Generally, a flammable liquid is a liquid that can catch fire.
In the USA, there is a precise definition of flammable liquid as one with a flash point below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Less-flammable liquids (with a flashpoint between 100 degrees and 200 degrees Fahrenheit) are defined as combustible liquids. This definition is used by the National Fire Protection Association, The US Department of Transportation, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration and others.
These categories are further subdivided, depending on the liquid's flash point and boiling point.
- Class IA flammable liquids have a flash point below 73 °F (the upper end of the common range of room temperature) and a boiling point below 100 °F
- Class IB flammable liquids have a flash point below 73 °F and a boiling point greater than or equal to 100 °F
- Class IC flammable liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 73 °F and below 100 °F
- Class II combustible liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 100 °F and below 140 °F
- Class IIIA combustible liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 140 °F and below 200 °F
- Class IIIB combustible liquids have a flash point greater than or equal to 200 °F
Examples of flammable liquids
Flammable liquids include, but are not limited to
| Common name | CAS Number | Flash point | Class | Autoignition Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetone | 67-64-1 | −17 °C (1 °F) | IB | 465 °C (869 °F) |
| Biodiesel | n/a mixture | >130 °C (266 °F) | IIIB | |
| Dimethyl ether | 115-10-6 | −41 °C (−42 °F) | IA | 235 °C (455 °F) |
| Diesel | n/a mixture | >62 °C (144 °F) | IIIA | 210 °C (410 °F) |
| Ethanol | 64-17-5 | 12.8 °C (55.0 °F) | IB | 365 °C (689 °F) |
| Diethyl ether | 60-29-7 | −45 °C (−49 °F) | IA | 170 °C (338 °F) |
| Gasoline | n/a mixture | <−40 °C (−40 °F) | IB | 246 °C (475 °F) |
| Jet fuel | n/a mixture | >38 °C (100 °F) | II | 210 °C (410 °F) |
| Kerosene (paraffin oil) | n/a mixture | >38–72 °C (100–162 °F) | IIIA | 220 °C (428 °F) |
| Methanol | 67-56-1 | 11 °C (52 °F) | IB | 464 °C (867 °F) |
| Nitromethane | 75-52-5 | 35 °C (95 °F) | ||
| Vegetable oil (canola) | n/a mixture | IIIB | 327 °C (621 °F)[1] |
See also Highly Flammable For More Information.
References
See also
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