L2 Powder Fire Extinguishers for Lithium Metal & Class D Fires
L2 powder fire extinguishers are specialist Class D extinguishers designed for fires involving combustible metals, with particular application to lithium metal risks.
They are used in specialist environments such as laboratories, engineering facilities, manufacturing operations, metal-processing areas and other premises where combustible-metal fires may occur.
Kings Fire can assess the specific metal fire risk, advise on suitable extinguisher provision, supply and commission appropriate L2 equipment and provide ongoing fire extinguisher servicing.
What Is an L2 Powder Fire Extinguisher?
L2 is a specialist dry powder extinguishing medium formulated for combustible-metal fires.
Unlike standard ABC dry powder, L2 extinguishers are intended for Class D fire risks and are commonly associated with lithium metal. Depending on the particular product and manufacturer, L2 powder may also be suitable for certain other combustible metals.
L2 extinguishers normally use a low-velocity lance or applicator so the powder can be applied gently to the burning material. This is important because a high-velocity discharge could spread burning metal particles and increase the hazard.
Where Might L2 Powder Be Required?
L2 extinguishers may be appropriate where there is a credible risk involving combustible metals, including specialist applications such as:
- Lithium metal processing or storage
- Laboratories and research facilities
- Metal machining and engineering environments
- Manufacturing processes producing combustible metal swarf or powder
- Specialist industrial and technical facilities
Class D risks require careful assessment because different extinguishing agents can react differently with different metals.
The extinguisher should therefore be selected for the specific metal, process and environment involved, rather than simply specifying a generic Class D extinguisher.
L2 Powder Is Not for Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
L2 powder should not be confused with extinguishers intended for lithium-ion battery fires.
L2 is designed for lithium metal, which is a Class D combustible-metal risk.
Lithium-ion batteries are different. Under BS ISO 3941:2026, fires involving lithium-ion batteries are recognised separately as Class L.
The "L" in L2 does not mean that an L2 extinguisher has a Class L fire rating.
Lithium-ion battery fires can involve thermal runaway, intense heat, flammable gases, propagation between cells and re-ignition. Specialist lithium-ion battery fire protection should therefore be considered separately.
Specialist Extinguisher Selection Matters
Combustible-metal fires can react violently with inappropriate extinguishing media. Water, foam or other standard extinguishers may be unsuitable for some metal risks.
Before specifying an L2 or other Class D extinguisher, the material involved, its physical form, quantity, process and surrounding environment should be assessed.
Kings Fire can review the risk and advise whether L2, another specialist Class D medium or a different fire protection approach is appropriate.
Professional Supply & Servicing
Kings Fire can supply and commission specialist Class D fire extinguishers for appropriate commercial and industrial risks.
Once installed, specialist extinguishers can be incorporated into your ongoing fire extinguisher servicing programme, helping ensure that the equipment remains correctly positioned, maintained and documented.
Where the risk involves lithium-ion batteries rather than lithium metal, Kings Fire can separately advise on appropriate Class L lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher provision.
L2 & Class D Fire Extinguisher FAQs
Answers to common questions about L2 powder, combustible-metal fires and the important difference between lithium metal and lithium-ion batteries.
What is an L2 powder fire extinguisher?
An L2 extinguisher is a specialist Class D dry powder extinguisher intended for combustible-metal fire risks, with particular application to lithium metal. Specialist selection is important because different metals can require different extinguishing media.
What fires can L2 powder be used on?
L2 powder is principally associated with lithium-metal Class D fires. Depending on the specific extinguisher and manufacturer's test evidence, it may also be suitable for certain other combustible metals. The extinguisher should always be selected for the particular metal and process involved.
Is L2 powder suitable for lithium-ion battery fires?
No. L2 powder is intended for lithium metal and other appropriate Class D risks. Lithium-ion batteries are different and are recognised separately as Class L under BS ISO 3941:2026. The “L” in L2 does not mean that an L2 extinguisher is rated for Class L lithium-ion battery fires.
Why does an L2 extinguisher use a low-velocity applicator?
Burning metal powders, swarf and particles can be disturbed by a high-velocity extinguisher discharge. L2 extinguishers therefore commonly use a low-velocity lance or applicator so that the powder can be applied more gently to the burning material.
Where are L2 fire extinguishers normally used?
Typical applications include laboratories, engineering facilities, manufacturing operations, metal-processing areas and other specialist premises where lithium metal or other combustible-metal fire risks are present.
Can Kings Fire supply and service L2 extinguishers?
Yes. Kings Fire can assess specialist Class D fire risks, advise on suitable extinguisher provision, supply and commission appropriate equipment and incorporate L2 extinguishers into an ongoing fire extinguisher servicing programme.
Need Advice on L2 or Class D Fire Extinguishers?
Combustible-metal risks require specialist extinguisher selection, and the correct medium will depend on the particular metal, process and environment involved.
Kings Fire can assess your requirements, advise on suitable Class D fire extinguisher provision, supply and commission appropriate equipment and provide ongoing servicing.
Call 01462 337037 or contact Kings Fire to discuss your requirements.