A dry chemical fire extinguisher rated as 10-B is capable of extinguishing how many times the amount of fire compared to a unit rated as 1-B?

A dry chemical fire extinguisher rated as 10-B indicates that it can effectively handle fires in spaces with up to 10 square feet of flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, or solvents. The 'B' rating specifically refers to the ability of the extinguisher to extinguish Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids.

The rating system is designed so that each numeric unit corresponds to a specific volume of fire that can be extinguished. Therefore, a unit rated as 1-B is capable of extinguishing fire in a space of 1 square foot. When comparing the capabilities of a 10-B rated extinguisher to a 1-B rated one, the 10-B extinguisher can handle an area that is 10 times larger than that covered by the 1-B unit.

This means that a 10-B extinguisher can extinguish fire incidents that are up to 10 times the amount of fire compared to a 1-B unit, making it significantly more effective in combating larger fires in flammable liquids. Understanding the rating system is crucial for selecting the appropriate extinguisher for specific fire scenarios, ensuring safety and efficacy during fire suppression efforts.