Zenova FX Buying Guide | UK Guide 2026
- Harry poole
- Aug 20
- 6 min read
Fire extinguisher selection is changing.
Alongside fire performance, businesses are increasingly considering clean-up, environmental impact, ease of selection and the number of different extinguisher types required across a premises.
Traditional water, foam, powder, CO₂ and wet chemical extinguishers all continue to have important applications. However, modern multi-risk extinguishers such as Zenova FX provide another option for premises looking to simplify fire protection while maintaining strong fire-fighting performance.
So, how does Zenova FX compare?
The Limitations of Traditional Fire Extinguishers
Traditional extinguishers are effective when correctly selected, but each extinguishing medium has its own advantages and limitations.
Dry Powder
Dry powder offers broad fire-fighting capability, but discharge can create considerable contamination.
In an indoor environment, powder can:
• Reduce visibility during discharge• Contaminate electrical and electronic equipment• Spread beyond the immediate fire area• Create substantial post-discharge clean-up
This can make powder undesirable for many offices, shops and other occupied indoor environments.
Foam
Foam has traditionally provided effective Class A and Class B fire protection.
However, the environmental impact of certain fluorinated firefighting substances has resulted in significant regulatory changes and increased demand for alternative extinguishing agents.
The exact environmental characteristics of a foam extinguisher depend on the particular formulation, so modern fluorine-free foam should not be treated as identical to older foam technologies.
CO₂
CO₂ remains particularly useful around dedicated electrical hazards and sensitive equipment because it is electrically non-conductive and leaves no extinguishing-agent residue.
However, CO₂ isn't a universal replacement for extinguishers covering ordinary Class A combustible materials.
For this reason, traditional commercial provision can sometimes involve Class A extinguishers alongside separate CO₂ extinguishers.
Wet Chemical
Wet chemical extinguishers are designed particularly for Class F cooking-oil and fat fires.
They remain an established solution for commercial kitchens and significant deep-fat frying risks.
What Makes Zenova FX Different?
Zenova FX takes a multi-risk approach to fire protection.
Rather than using completely different extinguishing media for several common risks, the FX range uses Zenova's water-based extinguishing fluid to provide broad fire-fighting capability.
Multi-Risk Fire Protection
Zenova's technical information states that FX has demonstrated capability across:
A • B • C • D • ELECTRICAL • F
There is, however, an important distinction between certified fire ratings and additional tested capability.
For example, Zenova's FX6L and FX9L technical documentation identifies EN3-7 certification for A, B, Electrical and F, while separately stating that FX can extinguish A, B, C, D, Electrical and F fires.
Class C and Class D are specialist risks and should therefore be assessed individually rather than assuming tested capability automatically makes an extinguisher appropriate for every application.
Reduced Reliance on Different Extinguisher Types
One of the most interesting benefits of multi-risk protection isn't necessarily having fewer extinguishers.
It's potentially having fewer different types of extinguisher.
A traditional environment might contain different extinguishers for ordinary combustible materials, flammable liquids, electrical equipment and cooking-oil risks.
Where appropriately specified, Zenova FX can potentially simplify this arrangement.
IMPORTANT
Multi-risk does not mean one extinguisher protects an entire building.
The required number of extinguishers, fire ratings, travel distances and positioning still need to be determined according to the premises and risks present.
Cleaner Than Dry Powder
For many indoor applications, one of Zenova FX's most attractive advantages is avoiding the widespread contamination associated with dry powder discharge.
This can make FX particularly interesting for environments where minimising secondary disruption is important.
Examples include:
OfficesRetail premisesSchools and educational environmentsResidential communal areas where extinguishers are appropriateWorkshopsVehiclesCommercial premises
Zenova FX & Environmental Considerations
The current Zenova FX6L and FX9L technical sheets state that the extinguishers comply with applicable PFOA, PFOS and PFAS EU standards and regulations, with trace PFAS elements stated to be below current and proposed limits.
That's the wording I'd use rather than claiming Zenova is simply “PFAS-free” or “free from harmful fluorinated chemicals.”
It's more precise and matches the manufacturer's supplied technical documentation.
What About Electrical Equipment?
Electrical equipment isn't itself a UK fire class.
Instead, consideration needs to be given to whether an extinguisher is suitable for use where live electrical equipment may be involved.
The Zenova FX6L and FX9L technical sheets state that the extinguishers are:
SAFE FOR USE ON LIVE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT UP TO 1000V
They are also identified as EN3-7 certified for A, B, Electrical and F fires.
This makes Zenova FX particularly interesting for general commercial areas containing a mixture of ordinary combustible materials and electrical equipment.
Does Zenova FX Replace CO₂?
Not Necessarily.
This is an important distinction.
While Zenova FX provides electrical capability, dedicated electrical hazards should still be assessed separately.
Examples include:
Electrical intake roomsSwitch roomsDistribution equipmentSwitchgearControl equipmentPlant rooms with significant electrical equipment
For these applications, an appropriate electrically non-conductive extinguishing medium such as CO₂ may still be recommended.
CO₂ also has the advantage of leaving no extinguishing-agent residue, which can be particularly valuable around sensitive electrical and electronic equipment.
So Zenova FX should not be marketed as simply “replacing every CO₂ extinguisher.”
What About Class C & Class D?
Zenova states that FX has been tested on Class C flammable-gas and Class D combustible-metal fires.
This demonstrates the broad capabilities of the FX extinguishing agent, but these are specialist hazards.
Class C
Where a flammable gas is involved, the priority is generally to isolate the gas supply where it is safe to do so.
Extinguishing the flame without stopping the escaping gas could potentially create a more dangerous situation.
Class D
Different combustible metals can react differently to extinguishing agents.
The specific metal and process involved therefore need to be considered when selecting extinguisher provision.
TESTED CAPABILITY ≠ AUTOMATIC SELECTION
Class C and Class D risks should be specifically assessed before fire-fighting equipment is selected.
Where Can Zenova FX Be Used?
Depending on the model, required fire ratings and risks present, Zenova FX may be considered for environments including:
Offices & Commercial Premises
Multi-risk protection for environments containing ordinary combustibles and electrical equipment.
Retail
Suitable FX models can provide broad protection without the widespread contamination associated with powder.
Workshops
Useful where multiple common fire risks exist, although specialist hazards should be assessed separately.
Residential Applications
Compact FX products can provide additional fire protection where an extinguisher is considered appropriate.
Vehicles
Compact models can provide portable multi-risk fire protection.
Commercial Kitchens
Suitably F-rated FX models can provide Class F capability, although the cooking-oil risk and required rating need to be properly assessed.
Which Zenova FX Is Right for Me?
FX500
3A • 15B • 15F
A compact option for smaller and portable applications. Zenova's supplied 2025 product information also lists the FX500 as dielectrically tested.
FX2L
13A • 34B
A compact multi-risk extinguisher. The supplied product information also lists 25F as currently undergoing testing, so this should not yet be presented as an established certified rating without updated supporting documentation.
FX6L
34A • 113B • 75F
A versatile commercial option with EN3-7 certification, BSI Kitemark and suitability for live electrical equipment up to 1000V according to the supplied technical data.
FX9L
43A • 183B • 75F
A higher-capacity option for applications requiring greater fire ratings, also identified in the supplied technical documentation as EN3-7 certified, BSI Kitemarked and suitable for live electrical equipment up to 1000V.
Zenova FX or Traditional Extinguishers?
There isn't one correct answer for every premises.
Zenova FX may be particularly attractive when:
✓ Several common fire risks exist in the same area✓ Reducing reliance on different extinguisher types is desirable✓ Powder contamination would be problematic✓ Electrical equipment is present alongside ordinary combustible materials✓ A multi-risk solution is appropriate for the assessed hazards
Traditional extinguishers may still be preferable or required for specific or specialist hazards, including certain dedicated electrical, Class C and Class D applications.
Fire Extinguisher Training Still Matters
Whatever extinguisher is selected, people expected to use fire-fighting equipment should understand its limitations and correct operation.
Portable extinguishers are intended for dealing with small fires where it is safe to do so.
Personal safety and evacuation should always take priority.
Fire extinguishers should never encourage someone to remain in a dangerous situation or attempt to fight a fire beyond their capability.
How Many Extinguishers Do I Need?
Selecting the extinguisher type is only part of the process.
For non-domestic premises, extinguisher provision also needs to consider:
Floor area • Fire ratings • Minimum quantities • Travel distances • Positioning • Specific hazards
BS 5306-8:2023 provides guidance on the selection and positioning of portable fire extinguishers.
Choosing the Right Solution
Modern fire protection isn't simply about replacing one extinguisher with another.
The aim is to select equipment that provides appropriate protection for the actual risks within the premises.
Zenova FX offers an interesting modern alternative to traditional extinguisher arrangements, particularly where broad fire-fighting capability, reduced powder contamination and simplified extinguisher selection are important.
But specialist hazards still require specialist consideration.
At Fire Fighting Supplies, we supply both Zenova FX and traditional fire extinguishers, allowing us to recommend the solution appropriate to the application rather than forcing every premises into one approach.
Important Information
This guide provides general information and does not replace a suitable fire risk assessment or site-specific extinguisher assessment.
Extinguisher selection, quantity and positioning should take account of the individual premises, fire risks, relevant standards and manufacturer's instructions.
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