Fire Extinguisher

[JaSAn]

I need to replace the fire extinguisher in my camper. I currently have a small 5 y.o., (2#?) BC, dry chemical Kidde home extinguisher. What should I get for replacement (type and size)?
I also carry a small 16 oz. kitchen 'spray can' extinguisher that has a different retardant (can't find it specified anywhere on the can).

 

[Beach]

There are four classes of fire extinguishers – A, B, C and D – and each class can put out a different type of fire.[SIZE=13.5px]1a[/SIZE]

• Class A extinguishers will put out fires in ordinary combustibles including wood, cloth, rubber, paper, as well as many plastic materials.
• Class B extinguishers are for use on flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, oils and other similar substances.
• Class C extinguishers are suitable for use only on electrically energized equipment fires.
• Class D extinguishers are designed for use on flammable metallic substances like potassium and sodium.

Multipurpose extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than one class, for example A-B, B-C or A-B-C. You can find the class label of most fire extinguishers in a pictograph on the side of the extinguisher.[SIZE=13.5px]1[/SIZE]

 

[craig333]

Actually there are more types than that but a Class AB is good enough for most of us. I tend to get a little bit carried away though.

I do have a preference for foams similar to afff. Other than a chance of freezing I think its the way to go but you can't just grab one off the shelf in most places.

 

[JaSAn]

I guess I wasn't clear. I know I need an A-B-C extinguisher in my Grandby (FLA batteries so I don't think I need D, doesn't B cover K?). My question is about appropriate size and alternatives to dry chemical.

I have had training on the use of extinguishers and have cleaned up the mess dry chemical makes, which is why I am open to alternatives.

 

[craig333]

For automotive use I'm not too worried about C rating. I do worry about fire transitioning to the wildland where a powder extinguisher with its poor A rating isn't going to help much. You're correct about the mess to from using a a dry chemical extinguisher. Another consideration that I was unfortunate to witness once is a trapped occupant and my work as a track guy at races. Dry chemical won't cool a person, is not breathable. The Fireade I use is usually 97% (depending on the mix) water. I'd much prefer someone to spray me with a non toxic water foam than dry chemical. Its also going to be much more effective if the fire gets into the wildland. My experience in freezing temps is at least for short periods and temps in the teens, freezing isn't an issue.

Plus, if you get a larger extinguisher, its home refillable. https://consumers.fireade.com/products/

Should last me a lifetime.

 

[craig333]

And as for size, the bigger the better. I realize most people won't or can't carry a 2 1/2 gallon extinguisher but go as big as you have room. My smallest is a 3lb. Probably about 32oz.

Don't forget the quick release. I'm glad I went out to take a pic. I didn't realize the pin was missing!

They say fireade will put out a grease fire but personally I'm not going to cook anything like that inside my camper. I'd be afraid of slopping the grease out with the extinguisher besides just covering the fire will put it out. Important thing is not to panic.

Btw, Coldfire as best as I can tell is basically the same or very similar to fireade.
P.S. If you do want a refillable I'd look on Ebay for a used one that's been tested. Brand new ones are pricey.
https://coldfirecanada.com/products-page/2-litre-cold-fire-extinguisher/

 

[JHanson]

My strong advice is to ditch the standard fire extinguishers and invest in an Element. Much more effective and never goes out of date. It's what we carry in all our vehicles now.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Jonathan, thanks for sharing. This looks like a great alternative to the traditional extinguishers.

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

OK...I'm sold. Thanks for the video!

 

[craig333]

I'm not too impressed with them.
1. Cost-Very expensive
2. Not refillable
3. Range. Need to be very close to the fire
4. No cooling effect
5. Its a gas. Any wind and it becomes less effective
6. It may have an A rating but using it on wildland fire?

Much like a Halon extinguisher I could see using it on something like an electrical fire
Watch how much its effected by wind

https:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAjlLscIizI

Advantages-No worry about pressure, freezing, no mess
Not sure why my links aren't working but watch some of the non sponsored vidoes on youtube
These are outdoor videos. It will probably be more effective in a confined space.

 

[craig333]

Also, the Element doesn't appear very effective against reignition. That brings up something I forgot to mention. Foam is the only fire extinguishing agent that can prevent a fire. If the Jeep in front of me rolls and is leaking fuel I can put a blanket of foam down to prevent a fire. The Element, CO2, dry chem etc, none of those are useful until a fire ignites.

Once I purchase the extinguisher, my cost per use is very low. I can and do practice with it. I'm not going to do that with a $150 Element. All I need to do is mix a bit of concentrate into water and use my air compressor to refill and I'm ready to go again.

 

[JHanson]

Obviously I disagree, despite the valid comment regarding the possibility of preventing a fire. I can't say how common or uncommon such a situation is.

Cost? A heck of a lot less than a replacement vehicle (and the standard Element is $90, not $150; the largest size is $120). Durability? I'd bet money that over half the standard fire extinguishers currently in place in private U.S. vehicles are dead, despite a gauge in the green, due to content caking. That can't happen with the Element, which has no expiration date and no required maintenance. It's also not pressurized. Unlike standard extinguishers, if I ever need the Element I know it will work. If I ever have to use it, I won't care in the slightest that it's not refillable; I'll happily plunk for a new one.

The average 2.5-pound extinguisher (by far the most common vehicle model) will empty itself in less than ten seconds; a bulky five-pound unit will do so in 20. The base Element discharges for 50 seconds, giving the user far more leeway to ensure the fire is actually out. The larger one discharges for a full 100 seconds. It weighs no more than a road flare, making use in a stressful and potentially dangerous situation much easier.

Wind? All extinguishers that use gas are affected by wind. Deploy from upwind. The Element site has useful advice for fighting fires with any type of extinguisher.

 

[Mthomas]

I am with Jonathon. Bought two of the smaller units. One in the cab of the truck, one in the camper shell. I left the little dry chemical that came with the camper mounted for now, but it will go when it is expired.

 

[craig333]

Maintenance free is a good thing but will it actually extinguish fire? I find some of the youtube videos very disturbing.

 

[mobilelists]

I was reading a discussion on another rv board about fire extinguishers. They are talking about more expensive models, but as JHanson said...Cost? A heck of a lot less than a replacement vehicle...

For your reading enjoyment:
https://www.classbforum.com/forums/f8/fire-extinguishers-8540.html

Pat

 

[JHanson]

Maintenance free is a good thing but will it actually extinguish fire? I find some of the youtube videos very disturbing.

Craig, I tend to be wary of Youtube videos. All the objective reports on the Element from journalists I've read and seen have been positive. And how many instances have you read about in which a standard fire extinguisher failed to do the job on an engine compartment fire? I know of two, personally.

Which brings up a point I forgot to mention. The worst thing you can do in the event of an engine compartment fire is to raise the hood to use the extinguisher, which creates a draft that just feeds the flames. With the Element you can barely crack the hood open and hold it with one hand while deploying the extinguisher with the other. That's a lot more difficult with a standard extinguisher. Or even just stick the Element through a gap in the grille.

 

[goinoregon]

thx for the information. go

 

[craig333]

Always fun to try and determine who is really objective. I'd feel better if they were in use by fire departments, racing organizations etc, as foam is. I guess I'll have to purchase one and do my own testing.

 

[JHanson]

Always fun to try and determine who is really objective. I'd feel better if they were in use by fire departments, racing organizations etc, as foam is. I guess I'll have to purchase one and do my own testing.

Let me know if you do! I plan to try to get them to furnish me one I can test with the help of a retired fire chief I know.

I imagine foam is more effective in the amounts used by fire department and race teams, but that seems beyond the logistical practicalities for a vehicle owner?

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

My daughter is a recently retired TVFR Fire Marshal, and I’ve reached out to her to see if she or TVFR have any information and/or opinions about the Element. Personally, I’m impressed by the demos I’ve seen.

I’ll update the thread when I hear back.