Fire Extinguisher Info
- Thread starter creep
- Start date
tjpavlov
Well-known member
So I have read this entire thread and took a look at my current fire extinguishers. I have a couple of 5 lb First Alert models that I bought a few years ago. They both point to the green, however, when I really look at them, the arrows don't seem to be pointing in exactly the right direction. It looks like they have come off the pivot point and are no longer originating in the center of the dial. I am definitely going to replace them.
Although I would love to find a local dealer who wants to sell me two or three units, I think that it would be a good resource for us to collectively find an online retailer. I would love a group buy, but I am not going to wait around to get this taken care of.
I found this on Zoro Tools:
http://www.zoro.com/i/G3594455/?category=6169
It is a 5 lb Amerex ABC unit for $33.43. I was thinking of ordering up a couple of these right away. Amerex is the brand that everybody seems to like and I can't find an issue with these. Before I spend the money, does everybody/anybody think that these would be appropriate for basic home use? One would be in my kitchen and the other in a laundry room. I may go for a 10 lb unit for the garage, but I am most concerned about the kitchen now.
Any thoughts would be most appreciated. Thanks, everybody. The collective wisdom of this site is amazing!
Although I would love to find a local dealer who wants to sell me two or three units, I think that it would be a good resource for us to collectively find an online retailer. I would love a group buy, but I am not going to wait around to get this taken care of.
I found this on Zoro Tools:
http://www.zoro.com/i/G3594455/?category=6169
It is a 5 lb Amerex ABC unit for $33.43. I was thinking of ordering up a couple of these right away. Amerex is the brand that everybody seems to like and I can't find an issue with these. Before I spend the money, does everybody/anybody think that these would be appropriate for basic home use? One would be in my kitchen and the other in a laundry room. I may go for a 10 lb unit for the garage, but I am most concerned about the kitchen now.
Any thoughts would be most appreciated. Thanks, everybody. The collective wisdom of this site is amazing!
I have Halotron extinguishers in some vintage cars that I own. Expensive but when I factor what a new engine would cost if ruined by a dry chem extinguisher, well worth it.
Last month, while racing, had a busted oil line that started a fire, I pulled the cord for the centralized fire suppression (Halotron) and it put it out. The nice thing was that everything wasn't ruined as a result, it would have taken hours and hours of cleaning if it had been dry chem.
Burmashave
Active member
I have three extinguishers I kept when I closed my body shop so I thought I was in good shape. Just checked and they're Buckeyes, dang it. They are all reading on the high side of charged. Should I trust that they are charged or ditch them for new ones?
Strouty
Well-known member
This thread was perfect timing for me. I took all my nice looking home depot specials and put them in the local auction. They brought me $50, I had some older ones that I had saved from a demolition job. They were all Ansuls. Today I was at a thrift shop and found two more larger Ansuls. Now I have 5 of them and they are all ABC. I have another one that is in my shop right now that I think is an Amerex but I am not sure.
What are the rules for hydro testing and refilling? Is it based off manufacturer date or something else?
How much should I expect to pay to have these "new" to me extinguishers serviced?
What are the rules for hydro testing and refilling? Is it based off manufacturer date or something else?
How much should I expect to pay to have these "new" to me extinguishers serviced?
The bad thing about some Buckeyes is that they tend to leak more than other brands like Ansul or Amerex. The good thing about Buckeyes is when they do leak, they usually show they have no pressure. You're probably good, but if they haven't been serviced in 6 years or longer, you need to have them checked out anyway.
Hydro testing is done every 12 years, while a normal servicing is done every 6 for dry chem extinguishers. The date of manufacture is found on various spots, but is usually found on the label (lower section for most Amerex) or the bottom of the cylinder (most Ansul). Sometimes they are very difficult to find and read.
We go off the service stickers on the cylinder first and then the manufacture date, so an extinguisher that was made in 2000 is due for a hydro test right now, even if it has a 6 year maintenance sticker from 2010.
Prices vary, especially if parts have to be replaced, but a basic 6 year for 10lb. ABC is around $35 for us, I believe (I'm a lowly "powder room" guy that works on extinguishers, not the behind the counter or on the road doing sales).
sneasle
Well-known member
Thanks for posting this, I ordered 2. We closed on our new house on Friday, these will be perfect to have around for now, will look into adding a 10lb or 20lb unit for the garage once we are moved in.
Strouty
Well-known member
Thanks for all the info. I will report back after I get my prices and more info on my extinguishers.
* I am conveying my true thoughts telepathically *
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
Strouty
Well-known member
Boy I feel stupid as hell now. I should never have bought any used extinguishers. After the testing and recharge I am $5 away from a new amerex. At least I can cost average them. Three of them were free.
Definitely check local prices on new units before buying any used ones.
* I am conveying my true thoughts telepathically *
Definitely check local prices on new units before buying any used ones.
* I am conveying my true thoughts telepathically *
Not a problem my friend. I'll also add another bit of advice too.
For those of you thinking about upgrading and using a CO2 extinguisher, keep this in mind. When you discharge the extinguisher, it works by taking the oxygen away from the fire so it can't burn and it also has a cooling effect too. When the oxygen is displaced by CO2, it's the same oxygen that you are breathing. If you intend on using this type of extinguisher in a confined area, you may have the issue of not being able to breathe.
I just wanted to throw that bit of information out there as a warning.
BoostAddiction
Well-known member
Interestingly, the local FD came over this week to do a free safety check. They were happy enough with the current extinguisher setup in my shop (just a 5 lb ABC unit on the lift column and a 2.5 halotron in a cabinet) but when we shook the ABC unit, the powder didn't move, so it is probably one big cake of solid, useless stuff.
Today I ordered 2 new Amerex 5ABCs, and a 2.5lb Halotron. That should keep the garage safe. I might try to discharge the old 5ABC unit for testing purposes, to see if the lack of apparent powder movement really was a problem of not. Better to find out in a test than in a real fire...
The plan is to use the Halotron on any car-related fires first, and progress to the powder only if necessary. We have had a fire on a race car in the past, and the powder from the corner workers extinguishers was extremely corrosive, and we never got all of the stuff completely off the aluminum.
Today I ordered 2 new Amerex 5ABCs, and a 2.5lb Halotron. That should keep the garage safe. I might try to discharge the old 5ABC unit for testing purposes, to see if the lack of apparent powder movement really was a problem of not. Better to find out in a test than in a real fire...
The plan is to use the Halotron on any car-related fires first, and progress to the powder only if necessary. We have had a fire on a race car in the past, and the powder from the corner workers extinguishers was extremely corrosive, and we never got all of the stuff completely off the aluminum.
There are other options as well, including fire blankets, wet blankets, sand buckets or soda ash bucket, etc. An old job that I had used drums of soda ash with scoops (in addition to Class D extinguishers.) I've put out metal fires with that. When you have an accident you have to decide when to fight and when to bail. Know your escape route. Fire extinguishers are no substitute for the right knowledge.
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tjpavlov
Well-known member
I just ordered two 5 lb Amerex units through Zoro. With a coupon that I found on this site, the total came to $65.73 with tax.
Thank you Creep and all of the other contributors!
Thank you Creep and all of the other contributors!
Strouty
Well-known member
The two placed that I talked with this morning were between $50 and $60 to hydro test and recharge a 10 pound unit.
* I am conveying my true thoughts telepathically *
* I am conveying my true thoughts telepathically *
sneasle
Well-known member
If anyone happens to find a good deal on a water extinguisher, would you post it please? I'd like to have one of those around the workbench I build my models around since that bench will be inside in one of the upstairs bedrooms.
James E
Well-known member
Good info, I asked because I have no idea. My only knowledge of halon is that you don't inhale it because it's so much heavier than air that it displaces all of the air in your lungs and suffocates you.
I asked one of our guys up front for some prices, just for reference. All prices are for a 10lb. ABC extinguisher. Companies in your area will vary, but these should help with ballpark prices.
6 year service: $22 (about $4 more for a recharge if your powder has been discharged)
Hydrotest/refill: $38
Refurbished 1984 or newer extinguisher (which can still be serviced, tested and used commercially): $45
6 year service: $22 (about $4 more for a recharge if your powder has been discharged)
Hydrotest/refill: $38
Refurbished 1984 or newer extinguisher (which can still be serviced, tested and used commercially): $45
rlitman
Well-known member
If you're in such proximity with the fire that the CO2 coming out of the extinguisher is a risk, I'd think you'd be out for the count by the smoke long before the CO2 had an effect.
The main point here is don't be trapped in an enclosed area with a fire. An extinguisher (no matter what kind) isn't going to help that much. SCBA will, but that's another story.
rlitman
Well-known member
For those of you considering clean agent fire extinguishers, consider this:
The large extinguisher on the left is a clean agent extinguisher. FE-36
(Halotron I was the original replacement for Halon, but due to greenhouse issues it is set to sunset, and FE-36 is the next generation with similar performance)
It contains 13.25 lbs of FE-36 and carries a 2-A:10-B:C rating.
The small extinguisher on the right is a 5lb conventional drychem carrying a 3-A:40-B:C rating (about the smallest extinguisher I would consider in a commercial setting).
The numbers on an extinguisher's rating relate directly to their relative capabilities. This is a more detailed explanation:
http://www.brkelectronics.com/faqs/oem/what-do-the-abc-ratings-mean-on-fire-extinguishers
But to sum up, a 2-A extinguisher will put out about twice as much burning wood as a 1-A. And a 10-B will put put about twice as much burning gasoline as a 5-B.
In the case of the two extinguishers pictured, that clean agent extinguisher has almost 3 times the amount of chemical as the drychem, and carries an A rating that is only 2/3 as much, and a B rating that is 1/4 as much as the drychem.
So what can a 2.5 lb clean agent extinguisher put out? Not that much.
The large extinguisher on the left is a clean agent extinguisher. FE-36
(Halotron I was the original replacement for Halon, but due to greenhouse issues it is set to sunset, and FE-36 is the next generation with similar performance)
It contains 13.25 lbs of FE-36 and carries a 2-A:10-B:C rating.
The small extinguisher on the right is a 5lb conventional drychem carrying a 3-A:40-B:C rating (about the smallest extinguisher I would consider in a commercial setting).
The numbers on an extinguisher's rating relate directly to their relative capabilities. This is a more detailed explanation:
http://www.brkelectronics.com/faqs/oem/what-do-the-abc-ratings-mean-on-fire-extinguishers
But to sum up, a 2-A extinguisher will put out about twice as much burning wood as a 1-A. And a 10-B will put put about twice as much burning gasoline as a 5-B.
In the case of the two extinguishers pictured, that clean agent extinguisher has almost 3 times the amount of chemical as the drychem, and carries an A rating that is only 2/3 as much, and a B rating that is 1/4 as much as the drychem.
So what can a 2.5 lb clean agent extinguisher put out? Not that much.
Attachments
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tjpavlov
Well-known member
Just an update. I ordered two 5 lb Amerex extinguishers from Zoro on Monday. They arrived on Thursday afternoon and were very well packed. Not that much more than the junky ones at the big box stores and they were delivered. They came with a small mounting bracket to hang on the wall.
Nice product and I couldn't be happier with Zoro. The next time they have a good coupon code, I might spring for a couple more for the garage.
Nice product and I couldn't be happier with Zoro. The next time they have a good coupon code, I might spring for a couple more for the garage.
Strouty
Well-known member
It was about 10 dollars cheaper.
When the guy showed up, he looked them over and said since they had the 6 year test tags, they did not need to be hydro tested. They will need to be hydro tested next year. Basically they charged me about 12 dollars per extinguisher to tag them. Had I known what he was doing I would have tagged them myself.
I needed a new one for my truck so I bought one small one. Two of my extinguishers were halatron and the other three were 20 pound ABC. They do not service halatron at all. I do not know if I will get them serviced or not.
He suggested getting a 2.5 gallon water extinguisher. Anyone have a good brand? He quoted me about $140 for a new one.
I forgot to mention I had a kidde extinguisher that he said was a good one. He told me that the good ones have red gage faces and the cheap ones were white faced.
They only sell new amerex extinguishers.
* I am conveying my true thoughts telepathically *
Strouty
Well-known member
Basically, he "inspected", tagged 5 extinguishers. I bought a 2.5 lb amerex ABC and $25 for 5 hanging brackets. The total bill was about $130. I am trying to get the NFPA 10 so I can read it. The free reading program they have is not working with my mac computer. They came to me to do all of this so that is worth something.
As for the Kidde, it will end up going to the auction, but with a fresh tag!
As for the Kidde, it will end up going to the auction, but with a fresh tag!
sneasle
Well-known member
My units from Toro arrived also, it was effectively 2-day shipping, which was great considering the shipping was free and the shipping weight was almost 20lbs 
.
.Strouty
Well-known member
I went over the invoice and it was 16.23 per extinguisher to do an onsite "inspection" (tag replacement and wipe off dust).
They charged $5 per wall mount, which was just the tab style hook.
Then the 2.5 lb new ABC Amerex extinguisher was $42.
Total was $135.58 with taxes. I can see the advantage of onsite inspections. If you want any extinguishers they will also delivery them to your door when they are in the area during the week.
I will get quotes from them for the hydro tests and recharge sometime. I will post up those prices. The guy answered any questions I had, was it worth the extra money for him to be there versus taking them to him? I guess it is one thing to check off the list, if I was a home owner, I would not want to pay that much, but I own a business and it is written off. My time is also worth something, especially when I am busy.
Lkdelta
Well-known member
Really good thread thanks for posting.
I noticed a lot of advice to get different fire extinguishers.
Find out where the local fire dept does it's training.....
If you now have some of the lower quality extinguishers as extras, turn a trash can over and make sure everyone in your household knows how to actually use the extinguisher.
Let them actually get low, squeeze the handle and point it at the bottom.
They'll be able see how close they needed to get for the spray to reach "the base of the target".
Or better yet, blind fold them and then let them pull the pin.
Its just you verses a trash can, absolutely no danger
But you never know what you may need to get out sometime, and they will be thinking...
"Ok, I've done this before, no biggie"
Makes it easier in case the real situation comes up. They will already know if they can or cant do it, might save enough time for another to give it a try.
The real situation gets too big, way too fast for second guesses at that time
I noticed a lot of advice to get different fire extinguishers.
Find out where the local fire dept does it's training.....
If you now have some of the lower quality extinguishers as extras, turn a trash can over and make sure everyone in your household knows how to actually use the extinguisher.
Let them actually get low, squeeze the handle and point it at the bottom.
They'll be able see how close they needed to get for the spray to reach "the base of the target".
Or better yet, blind fold them and then let them pull the pin.
Its just you verses a trash can, absolutely no danger
But you never know what you may need to get out sometime, and they will be thinking...
"Ok, I've done this before, no biggie"
Makes it easier in case the real situation comes up. They will already know if they can or cant do it, might save enough time for another to give it a try.
The real situation gets too big, way too fast for second guesses at that time
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NorDel Garage
Well-known member
Creep, thanks so much for taking the time to educate us. When I get home ,I am doing an inventory of my extinguishers,and upgrading as needed. I will take the cheapo ones let the wife and kids learn how to use it. Ken.
Keeping this thread going ...
So I have a source for some large (50 lb?) CO2 extinguishers. Are these too large, realistically, for home use? (I know that in a fire the adrenaline flows and I'd yank that 50 pounder off the wall like it was a beer bottle, but still ....) And how long would a tag be good for on one of these?
This is a great thread with good information. Thanks to all who have contributed and helped to push this issue into our collective consciousness.
So I have a source for some large (50 lb?) CO2 extinguishers. Are these too large, realistically, for home use? (I know that in a fire the adrenaline flows and I'd yank that 50 pounder off the wall like it was a beer bottle, but still ....) And how long would a tag be good for on one of these?
This is a great thread with good information. Thanks to all who have contributed and helped to push this issue into our collective consciousness.
Creep, are you ready to start working in Shreveport yet?? We need help BAD! They just started a guy with zero exp. at 13.00 Hr. got his Ext License and put him in a GETZ truck. They give 1.00 Hr raise per license/per state. And a raise after 6 months. Bonuses every quarter and a Christmas bonus as well. If you know anything about Fire Alarms and/or Security (security guys are easy cross overs to fire alarm) you could do better than that.
Keep me in mind
Keep me in mind
laser3kw
Well-known member
it would have to a very small space (truck cab, windows shut?) for that to happen. Still worth being mindful thou.
When working on the fill island (of a "gas" fill plant) in the summer, we use to cool off in the CO2 (or nitrogen) venting from the liquid cans while filling. The CO2 cloud was heavy enough to where you could barely see the person standing there.
shane71
Member
Always think about safety. you can work one more day
413dan
Well-known member
my local fire ext place sold me buckeyes last year when i update mine, hope come these are sub par? thanks, dan
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413dan
Well-known member
edit, did see post on first page about being ovetorqued and leaking from welds. very disappointed to hear this, especially as they were not cheap from my local place and came highly recommended by the guy there.
Nick Danger
Well-known member
Get a disposable turkey pan from the supermarket. Fill it with water and float a little gasoline on top. Drill your family at putting out actual fires. Squeeze and sweep.
rlitman
Well-known member
Not a bad idea. My kids are a little too small for that, but I've got an old CO2 extinguisher I've been meaning to do that with when they're ready. If you're using a drychem to just get the experience, get a disposable B:C. It's just baking soda inside, so the cleanup is easier than an ABC.