Fire Extinguisher

[Rich M.]

Was wondering how some of the board members are installing their fire extinguisher in the garage.

Right now mine is just sitting on a shelf.

Was wondering if it might be best to install a fire extinguisher cabinet versus the normal strap or bracket design. Had the old extinguisher mounted using the supplied strap and it accidentally got bumped causing it to fall to the floor and break.

Any ideas where I might be able to find a used cabinet other than on CL? First thought was an old building being torn down, but not aware of any right now.

 

[madison069]

I just usede the supplied hook and mounted it by the man door of the garage. I haven't had any issues with it falling off and it's a big bottle not the little ones.

 

[rlitman]

Mine mostly hang from hooks, but if you want to protect it from a simple bump, a Coast Guard certified strap would work as well as a cabinet, and give you the same level of access, though without protection from dust.

 

[mjeff87]

I've got two of them in the garage. One of them is at the doorway into the kitchen (doubles as a kitchen fire extinguisher if needed) and the other is in the back of the garage by the workbench. Depending on where something might occur (thankfully nothing has ever happened), my access to either of them might be blocked by a vehicle or a fire, so I *should* be able to get to the other one if needed.

 

[rlitman]

I've got two of them in the garage. One of them is at the doorway into the kitchen (doubles as a kitchen fire extinguisher if needed) and the other is in the back of the garage by the workbench. Depending on where something might occur (thankfully nothing has ever happened), my access to either of them might be blocked by a vehicle or a fire, so I *should* be able to get to the other one if needed.

While it might initially make sense to place an extinguisher by a workbench at the back of the garage, I would suggest re-thinking this.

Fire extinguishers should always be placed by exits. The reason is that in the event of a fire, you must seek your way to an exit. At this point, if you return to the fire with your extinguisher, your back is always safely facing an exit.

 

[driftpin]

I second the idea of two larger-sized ones. You don't want one to be empty, and the fire not-yet extinguished.

 

[blackdak8]

In my 32x50 all my exit doors are on one end so I have one large one mounted between overhead doors and another large one at opposite end next to workbench in the unfortunate event a fire is in the middle blocking exit access.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Mount it by the door. You either grab it, fight the fire or you get out and call 911.

 

[rlitman]

Mount it by the door. You either grab it, fight the fire or you get out and call 911.

Ideally, both.

 

[JRC3]

Yep, by a door for all the stated reasons. It also lets anyone else easily find it or see it and/or remember its location.

 

[mjeff87]

While it might initially make sense to place an extinguisher by a workbench at the back of the garage, I would suggest re-thinking this.

Fire extinguishers should always be placed by exits. The reason is that in the event of a fire, you must seek your way to an exit. At this point, if you return to the fire with your extinguisher, your back is always safely facing an exit.

Agreed, but I have a service door at the back of the garage I can exit. I actually wanted it toward the front, but when the house was built that wasn't an option due to a couple things so it got put at the back. At first I hated it, but then realized it was another means of egress if needed. I've grown to like it.

 

[66Caprice]

If you have a bigger garage then you should have one in the front and the back. Just incase you have to fight your way to an exit...

 

[Falcon67]

I have 5 in the shop. Larger 5 lb units on both sides of the work area - by Exit door and near the far middle - and three smaller in the "office".

 

[Mattlt]

Mount it by the door. You either grab it, fight the fire or you get out and call 911.

This.

I also suggest having multiple extinguishers in your garage / shop. I keep an ABC and a charged water can (with Class-A foam) near the walk door. I also keep another water can in the back of my pickup during the non-freezing months, mainly for use at the campground we stay at.

 

[Mattlt]

A possible idea for an inexpensive mounting cabinet might be a metal tool box. Screw through the bottom to mount it vertically to the wall. The latch will keep the lid in place, yet will still be easy to get open if needed. I pickup old tool boxes at garage sales all the time for around $5.

Another clamping option is to use Quickfist clamps. They are known for mounting items in vehicles, but work well on the wall too.

 

[Busted Knucles]

Good idea.

 

[captain14]

Mount it by the door. You either grab it, fight the fire or you get out and call 911.

Call 911 first, then if you feel comfortable using the extinguisher, use it.

You need the backup from the Fire Department if it’s too big.

They can always go home if you get the issue solved before their arrival.

 

[hammerhead611]

This one is for 2.5 lb extinguishers, but you can get them for larger ones
https://www.zoro.com/kidde-fire-extinguisher-wall-hanger-25-275lb-46640120/i/G3496157/?msclkid=da22b43c7e9e14627774e8cabdbfead7&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PLA_US_L1%20Fall%20Protection,%20Facility%20%26%20Traffic%20Safety%20Equipment&utm_term=4586612755633758&utm_content=All%20Products&gclid=CKTi7trE0OICFYGExQId2YwDQw&gclsrc=ds

 

[NUTTSGT]

Call 911 first, then if you feel comfortable using the extinguisher, use it.

You need the backup from the Fire Department if it’s too big.

They can always go home if you get the issue solved before their arrival.

I'll agree with that but there are always those people that don't want emergency vehicles sitting in front of their house. It's just "terrible" what the neighbors might think.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

I keep one on both ends of my garage. If someone visits my place and we are doing any type of work or repairs I make them aware there locations.

 

[crewchief888]

I have a couple 5lbs in the garage, one at the man door, and a 2nd one at the back of the garage where all the sparks happen.

I have 2 5Lb in my basement reloading room as well.


1 more 5lb in the kitchen under the sink.

 

[mcbane]

Call 911 first, then if you feel comfortable using the extinguisher, use it.

I know that is the official advice, but in my area, 911 calls mean up to 5 minutes on hold. A tiny fire that might have easily been extinguished in a few seconds can get really big in 5 minutes.

 

[BigGarage]

I acquired these 3 beauties in 1984 and they were from the "old" section of the plant that had been closed down for years. I just looked at the tags on them and see they were last inspected in 1983 by the Detroit Fire Extinguisher Co.. I know that a local fire dept. recharged one of them for me after I used it to put out a vehicle fire (not mine). That was nice of them.

I am going to contact a local company and find out the cost for recharging them today. They are nice to have around and I know they still carry a charge.

Dennis

 

[TractorJeff]

If you have a bigger garage then you should have one in the front and the back. Just incase you have to fight your way to an exit...

This has been stated more or less prior to you posting. Which by the way I AGREE with you! I have the one by the door to attempt to knock it down buying time for the fire department to show up and the one in the back that is to be used to fight my way OUT!

Now as far as the OP comment of it got bumped and broken indicates to me it was probably a KIDDE that is on the recall list and should be sent back for a steel replacement!

 

[rlitman]

There are plenty of Kidde extinguishers with plastic handles that weren't recalled, as well as plastic handles on Badger (a much more reputable brand) and others.

 

[TractorJeff]

I acquired these 3 beauties in 1984 and they were from the "old" section of the plant that had been closed down for years. I just looked at the tags on them and see they were last inspected in 1983 by the Detroit Fire Extinguisher Co.. I know that a local fire dept. recharged one of them for me after I used it to put out a vehicle fire (not mine). That was nice of them.

I am going to contact a local company and find out the cost for recharging them today. They are nice to have around and I know they still carry a charge.

Dennis

I had a 10 pound commercial one that lost its charged due to age. Anyways, I did the same as you and took it in, the lady looked at the manu/hydro date and stated legally it was too old. Same size new one was $96 plus Tax. I bought it figuring I just bought cheap insurance that I HOPE TO NEVER USE.
BTW
We have a 10lb with a high intensity flashlight outside our bedroom door in the hall, a 10lb / high intensity flashlight by the stairs in the living room and a 20lb / high intensity flashlight just inside the front door.
The theory is that you can crawl with the light and extinguisher to get to an exit or if you are outside the 20lb with give you Fire Dept response time.

 

[rlitman]

I had a 10 pound commercial one that lost its charged due to age. Anyways, I did the same as you and took it in, the lady looked at the manu/hydro date and stated legally it was too old...

That's possible. For CO2, the extinguisher must be new enough to have that aluminum band wrapped around it which shows the important details (tare weight, etc), and if the band is missing it would be condemned. Also, older CO2 extinguishers with metal bells are no longer allowed (the metal in contact with the dry ice can freeze burn you), and dry chem fire extinguishers from before 1984 have been sunset since 2007.

I've heard of places trying to make that pre-1984 argument on CO2 extinguishers, and I'm not convinced it's legit, but by the time you consider the cost of a hydro-test and refill, that $96 does seem like the more reasonable option.

 

[rayra]

While it might initially make sense to place an extinguisher by a workbench at the back of the garage, I would suggest re-thinking this.

Fire extinguishers should always be placed by exits. The reason is that in the event of a fire, you must seek your way to an exit. At this point, if you return to the fire with your extinguisher, your back is always safely facing an exit.

AND the extinguisher won't be right in the middle of a fire, that you'll have to reach thru or over. And extinguisher SHOULDN'T be that convenient to a potential fire source / hazard.

 

[logical]

I've got a really nice commercial cabinet that is recess mounted in the wall between the exit to outside and a nearby door look leading to the basement. It was NOS and cheap but I found it on Craigslist so....

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[ken275]

That's possible. For CO2, the extinguisher must be new enough to have that aluminum band wrapped around it which shows the important details (tare weight, etc), and if the band is missing it would be condemned. Also, older CO2 extinguishers with metal bells are no longer allowed (the metal in contact with the dry ice can freeze burn you), and dry chem fire extinguishers from before 1984 have been sunset since 2007.

I've heard of places trying to make that pre-1984 argument on CO2 extinguishers, and I'm not convinced it's legit, but by the time you consider the cost of a hydro-test and refill, that $96 does seem like the more reasonable option.

The rating system changed in 84 for dry chemical extinguishers. It depends on which edition nfpa 10 your state has adopted as to when they were removed from service. In Florida nfpa 10 2007 was adopted for 2012. They were to be removed from service at the next 6yr mait. or hydrotest.

On those older co2's make sure the hoses are in good shape. If the steel braid is broken they will shock the heck out of you. Part of an annual maintenance is the check the continuity of the hose.

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[GMCGarage]

I acquired these 3 beauties in 1984 and they were from the "old" section of the plant that had been closed down for years. I just looked at the tags on them and see they were last inspected in 1983 by the Detroit Fire Extinguisher Co.. I know that a local fire dept. recharged one of them for me after I used it to put out a vehicle fire (not mine). That was nice of them.

I am going to contact a local company and find out the cost for recharging them today. They are nice to have around and I know they still carry a charge.

Dennis

More than likely they will need hydrostatic testing done.

 

[Rich M.]

Well, the good thing it seems all that have responded to this thread do keep at least one fire extinguisher handy.

Hopefully those reading who do not have an extinguisher will rethink this and pick one up.

 

[rlitman]

Absolutely yes, they're not just for show!

 

[WagonHo!]

A possible idea for an inexpensive mounting cabinet might be a metal tool box. Screw through the bottom to mount it vertically to the wall. The latch will keep the lid in place, yet will still be easy to get open if needed. I pickup old tool boxes at garage sales all the time for around $5.

Another clamping option is to use Quickfist clamps. They are known for mounting items in vehicles, but work well on the wall too.

Brilliant idea about the tool box used as a cabinet!
Lord knows I have quite a few to use. Thanks

 

[madison069]

Brilliant idea about the tool box used as a cabinet!
Lord knows I have quite a few to use. Thanks

Just make sure it's properly labeled. Some folks will argue that it should go into a closed container where you can't see it.

 

[polizei1]

I have a 5lb on a strap mount placed about 5' high between the garage doors. It's out of the way, tall enough where a kid won't get to it, and near an exit. 5lb should be sufficient if you catch it in time, but having more than one is also a great idea. Make sure you buy an ABC one, in case you have a grease fire or chemical fire.

 

[NUTTSGT]

This has been stated more or less prior to you posting. Which by the way I AGREE with you! I have the one by the door to attempt to knock it down buying time for the fire department to show up and the one in the back that is to be used to fight my way OUT!

Now as far as the OP comment of it got bumped and broken indicates to me it was probably a KIDDE that is on the recall list and should be sent back for a steel replacement!

Hmmmm, been a while since we had that sticky on the Kiddie recall. This post reminded me that I never got mine.


EDIT: just brought back the older recall thread.

 

[WagonHo!]

Just make sure it's properly labeled. Some folks will argue that it should go into a closed container where you can't see it.

Gotcha- we could do a plexiglass door or window.

 

[WaterBoyz]

What a coincidence.

I was gonna ask what people were using for their garage fire extinguishers.

I had one for 20+ years that is moved from shop to shop that was never actually mounted. Just sat on the floor. I recently mounted it. It promptly went to zero pressure.

Anyway, I need to buy 2 new ones so I was gonna ask what ABC ratings and what poundage people had. I can't use the word "using" because..........

 

[ken275]

What a coincidence.

I was gonna ask what people were using for their garage fire extinguishers.

I had one for 20+ years that is moved from shop to shop that was never actually mounted. Just sat on the floor. I recently mounted it. It promptly went to zero pressure.

Anyway, I need to buy 2 new ones so I was gonna ask what ABC ratings and what poundage people had. I can't use the word "using" because..........

The most common size is a 5# ABC. Look for one of the commercial brands amerex, ansul, badger, or buckeye. They can easily be recharged if used. Also look for a rating of 3a40bc. Some cheaper 5# extinguishers will only have a 2a10bc rating. The 3a40bc is the same size but they can put out more fire. The price difference is minimal.

Also just a tip while the ABC chemical can be used on most fires they should not be used around any oxidizers. Especially chlorine if you have pool equipment nearby.

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