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How much Class A foam should be added when filling an APW?

  1. 2 oz

  2. 4 oz

  3. 6 oz

  4. 8 oz

The correct answer is: 4 oz

When filling an All-Purpose Water (APW) fire extinguisher, it is essential to add an appropriate amount of Class A foam to enhance its firefighting capabilities. The standard recommendation is to mix 4 ounces of Class A foam concentrate to achieve optimal performance. This concentration effectively improves the extinguishing power of the water by reducing surface tension and allowing the water to penetrate more effectively into materials like wood and other Class A fuels. The correct amount ensures that the foam can properly encapsulate fuels, providing a better barrier against re-ignition while maximizing the water's effectiveness in cooling and suppressing the fire. Using too little foam may not provide the intended benefits, while exceeding the recommended amount may lead to unnecessary waste and could affect the functioning of the extinguisher. Therefore, the choice of 4 ounces balances efficiency and effectiveness for filling an APW.