Mandatory where you cut or store reactive metals

Class D Extinguishers and Powders (Combustible Metals)

Amerex · Firetrace Canada & United States $$ · No reliable public figure — get quotes

Special dry powders such as sodium chloride, copper or graphite, made for fires in magnesium, titanium, sodium and lithium metal in machine shops and labs. Ordinary extinguishers can make metal fires violently worse.

Why we like it

The only safe portable option for combustible metal fires
Available as extinguishers, bulk powder buckets with scoops, and fixed systems
Low-velocity applicator buries the metal rather than scattering it

Watch out for

Powder type must match the metal — one Class D unit does not cover every metal
Not a general answer for lithium-ion battery fires
Useless as a general-purpose extinguisher

Best for

Machine shops and labs that machine, grind or store magnesium, titanium, sodium or lithium metal.

Read the full market guide — costs, install effort and alternatives ↓

Market guide

The whole commitment, end to end

What this actually is, what the market looks like, what it really costs, and how much of your time it wants — before you spend anything.

Buying it Easy

Installing it Trivial

Living with it Easy

Up front

No reliable public figure — get quotes.

Lead time

Days to weeks; often a dealer order

Time to install

Minutes for a portable unit

How it works

Burning metals are extremely hot, and water or ordinary agents can react with them violently. A Class D unit applies a specialized dry powder gently, from a low-velocity applicator, so it buries the burning metal instead of blasting it around. The powder forms a crust that shuts out air and draws heat away. The right powder depends on the metal, which is why the rating test is metal-specific.

Who needs it

Facilities that machine or store combustible metals, under NFPA 10 and NFPA 484.

Codes, standards and listings

Canada: Selection under the National Fire Code of Canada (which references NFPA 10); there is no separate Canadian Class D standard that we could find.
United States: UL 711 Class D test is metal-specific; selection under NFPA 10 and NFPA 484 for combustible metals.

What the market looks like

Amerex makes portable Class D extinguishers; Firetrace makes fixed Class D powder suppression systems for machinery. Bulk buckets of powder with scoops are also common in shops. Supply is through fire equipment dealers and lab or industrial suppliers.

Features that actually matter

Metal-specific powders: Sodium chloride, copper and graphite powders suit different metals; match the powder to what you handle.
Low-velocity applicator: Lays powder on gently so molten or burning metal is not scattered.
Bulk powder option: Buckets with scoops are used alongside or instead of extinguishers.
Fixed systems: Firetrace offers Class D powder systems that protect machinery directly.

What it really costs

Up front: No reliable public figure — get quotes.
Consumables: Powder replenishment after use. No reliable public figure — get quotes.
What else you'll need: Bracket, signage and staff training.
Over five years: Annual service. No reliable public figure — get quotes.

No public price source was checked; all cost lines need dealer quotes.

How it differs from the alternatives

Versus ABC or water extinguishers: On a metal fire, ordinary agents can make things violently worse. Class D is not an upgrade — it is a different tool.
Versus lithium-ion battery fires: Lithium-ion cells contain little lithium metal, so Class D powder is not a general solution for battery fires.

Buying it

Effort Easy

Where: Fire equipment dealers and lab/industrial suppliers. Fixed Class D systems through Firetrace's distribution.

Lead time: Days to weeks; often a dealer order

Tell the dealer exactly which metals you handle and in what form — chips, powder or solid stock.

Installing it

Effort Trivial

Time: Minutes for a portable unit

You'll need: Drill · Wall anchors · Bracket

Place within reach of the machining or storage area, clearly marked so nobody grabs it for an ordinary fire — or an ordinary unit for a metal fire.

Living with it

Effort Easy

Annual service. Train staff on gentle application; spraying hard defeats the purpose.

If not this, then what

Bulk Class D powder and scoopA common shop alternative or supplement to a portable extinguisher.
Fixed Class D suppression (Firetrace)Protects specific machines automatically.

Caveats

Powder type must match the metal involved.
Class D agents are not a general solution for lithium-ion battery fires.
No price source was checked; get dealer quotes.

Our verdict

If you machine or store combustible metals, this is not optional and must match the metal you handle. Do not buy it for lithium-ion batteries.

We don't take payment for placement and we don't sell these products. If you think we've got something wrong here, tell us — we'll correct it.

Sources

Firetrace

Need this installed or serviced? Find a licensed contractor near you →

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