Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

[Mark H.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

I actually traded some emails with our local fire department about this subject. We talked about extinguishers first. An 11lb halotron extinguisher is the smallest one rated ABC (1A:10B:C). That was the minimum recommended, with a dry chemical ABC backup in the garage in case of wind, etc. outdoors. But his initial recommendation for a first line of defense was a fire blanket. He said if there was an engine fire, throwing the blanket over the engine would be an excellent approach.

[Patrick B.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

I read the reviews on Amazon for the Element 50. Most were people pleased with how easy it was to store, but a review by a person calling himself muddoc caused me to reconsider. He claimed to be a fireman and said he and another fireman had tested the Element 50 on an actual car engine fire without success.

I found a halothon extinguisher similar to the one Michael Johnson recommended but without the chrome bling on Amazon for $128. It is an Amerex 384T 1.4 lb. I also bought a fire blanket on Amazon. The Amerex 384T was listed for a lower price by an online seller called Benzishop. I foolishly bought that one first, but it turned out to be a scam. Do not deal with Benzishop if it comes up in your search for an Amerex fire extinguisher.

[Frank D.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

You should use what you're convinced will do the job. Nearly everything I buy on Amazon has some expert or other "panning" something I want to purchase, so I tend to discount the "outlyer" reviews. The issue with halotron is that its not as effective as halon. If you want halon, they're around but pricey: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...ages/a344t.php

[Edward B.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

If you are content in trusting the well being of your prized possession to a non UL rated extinguisher such as the Element, that is your decision. An ABC extinguisher might create a bit of mess, but at least you'll have something left to clean up after the fire is out.

[Frank D.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

Element 50 has been certified in several foreign countries and UL hasn't approved it here because it doesn't fit the "form factor" definition of a compressed gas cylinder. There is a complete explanation about this on the Element 50 FAQ paage.

Again, each owner should use what they are comfortable with.

[Ed S.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

If you are content in trusting the well being of your prized possession to a non UL rated extinguisher such as the Element, that is your decision. An ABC extinguisher might create a bit of mess, but at least you'll have something left to clean up after the fire is out.

Considering the sums we pay for some NOS and quality used parts it is not unreasonable to carry one of each in the car. This is one of those cases where 2 is better than 1.

[Terry D.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

Has anyone actually used an Element 50 in a car fire? As we all know people will tell you anything to sell a product, doctor the facts and produce videos under ideal conditions. I would like to hear from som eone who actually used an Element 50 in real life!

[Ed S.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

Has anyone actually used an Element 50 in a car fire? As we all know people will tell you anything to sell a product, doctor the facts and produce videos under ideal conditions. I would like to hear from someone who actually used an Element 50 in real life!

Great question - hoping to hear responses.

[Frank D.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

The Element series are pretty new and they are out of Italy, I don't think you'll find any empirical instances of their use in car fires that would be satisfactory to everybody.

This is prob as good as it gets - I doubt Jay Leno and others here are "doctoring" videos.

https://elementfire.com/pages/media

Again, use what you're comfortable with, but I wonder how often folks running with traditional extinguishers even check and service them after they're installed...

[Larry E.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

Kinda interested in this Element 50. Would like to know the "shelf life" of it. Hopefully and chances are it will not be used
for some time sitting in a car. Larry

[Ed S.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

Kinda interested in this Element 50. Would like to know the "shelf life" of it. Hopefully and chances are it will not be used
for some time sitting in a car. Larry

According to the product literature - the "shelf life" is not an issue ---- it is theoretically good forever. They do not establish an expiration date for the Element

[Roger W.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

If the Element is as good as the demos show, It is almost the perfect Extinguisher. Hoping in the future to see some back yard mechanic do a demo on a car fire with the Element.

[Ron S.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

Michael, where do you mount/store in car? I have a Tanker too

[Michael J.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

I usually put it in a cloth bag, with the jack and tools, and put in the passenger side footwell when I go cruising or to judging meets. I don't put the jack and tools back in the corner of the rear passenger side area where they mount, it is too hard to get to if you need them.

[Ralph E.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Recommendation Wanted

Element 50?
Because of this post I checked my Halon Fire Extinguisher today and found it needs to be recharged.
It is only a 1-1/4 LB extinguisher but I bought it (20 years ago) because it fit in my glove box. Cost to check and recharge is about $60.
Thinking now would be a good time to get the new Element50 extinguisher. It appears to do a great job on fires.
Question for me is; What is the shelf life of the Element50. It doesn't have a gauge? Is is good indefinitely ?

Element50 just got back to me. The Element50 gases are good indefinitely. Just be sure to store it in a dry location out of sunlight.