Need two fire extinguishers?

[Wuaname]

Omg too many options... Can someone give me a cliff's notes or suggest what I need for my small work area?

1 car garage. Activities in garage will just be basic working on the motorcycle, maybe rebuilding an engine or two. I do plan on getting a mig down the line. I keep no fuel in the garage, but will be keeping some flammable fluids (paints, etc), and of course the motrocycles have their own fuel tanks.

The garage is right next to the kitchen, so would I be able to get the same fire extinguisher for both applications or different? I am leaning towards getting two, but I know some fire extinguishers make a real mess, even if it's just a spot fire....

Any help would be appreciated

 

[mach158]

If your looking for something to get the job done if a fire breaks out then get an ABC dry chem. extinguisher. It will make a mess but it will put out the fire.

If you are concerned about making a mess you can get a co2 extinguisher. It is more designed for electrical fires and is rated as a BC but it can put out a class A fire. Also note that this extinguisher is highly effected by wind and you need to be closer to the fire.

In case your unaware the classes are as follows:

A - ordinary combustibles (wood, clothes, etc.)
B - liquids and gases
C - electrical (kill the electricity to the fire and it is no longer a C)

Edit: Either extinguisher will work for either location, it just depends on what you want. Ideally I would have an ABC dry chemical extinguisher in both locations as that is the current setup I run at home. I would rather make a mess with an extinguisher then worry about not getting the fire out.

 

[bczygan]

Two

And locate them so as you retreat from the source of the fire, they are available on your exit route.

Two, because having one withing arms reach beats having to go to another room for one.

And also, the second one is a backup for the first, in case of malfunction, operator error or just running out of capacity. Get a size that is big enough for potential fires, but of manageable size by all family members. Mount at a height that is accessible for all. Train everyone in proper use.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Get large ABC extinguishers, especially in the garage where you should have plenty of room to mount it. When things are on fire you won't be worried about the mess.

 

[shlbygt]

Guess there just wasn't enough information here?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245515&highlight=fire

 

[kf4zht]

I always have at least 2. Once Dry Chem ABC, this is what you grab when it is a bigger area or you aren't sure what may be in it. Makes a mess but does a good job

Second is either a AFFF foam or CO2. Both make far less of a mess and can handle many types of garage and kitchen fires.

Ideally you should have a big (10#) ABC and other, plus smaller 5#s near frequent fire starters - stoves, welders, etc.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you do wood working and have a lot of stock on hand, you want the old fashioned "soda water" extinguisher. Much more effective on wood/solids fires.

If you are welding or plasma cutting or doing a lot of gringing, I would keep a small extinguisher very nearby. Maybe even attached to your cart.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Second is either a AFFF foam or CO2. Both make far less of a mess and can handle many types of garage and kitchen fires.

CO2 is effectively zero clean up. Good, but more expensive.

 

[ZRX61]

If you are welding or plasma cutting or doing a lot of gringing, I would keep a small extinguisher very nearby. Maybe even attached to your cart.

& a 5gal bucket of water.

 

[KariFS]

That's a no brainer. One sufficiently sized extinguisher in the garage at each doorway, plus one smaller extinguisher and a fire blanket in the kitchen. Fire blanket is great for most kitchen fires, as it leaves no additional mess.

 

[Tronyadorable]

That's a no brainer. One sufficiently sized extinguisher in the garage at each doorway, plus one smaller extinguisher and a fire blanket in the kitchen. Fire blanket is great for most kitchen fires, as it leaves no additional mess.

Good advice !
I used to be a volunteer FF dept guy. Most fires are due to stupidity and lack of these types of simple solutions.A couple of extinguishers and a blanket are chump change in the big picture.
How many on here don't have either ???

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

One at the lift or rolling tool box (attached), and one at the man door to your house. The more the merrier, of course.

I keep them spread through the house, and the number one location for me? The bedroom next to the bed and nightstand. It's tucked out of visual sight, but always available as your escape weapon.

 

[Wuaname]

What do you guys think of these on amazon? One formthe kitchen and one for my single car garage? http://www.amazon.com/Kidde-466141-Kitchen-Garage-Extinguisher/dp/B001AYEREU/ref=sr_1_2?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1412652143&sr=1-2&keywords=fire+extinguisher

 

[southalabama]

Google garagejournal fire extinguishers.
The search function here *****.

I'd get a professional brand fire extinguisher like amerex or buckeye

Kiddes rank pretty low and typically are not rechargeable.

Our local fire department sells extinguishers. They also service them.

 

[MoparTrucks]

If money is extremely tight for about $15 more you can get a lot more robust 5 pound ABC rechargeable (First Alert makes one and there are other brands). A 2.5 pound or so extinguisher isn't going to get you very far in the event of even a small garage fire.

Buy one of those Kiddes and take your family out back and have them use it on a small trash fire or the like so they get comfortable using one but this is a case where most extinguishers that are more expensive are more expensive for a reason.

As already mentioned, have one at each exit so you can grab it as you retreat from the source of the fire.

 

[Wuaname]

Ok, guys thanks for all the tips.. I randomly picked those off amazon, but I can spend a little more, say up to $50 - $100 per extinguisher if needed.. I just don't want to go overboard just to spend the money...

Give me some idea on which ones to look at..

Also, I searched for fire blanket and all I got on amazon was fire blankets to protect you from fire or heat, not to throw over a fire. Or is that the one I should be looking at?

One fire extinguisher in kitchen, and 1 in garage, close to garage door. I think I can jump in and grab the kitchen's fire extinguisher in an emergency if I am on that side of the garage. Not sure if TWO fire extinguishers for a single garage would be overkill?

 

[kf4zht]

If you can wait Zoro has good, pro grade extinguishers and if they run their black friday discount and free shipping you can get some great deals. I bought a couple there last year.

 

[Warrenator]

Also a convenient hose with nozzle right by the garage.

My wife keeps taking the hose near the garage and using it for her horse trailer, leaving it at some show, repeat, repeat, repeat. I wonder if they make tamper-proof unscrewable hose fittings.

 

[southalabama]

Amerex

Buckeye

There are others

Try your local fire department. I went in to buy a couple. They sold at near cost with no shipping then gave me one they had re filled.

 

[creep]

Amerex or Ansul. Badger is a decent value if price is a big issue. Avoid Kidde, First Alert and Buckeye.

Licensed portable fire extinguisher technician and professional firefighter.

If you want more details, there is plenty of info in here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245515&highlight=fire

 

[fitz11]

One at the lift or rolling tool box (attached), and one at the man door to your house. The more the merrier, of course.

I keep them spread through the house, and the number one location for me? The bedroom next to the bed and nightstand. It's tucked out of visual sight, but always available as your escape weapon.

Me too! It seem like that is the location where you would NEED it most for your safety.

 

[Rob_b]

Also a convenient hose with nozzle right by the garage.

My wife keeps taking the hose near the garage and using it for her horse trailer, leaving it at some show, repeat, repeat, repeat. I wonder if they make tamper-proof unscrewable hose fittings.

Yes, its called epoxy....

 

[KariFS]

Me too! It seem like that is the location where you would NEED it most for your safety.

Yeah, works pretty good against burglars too. First spray the *******, and while he is stunned and thinking wtf, take a swing or two at him with the can, that should do it

 

[Wuaname]

Amerex or Ansul. Badger is a decent value if price is a big issue. Avoid Kidde, First Alert and Buckeye.

Licensed portable fire extinguisher technician and professional firefighter.

If you want more details, there is plenty of info in here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245515&highlight=fire

Amerex abc or just bc so its easier to clean afterwards?

 

[cjn1014]

BC will be either sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate (Purple K+). The added advantage of ABC chemical (monoammonium phosphate) is that it "crusts over" Class A fuels. Unfortunately, the ammonia base is eventually corrosive to lots of things (eventually) due to atomspheric humidity, lacking a thorough cleanup.

I'd grab a wet water, or foam pressurized water extinguisher first before dumping a dry chem on anything in my house, with the exception of the electrical panel, or the meter can. (Although I have an old school Halon at my personal disposal). Probies are taught to put their thumb over the tip of the PWE nozzle for small stuff (like a garden hose).

 

[Kjbakke2]

Hey there, looks like I'm not the only firefighter to chime in on this but I would like to throw my two cents in. I like to see multiple fire extinguishers but a dry chem abc is an extremely effective tool, however they do make a total mess. It sounds like a good option for you would be to have an abc and a co2 extinguisher and familiarize yourself with what's most effective against which fire.

I can certainly help you with that if you would like, cheers