Fire Extinguisher + Freezing temps = Problem ?

[CheckeredFlag]

My garage is not heated, and although I don't live in Fargo, ND (sorry, no offense to those that may)- I do live in Mid Michigan

Never really thought about this before, but with freezing temps on the way .... should I be concerned about the fire extinguisher I have for the garage ?

Any chance they have something in them that will freeze, or that freezing would possibly make less effective ?

Never hurts to ask, right .....

 

[HMCFab9]

I've had 2 in my garage for 25 years that is not always heated & it's never been a problem.

 

[#1SomeGuy]

I've had 2 in my garage for 25 years that is not always heated & it's never been a problem.

LoL but have you ever had to use them?


That said, most fire extinguishers have a temp rating...I think the one I bought the other day was good down to -49c.

 

[shamrock12]

I'm not an expert but I am pretty sure that the dry chemical inside the extinguisher would have to be pretty dry to be effective, hence the term "dry chemical." I believe they are typically charged with nitrogen which does not hold moisture. So in my opinion, there should not be any problem with freezing.

 

[CheckeredFlag]

good to know info

thanks

 

[tractordude]

Todays Tip: My fire inspector flips them over and hits them 2x's with a rubber mallet. It keeps the power loose

 

[Gary S]

What kind of extinguishers are you using?

http://ehs.okstate.edu/modules/exting/Types.htm

Water based ones would be a problem if they froze.
CO2 won't freeze, and the dry chemical type probably won't either.

 

[nickleone]

When I did Tech at Pro Rallys with any dry extinguishers we asked the racer to remove them so we could beat the bottom with a soft rubber mallet. It will make the chemical looser in the cylinder. NOT THAT HARD!!, just a few taps.
Nick

 

[CheckeredFlag]

had to go out and double ck ...

Its says dry powder, so I should be fine

Kidde PRO 340 3-A:40-B:C Fire Extinguisher

 

[NUTTSGT]

These are unheated compartments. Some times the trucks sit outside for long periods and it's never been a problem.



CO2 on the left and drychem on the right.

 

[plow]

Todays Tip: My fire inspector flips them over and hits them 2x's with a rubber mallet. It keeps the power loose

That practice accomplishes absolutely nothing. I challenge you, or your inspector to show me where it says to do this.

 

[Jarcese]

We carry ansul extinguishers on the outside of our trucks and I've used mine in the middle of winter when the temp never was above 20F. I think you'll be ok.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Todays Tip: My fire inspector flips them over and hits them 2x's with a rubber mallet. It keeps the power loose

FX folks around here tell me that it is a bad thing to wack on them with a mallet Most extinguishers have plastic dip tubes in them, and even a "gentle" wacking with a mallet can break the tube. Just turn them upside down and feel for the powder to shift, shake it gently and turn it back over and hang it up.

Charles

 

[Partsman2012]

I work in northern Alaska. We don't do anything special for fire extinguishers. All of the trucks have them. You should be just fine.

 

[bfarroo]

I would personally pick up a decent size quality fire extinguisher. I've never been a fan of the plastic handled kidde extinguishers. I have 2 10 lb ansul extinguishers( my dad worked there before he retired) they can be refilled if used and don't have any plastic parts.

 

[captain14]

Check with a local vendor and see what they say about what is best for your area. Better safe than sorry.

Always remember call 911 before you use the extinguisher. That way you have backup if it is too much too handle.

 

[smokem2020]

My sister owns a fire equipment service company. The reason to thump the bottom of the extinguisher is to loosen up the powder. It can get compacted from sitting or vibrating in a moving vehicle. If you ever pull the pin and try to use one and it doesn't work, Pound it on the ground a time or two and try it again.

 

[coljar]

We have two or three hundred dry and CO2 extinguishers hanging outside here at the plant in 100 degrees and 0 degrees depending on the time of year and we have to use one now and then even in freezing conditions. No problems.

 

[Mattlt]

These are unheated compartments. Some times the trucks sit outside for long periods and it's never been a problem.

CO2 on the left and drychem on the right.

We should have a "Show us your fire apparatus" thread!

What brand of rescue tool is that? Assuming you have a cutter stacked on top of a spreader for storage?


We don't even carry any water-based extinguishers anymore. That's what the 1000 gallon tank on the engine is for!

 

[captain14]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"These are unheated compartments. Some times the trucks sit outside for long periods and it's never been a problem.



CO2 on the left and drychem on the right. "



In the center compartment is a AMKUS Gas SIMO pump with a "O" cutter on top and the spreader is underneath.

The "O" cutter is designed to crush its way through.

I have used those tools many times during auto extrications in conjunction with the others from AMKUS. The tools operate much quicker when supplied by the AMKUS Ultimate System.

 

[jwh]

My sister owns a fire equipment service company. The reason to thump the bottom of the extinguisher is to loosen up the powder. It can get compacted from sitting or vibrating in a moving vehicle. If you ever pull the pin and try to use one and it doesn't work, Pound it on the ground a time or two and try it again.

Fire Extinguisher tech told me ages ago some dry chem extinguishers use compressed air for pressure. If the compressed air has any moisture in it, the moisture will cause the powder to cake up. Anything charged with nitrogen should not have this problem.

X2 on the "Show us your fire truck" thread.

 

[rodm1]

FX folks around here tell me that it is a bad thing to wack on them with a mallet Most extinguishers have plastic dip tubes in them, and even a "gentle" wacking with a mallet can break the tube. Just turn them upside down and feel for the powder to shift, shake it gently and turn it back over and hang it up.

Charles

My understanding all sow.