HenryJ
Expedition Leader
Bigger is better if you have a choice. The 2.5 lb ABC that is commonly found for automotive applications will only last about 5 seconds. The 5 lb which I prefer to carry will go 10-15 seconds. The 20 lb fire departments carry on the engine 40 seconds to a minute. I have seen many small fires put out with an extinguisher. Usually the driver of a truck , or the law enforcement arriving before we do. a 5# ABC can do a good job on a vehicle fire if applied properly and early.
At the minimum you want a BC rated extinguisher. Although not rated for A fires, they will work on them to some extent. Have you ever tried putting out a class B fire with a BC rated extinguisher? You really have to try hard with CO2 to get that fire out if it is not in a confined space. The ABC will knock it out with half the effort.
Our vehicles do contain combustibles that would be considered class A, however the fire is likely very involved once those are being consumed. Your primary consideration should be petroleum products burning. Much of the newer vehicles are plastic these days. Those items on fire tend to exhibit behavior much like a petroleum fuel fire. Your secondary consideration should probably be electrical or metal fires. While not rated for class D fires, the ABC dry powder extinguisher may be somewhat effective on burning metals like aluminum and magnesium.
Water is a very effective fire fighting tool. I have personally put out a diesel fuel fire on a stack wagon with a gallon of antifreeze. I carry a 1.5 gallon weed sprayer on the back of my truck for washing, but it too could easily be used for a class A fire. Innovation and quick thinking can save the day. I would much rather have a booster line in my hand and be backed up by an engine , but work with what you have
The ABC extinguishers are usually the best choice for several reasons. They are cost effective. Quantity reduces cost and the ABC is the most common as it is able to be used in a business. They leave a powder coating that smothers the fire and keeps it smothered. Messy? Yes. Corrosive? Probably. That is more of a concern in an aircraft application where the aluminum structural parts are easily damaged and hard to clean. They are very effective. The mess can be cleaned up or the vehicle replaced. You just want the fire out.
The ABC extinguishers tend to be lighter when compared to a BC rated CO2 extinguisher and a smaller package for a comparable application.
The Halon are nice, there is no doubt, but the price difference is huge. Personally I would rather pay 75% less and have twice as many extinguishers.
All those that are recommending metal valves over the plastic...:victory: A very good choice. Not only for the durability, but the plastic valve may not be serviceable. Most service companies will not touch them.
Have you ever had a class on fire extinguishers? Did you know as an employee of a business OSHA requires that you be trained to use them? You annual maintence company can provide this for you and your employees. If you have not taken one it is well worth the time. many will do a hands on exercise that will give you the opportunity to try out several different kinds of fires and extinguishers.
All this talk is great! While we are on the subject why not go take a look at that extinguisher. Make sure the pin is in place, the gauge reads in the green, all parts are in place including an annual inspection tag. Then invert it and give it a few swats to the bottom only with a plastic deadblow hammer or rubber mallet. This loosens the powder which will cake while it sits. Shake it and make sure all the powder is loose and flowing. It may take several blows to get it all loosened up.
Vehicle applications are the worst as the vibration really settles the media. Ideally this should be done at the very least annually in a static mounted application. More frequently in and automotive application.
At the minimum you want a BC rated extinguisher. Although not rated for A fires, they will work on them to some extent. Have you ever tried putting out a class B fire with a BC rated extinguisher? You really have to try hard with CO2 to get that fire out if it is not in a confined space. The ABC will knock it out with half the effort.
Our vehicles do contain combustibles that would be considered class A, however the fire is likely very involved once those are being consumed. Your primary consideration should be petroleum products burning. Much of the newer vehicles are plastic these days. Those items on fire tend to exhibit behavior much like a petroleum fuel fire. Your secondary consideration should probably be electrical or metal fires. While not rated for class D fires, the ABC dry powder extinguisher may be somewhat effective on burning metals like aluminum and magnesium.
Water is a very effective fire fighting tool. I have personally put out a diesel fuel fire on a stack wagon with a gallon of antifreeze. I carry a 1.5 gallon weed sprayer on the back of my truck for washing, but it too could easily be used for a class A fire. Innovation and quick thinking can save the day. I would much rather have a booster line in my hand and be backed up by an engine , but work with what you have
The ABC extinguishers are usually the best choice for several reasons. They are cost effective. Quantity reduces cost and the ABC is the most common as it is able to be used in a business. They leave a powder coating that smothers the fire and keeps it smothered. Messy? Yes. Corrosive? Probably. That is more of a concern in an aircraft application where the aluminum structural parts are easily damaged and hard to clean. They are very effective. The mess can be cleaned up or the vehicle replaced. You just want the fire out.
The ABC extinguishers tend to be lighter when compared to a BC rated CO2 extinguisher and a smaller package for a comparable application.
The Halon are nice, there is no doubt, but the price difference is huge. Personally I would rather pay 75% less and have twice as many extinguishers.
All those that are recommending metal valves over the plastic...:victory: A very good choice. Not only for the durability, but the plastic valve may not be serviceable. Most service companies will not touch them.
Have you ever had a class on fire extinguishers? Did you know as an employee of a business OSHA requires that you be trained to use them? You annual maintence company can provide this for you and your employees. If you have not taken one it is well worth the time. many will do a hands on exercise that will give you the opportunity to try out several different kinds of fires and extinguishers.
All this talk is great! While we are on the subject why not go take a look at that extinguisher. Make sure the pin is in place, the gauge reads in the green, all parts are in place including an annual inspection tag. Then invert it and give it a few swats to the bottom only with a plastic deadblow hammer or rubber mallet. This loosens the powder which will cake while it sits. Shake it and make sure all the powder is loose and flowing. It may take several blows to get it all loosened up.
Vehicle applications are the worst as the vibration really settles the media. Ideally this should be done at the very least annually in a static mounted application. More frequently in and automotive application.
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