) shall indicate the category of fire for which it is suitable for use. Chapter 3, Article 10.3.0.1: Fire extinguishers shall be selected based on the following factors: 1. The type of fire that occurs in the area where the fire extinguisher will be used ； II. Effectiveness of fire extinguishing ； III. Degree of damage to the protected items ； IV. Ambient temperature at the setting point ； V. Qualities of the personnel using fire extinguishers. Article 10.3.0.2 The selection of fire extinguisher types shall comply with the following provisions: 1. For extinguishing Class A fires, water-based, foam, ammonium phosphate dry powder, and halon-type fire extinguishers should be used ； II. For extinguishing Class B fires, dry powder, foam, halon, and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers should be used; chemical foam fire extinguishers must not be employed for extinguishing Class B fires involving polar solvents ； III. For extinguishing Class C fires, dry powder, halon, and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers should be used ； IV. For extinguishing fires involving live electricity, halon, carbon dioxide, and dry powder fire extinguishers should be used ； V. For extinguishing Class A, B, C fires and electrical fires, ammonium phosphate dry powder and halon-type fire extinguishers should be used ； VI. The fire extinguishing equipment for fighting Class D fires shall be determined through consultation between the design unit and the local public security fire supervision department. Article 10.3.0.3 In the same fire extinguisher installation area, when the same type of fire extinguishers is selected, it is advisable to choose those with identical operating methods. Article 10.3.0.4 In the same fire extinguisher installation area, when two or more types of fire extinguishers are used, fire extinguishers with compatible extinguishing agents shall be employed. Incompatible fire extinguishers. Incompatible extinguishing agents are specified in Appendix 4 of this standard. Article 10.3.0.5 In areas where it is not necessary to install halon fire extinguishers, such extinguishers should not be used; instead, other types of fire extinguishers such as ammonium phosphate dry powder fire extinguishers or light water foam fire extinguishers are preferred. The determination of locations where halon fire extinguishers are not necessary should be carried out in accordance with the relevant regulations of the **fire safety authorities** and the **environmental protection authorities**. Examples of locations where halon fire extinguishers are not required are given in Appendix 7 of this standard. Note: Halon fire extinguishers refer to halon 1211 and 1301 fire extinguishers; the same applies hereafter. Chapter 4, Article 10.4.0.1: The criteria for the placement of fire extinguishers in areas classified as Category A fires shall comply with the provisions in Table 10.4.0.1. Table of standards for the placement of fire extinguishers in areas prone to Class A fires 10.4.0.1 Hazard level: High hazard level, Medium hazard level, Low hazard level. Minimum required fire extinguishing capacity per extinguisher: 5A, 5A, 3A respectively. Maximum protected area (m2 per extinguisher): 10, 15, 20 respectively. Article 10.4.0.2 stipulates that the standards for placing fire extinguishers in areas prone to Class B fires shall comply with the provisions of Table 10.4.0.2. Table of guidelines for the placement of fire extinguishers in areas prone to Class B fires 10.4.0.2 Hazard level: High hazard level, Medium hazard level, Low hazard level. Minimum required fire extinguishing capacity per extinguisher: 8B, 4B, 1B respectively. Maximum protected area (m2 per B): 5, 7.5, 10 respectively. Article 10.4.0.3: The guidelines for placing fire extinguishers in areas prone to Class C fires shall be followed in accordance with those specified for areas prone to Class B fires. Article 10.4.0.4: The number of fire extinguishers required in underground buildings shall be increased by 30% compared to the requirements applicable to corresponding above-ground buildings. Article 10.4.0.5 In areas equipped with fire hydrants and fire extinguishing systems, the number of fire extinguishers required can be reduced in accordance with the following provisions: 1. Where fire hydrants are available, the required number of fire extinguishers can be reduced by 30% ； II. In cases where a fire extinguishing system is installed, the amount can be reduced by 50% accordingly ； III. In areas equipped with fire hydrants and fire suppression systems, the required number of fire extinguishers can be reduced by 70%. As per clause 10.4.0.6, in locations where flammable materials are stored outdoors, where Class A, B, and C liquids are kept, or where flammable gas tanks are located, the number of fire extinguishers needed can also be reduced by 70%. Article 10.4.0.7: There shall be no fewer than 2 fire extinguishers in a location equipped with fire extinguishers. There should not be more than 5 fire extinguishers at each setting point. Article 10.4.0.8 All halon fire extinguishers installed in industrial and civil buildings as well as civil air defense projects shall not be released into the atmosphere arbitrarily, except for use in extinguishing fires. Article 10.4.0.9 When halon fire extinguishers are undergoing regular maintenance, pressure testing, or being disposed of, **approved halon recovery methods must be used to recover the halon extinguishing agent. Article 10.4.0.10 In areas where it is not necessary to install halon fire extinguishers, those already installed should be replaced when they exceed the specified service life or fail to meet the requirements of product quality standards, and should be disposed of as scrap. Article 10.4.0.11: In those locations where it has been decided to remove halon fire extinguishers due to their unnecessary use, other types of fire extinguishers should be installed in their original locations. The reconfigured fire extinguishers shall be designed and calculated for placement in accordance with the principle of equivalent substitution and the provisions of Chapters 4 and 6 of these specifications. Examples of equivalent substitutes for halogenated alkane fire extinguishers are provided in Appendix 8 of this specification. Chapter 5, Section 1, Article 10.5.1.1: Fire extinguishers shall be installed in locations that are visible and easily accessible, without compromising safe evacuation. Article 10.5.1.2 Fire extinguishers shall be installed firmly, with their nameplates facing outward. Article 10.5.1.3 Portable fire extinguishers should be installed on hooks, brackets, or in fire extinguisher cabinets, with their top part being at a height of less than 1.50 m above the ground ； The height of the bottom from the ground should not be less than 0.15 m. Article 10.5.1.4 Fire extinguishers should not be installed in humid or highly corrosive locations; if installation is necessary, appropriate protective measures must be in place. Fire extinguishers installed outdoors should have protective measures. Article 10.5.1.5 Fire extinguishers shall not be installed in locations outside their specified operating temperature range. The operating temperature range of the fire extinguisher shall comply with the provisions in Appendix V of this specification. Section 2, Article 10.5.2.1: For fire extinguishers installed in areas classified as Class A fire hazards, the maximum protection distance shall comply with the requirements specified in Table 10.5.2.1. Maximum protection distance (m) of fire extinguishers in areas equipped for Class A fires – Table 10.5.2.1: Type of fire extinguisher, Hazard level. Portable fire extinguishers, Wheeled fire extinguishers: High hazard level – 15, 30; Medium hazard level – 20, 40; Low hazard level – 25, 50. Article 10.5.2.2: For fire extinguishers installed in areas equipped for Class B fires, the maximum protection distance shall comply with the provisions of Table 10.5.2.2. Maximum protection distance (m) of fire extinguishers in areas equipped for Class B fires – Table 10.5.2.2: Type of fire extinguisher, Hazard level. Portable fire extinguishers, Wheeled fire extinguishers: Severe hazard level – 9, 18; Moderate hazard level – 12, 24; Low hazard level – 15, 30. Article 10.5.2.3: For fire extinguishers installed in areas equipped for Class C fires, the maximum protection distance shall be determined in accordance with Article 10.5.2.4 of these regulations. Paragraph 10.5.2.4: For fire extinguishers installed in areas where flammable materials are stored in open piles, as well as in storage tanks for Class A, B, and C liquids and storage tanks for flammable gases, the maximum protection distance for such fire extinguishers shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of **current relevant standards and specifications. Chapter 6, Article 10.6.0.1: The calculation units for areas equipped with fire extinguishers shall be divided in accordance with the following provisions: 1. For adjacent areas that have the same degree of danger and the same type of fire in terms of fire extinguisher installation, one floor or one fire compartment may be regarded as one calculation unit ； II. Locations with different hazard levels or types of fires where fire extinguishers are installed should be considered as separate calculation units. Article 10.6.0.2 The calculation of the protected area for locations where fire extinguishers are installed shall comply with the following provisions: 1. For construction projects, the calculation is based on the usable area ； II. For combustible materials stored in open piles, as well as storage tanks for Class A, B, and C liquids and storage tanks for combustible gases, the calculation is based on the area occupied by the piles or tanks. Article 10.6.0.3 The required fire extinguishing level for areas equipped with fire extinguishers shall be calculated using the following formula. (10.6.0.3) In the formula, Q represents the fire suppression rating of the area where the fire extinguisher is installed, which can be A or B ； S —— The protected area for the location where fire extinguishers are installed, in m2; U —— The standard amount of fire extinguishers required for that location based on the risk level associated with Class A or Class B fires, in m2/A or m2/B; K —— The correction factor. In the absence of fire hydrants and fire suppression systems, K=1.0 ； Where fire hydrants are available, K=0.7 ； Where a fire extinguishing system is installed, K=0.5 ； For those equipped with fire hydrants and fire suppression systems, or where combustible materials are stored in open piles, or where tanks for Class A, B, or C liquids are present, K=0.3. Article 10.6.0.4: The fire suppression level required for areas where fire extinguishers are installed in underground structures shall be calculated using the following formula: (10.6.0.4) Article 10.6.0.5: The fire suppression level for each installation point in areas where fire extinguishers are installed shall be calculated using the following formula: (10.6.0.5) Where Qe represents the fire suppression level for each installation point in such areas, with values of A or B ； N —— the number of installation points in the area where fire extinguishers are placed. Article 10.6.0.6: The fire extinguishing rating of all fire extinguishers actually installed in the areas and locations designated for fire extinguisher placement must not be lower than the calculated value. Article 10.6.0.7 The design calculations for the placement of fire extinguishers shall be carried out in accordance with the following procedures: 1. Determine the hazard level of the area where the fire extinguishers will be installed ； II. Determine the types of fires in each location where fire extinguishers are installed ； III. Calculation units for determining the locations where fire extinguishers should be installed ； IV. Calculate the protection area for each unit ； V. Calculate the required fire extinguishing level for each unit ； VI. Determine the fire extinguisher installation points for each unit ； VII. Calculate the fire extinguishing capacity for each fire extinguisher installation point ； VIII. Determine the type, specifications, and quantity of fire extinguishers for each setting point ； IX. Verification of the fire extinguishing capacity of all fire extinguishers actually installed at each setting point and in each unit ； X. Determine the installation method and requirements for each fire extinguisher, and indicate on the design drawings its type, specifications, quantity, and installation location. Appendix I: Table 10.1.1 – Nouns, Former Nouns, and Explanations
„Places requiring fire extinguishers“ refer to locations where it is necessary to install fire extinguishers, such as paint shops, electrical rooms, control rooms, offices, laboratories, factory buildings, auditoriums, stages, storage areas, etc.
„Protection distance“ refers to the walking distance from any point of ignition within a place requiring fire extinguishers to the nearest fire extinguisher.
„Calculation unit“ refers to a combined unit in which several adjacent places within a building that have the same level of risk and the same type of fire are treated as one overall location for the purpose of designing the placement of fire extinguishers. The protection area, protection distance, and the number of fire extinguishers required are all determined based on the total number of fire extinguisher locations within that calculation unit. Examples of hazard levels in Appendix II: Table 10.2.1 Examples of Hazard Levels. Factories and open or semi-open production areas; Warehouses and open or semi-open storage areas. Severe hazard level: Areas for the refining, recovery, and washing of oils and organic solvents with a flash point below 60°C, as well as their pump rooms and tank areas; Areas where rubber products are coated with glue or adhesive; Areas for the crude and refined processing of carbon dioxide and its application sites; Factories for the synthesis and refinement of methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate, benzene, etc.; Extraction areas in vegetable oil processing plants; Detergent manufacturing plants; Paraffin cracking areas and glacial acetic acid cracking plants; Epoxypropane and styrene factories or production areas; Liquefied petroleum gas tank areas and barrel storage areas; Plants for the purification of natural gas, water gas, or coke oven gas (such as desulfurization); Compressor rooms and blower rooms; Acetylene stations, hydrogen stations, gas stations, oxygen stations; Factories for nitrocellulose and celluloid production and their related application areas. 12. Factories for the production of yellow phosphorus and red phosphorus and their application areas. 13. Factories for the refining of camphor or rosin, as well as plants for the refining of naphthalene in coking plants. 14. Grinding areas in coal powder and flour processing plants. 15. Working towers in grain silos, dust collectors, and filter rooms in linen mills. 16. Potassium chlorate factories and their application areas. 17. Areas for the concentration of fuming sulfuric acid or nitric acid. 18. Potassium permanganate and sodium dichromate factories. 19. Sodium peroxide, potassium peroxide, and calcium hypochlorite factories. 20. Main control rooms and sub-control rooms in various factories. 21. Sheds made of flammable materials; Chemical hazardous material warehouses; Stations and docks for loading and unloading crude oil or chemical hazardous materials; Storage tanks and barrel storage areas for Class A and B liquids; Liquefied petroleum gas storage areas and barrel storage areas; Bulk cotton storage areas; Storage areas for straw, reeds, wheat straws, etc.; Warehouses for celluloid and its products, varnished cloth, oilcloth, oilpaper and their products, as well as oil silk and its products; Warehouses for spirits with a flash point above 60°C. Continued from Table 10.2.1 Examples of Hazard Levels. Factories and open or semi-open production areas; Warehouses and open or semi-open storage areas. Moderate hazard level: 1. Areas for the refining and recovery of oils and organic solvents with a flash point of 60°C or higher, as well as their pump rooms; 2. Tank areas and barrel storage areas for diesel, machine oil, or transformer oil; 3. Areas for lubricant regeneration or asphalt processing plants; 4. Refining areas in vegetable oil processing plants; 5. Oil-immersed transformer rooms and high/low voltage distribution rooms; 6. Industrial fuel and gas boiler rooms; 7. Various cable ducts; 8. Oil quenching treatment workshops; 9. Factories for the calendering, molding, and vulcanization of rubber products; 10. Woodworking factories and factories for processing bamboo and rattan; 11. Knitting factories and drying areas in textile, printing, and fiber production industries; 12. Garment processing factories and finished product factories in printing plants; 13. Rough processing factories in linen mills and wool processing factories for selecting wool; 14. Grain processing factories; 15. Factories for cutting, rolling, and packaging tobacco; 16. Printing factories; 17. Factories for assembling televisions and radios; 18. Assembly sections and gun firing rooms in cathode ray tube factories; 19. Tape assembly factories; 20. Areas for foaming, molding, printing, and embossing in foam plastic factories; 21. Feed processing factories; 22. Gas stations. 1. Storage tanks and barrel storage areas or storage areas for oils with a flash point of 60°C or higher and other Class C liquids; 2. Warehouses for chemicals, synthetic fibers and their fabrics, cotton, wool, silk, linen and their fabrics; 3. Warehouses or storage areas for paper, bamboo, wood and their products; 4. Warehouses for matches, cigarettes, sugar, tea; 5. Warehouses for traditional Chinese medicines; 6. Warehouses for rubber, plastics and their products; 7. Warehouses and storage areas for grains and foodstuffs; 8. Warehouses for electronic products such as televisions and radios, as well as other household electrical products; 9. Parking lots for cars and large tractors; 10.

The regulations for the second floor have been abolished; the new \"Code for Design of Fire Extinguishers in Buildings\" is GB 50140－2005, which came into effect on October 1, 2005. 4.1.3 In the same fire extinguisher installation area, when two or more types of fire extinguishers are used, fire extinguishers with compatible extinguishing agents should be employed. 4.1.4 Examples of incompatible extinguishing agents: Dry powder and dry powder (ammonium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate); Dry powder and foam (sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and protein foam); Foam and foam (protein foam, fluoroprotein foam, and aqueous film-forming foam)

I wonder if the ABC fire extinguisher cylinder can be replaced with a BC fire extinguisher cylinder. Can a BC fire extinguisher be filled with ABC powder?