Fire Extinguishers

[DaveK]

We all carry a fire extinguisher, right? For years I carried the "powder" type of FE and have been fortunate enough to never have to use it. In more than one way, I have been lucky. Recently, I had a buddy that took the FE out of his rig, which had been there for a while. Seems that the powder had caked up pretty bad and nothing came out when he squeezed the handle. That incident and an article on FE's was enough for me to dump my powder FE"S. I replaced both units with halon units. This is what they say:

"Halons have been used for fire and explosion protection throughout the twentieth century. They are low-toxicity, chemically stable compounds that, as long as they remain contained in cylinders, are easily recyclable for reuse. Halon 1211 (a liquid steaming agent) and Halon 1301 (a gaseous agent) have been proven to be extremely effective fire suppressants, which leave no residue and are remarkably safe for human exposure. From protecting computer and communication rooms throughout the electronics industry, to numerous military applications on ships, aircraft and tanks, to ensuring safety on all commercial aircraft, Halon has been an integral part of the safety plans in many of today's manufacturing, electronic, and aviation companies."

It aparently also lasts much longer:

Halon 1211 fire extinguishers actually require less year-to-year maintenance than the more common dry-chemical fire extinguishers. Dry chemical fire extinguishers tend to settle and "brick up" over time due to moisture and gravity, and this in turn sets up a dangerous situation whereby much of the powder-extinguishing agent is unable to be propelled from the cylinder. Halon 1211, because of its liquid form, is free of such issues. Every year, the Halon extinguisher should be inspected: the pressure gauge should be visually checked to verify adequate pressure, the nozzle should be visually checked to be sure there are no obstructions, and the cylinder should be weighed to meet the manufacturer's weight requirement. Halon 1211 requires a six year maintenance and a 12 year hydrostatic test by a licensed fire service professional.

Nothing is free. Halon is expensive. A regular size FE for vehicle use is about $200.00. A small price, perhaps, for some additional security when you squeeze the handle.

Anyone have any experience with Halon?

[FlyingWil]

Luckily I do no have any experience with 'em!

There was a good article in the June issue of Petersons 4-Wheel and Off-Road.

Here's my take on 'em:

Vehicle fires usually start in one of three places:
1. The engine compartment, from fuel or oil leaks.
2. Under the dash, from electrical shorts.
3. The back seat, from lighted cigarettes.

Several different kinds of fire extinguishers are available. An ABC extinguisher is the most versatile and will handle type A fires (ordinary combustibles, like wood, paper, or the burning upholstery of a back seat where a lighted cigarette has landed), type B fires (flammable liquids such as oil or gasoline), and type C fires (electrical). You're best off with an ABC extinguisher.

The downside is the fine powdery residue an ABC extinguisher leaves. It will corrode electrical connections and will ruin computers and other electronic gear. You have to clean up thoroughly after using an ABC extinguisher.
To put out a fire, sweep the discharge from the extinguisher steadily back and forth across the base of the flames until the fire is out. Don't spray the extinguisher toward the flames that are leaping into the air - that won't do any good and just wastes the precious contents of the extinguisher.

If you have an upholstery fire in the back seat, smother the fire with the extinguisher, but then pull the back seat out of the vehicle. The fire will probably still be smoldering deep inside the seat. Open up the upholstery to extinguish the fire thoroughly.

Avoid using ABC extinguishers for fires around computers and other electrical equipment, if you possibly can. Halon is the extinguishing agent of choice. Halon extinguishers smother a fire by shutting out the oxygen, and work well if the fire is in a confined area. If there is a breeze, the Halon will be blown away, and the fire will flare up again. Under the dash electrical fires respond well to Halon, but you've got to disconnect the battery quickly after the fire is out, or the short circuit will start up the fire again.

Because of environmental considerations, the manufacture of Halon has been banned by the EPA, but previous supplies are still available and Halon extinguishers are still available.

[traveltoad]

What about Halotron? I had thought that this was a good alternative to Halon.

At least I hope so... I carry two Halotron extinguishers in my truck.

[SteveS]

Many years ago I got a halon FE, after about 5 years it was dead. I took it in for refill and the valve seal had leaked out the Halon, so I had it repaired and refilled. Than in about 5 years the same thing happened. In my case mechanical failure turned me off to Halon, my advice ‘don’t bay a cheap-o halon FE’

Since Halon 1211 production was banded in 94 the cost is spiraling upward. So I dumped the Halon FE, for few reasons.

1.the cost, I had put about $200 and was not ready to put out one fire, and it needed a recharge, maybe another $150 at that time. Plus my Halon FE was most likely too small and only BC rated.

2.Rumor has it Halon is not the best choice in windy conditions. They work very good in enclosed spaces, but I’m NOT sure I’d like the results putting out my engine bay fire on a windy day in the Mojave. Maybe you can test this someday on a strangers rigs?

3.As far as I know only the big expensive Halon units are UL rated ABC. Most are BC only, so I’d need to carry a Dry Chemical (DC) anyway. I did a quick price check today 5-10-08 and found the 14 sec 2A;40B:C is about $500, I’m sure shopping around would lower this price. Be careful for valve seals.

I’ve put out a few fires with DC with good results.

Normal vehicle maintenance for me involves my FE. I check mounts, clamps, gauge, safety pin, and invert it and give a few smacks with a rubber mallet.

In a vehicle carry environment the FE should be mounted base-down. Also el-cheap-o small non-rechargeable FE will likely have a pickup tube not up to the off-highway task and will break. This is like having no FE at all to put out a fire.

A good practice it to carry the unit base down (not always doable) and when heading to a fire, invert the FE and smack it against a tire a few times, then use the FE per the SOP.

I also like the FE with a hose, and the bigger the better, and have at least two that are easy to access.

That’s my knowledge of vehicle mounted fire extinguishers.

[DaveK]

What about Halotron? I had thought that this was a good alternative to Halon.

At least I hope so... I carry two Halotron extinguishers in my truck.

Halotron is a Halon alternative. Not quite as expensive but works on a similar principle. Good product, I have heard.

[OLLIE]

Halon is great if you can find it and afford it. I have much experience with it. I've seen it used a number of times to fight fires, to pull pranks, and one case where someone huffed it to commit suicide . As mentioned, halon is virtually worthless in windy environments. Enclosed situations are the best. God forbid it blows into someones face if they are close enough. Halatron is a close subsitute if you can afford it. Dry chemical is more practical in most cases. It is one hell of a mess to clean up if you have to use it. It is corrosive as all get out. Full decontamination of the applied surface is required after you use it.

As with any tool in your arsenal, preventative maintenance is the key. Nothing lasts forever and IMO 5 years in this case is WAY to long. I don't care if it's a fire extinguisher, first aide kit, or bug out bag. Seals age and crack and food goes bad. Things need to be replaced periodically whether used or not. I'd rather replace something every three years in a case like this and have a party to celebrate the fact that I have never used it.

[DaveK]

Amen to that Ollie!