Fire Extinguisher

[Ken K.]

Fire Extinguisher:

What is the best type to buy? Is "Halon" the way to go? If so, who has the best price and what size would be good to get? (2.5 pounds?)
Thanks

[Gary S.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

It is my understanding that Halon has been discontinued. We continue to use them in the airline world because they work so well, though. I think the replacement is called Halotron. V E R Y effective but be prepared to pay through the nose for it. Oth, how much is your baby worth?

[Terry M.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

As far as the NCRS rules are concerned there are no size limits, however I have seen situations where the Team Leader refused credit for a small fire extinguisher -- the one I remember was about an inch and a half in diameter and about 8-inches long. His position was that an extinguisher that small would be ineffective if case of a fire.

You might consider that the commonly available dry powder extinguishers leave an awful mess behind and some types of powder become corrosive in the presence of heat.

On the other hand Halon or other extinguishing gasses have a hard time working if there is any wind.

I guess it is a case of "you pays your money and you take your chances." Do be sure th get an extinguisher that is rated for electrical, grease and oil fires.

One thing that for sure is true -- when it comes to fire extinguishers -- BIGGER IS BETTER, AND SIZE DOES MATTER.

[Thomas N.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

I bought my Halon from Truechoice Motorsport http://www.truechoice.com/products.asp?dept=1381
They are also available from Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies

http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/group.asp?GroupID=FIREHAND

Halon is my preferred choice.

[Patrick T.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

I have a 2.5 lb. Halon extinguisher but don't depend on it for an engine fire on a windy day, PT

[Ridge K.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

My friends still working in the fire service inform me that when present stockpiles of Halon are expended, there will be no more commercially available. I cannot positively confirm this news, but the people who told me this, work directly with EPA brass. If one wants a portable halon extinguisher, it might be time to make the purchase, now.

Here's a quote directly off the NFPA website (National Fire Protection Agency):
In our view, there's only one choice: Halon.
Better buy it while you still can.

We would never suggest that the average 30-year-old airplane is a firetrap, but there's enough gasoline, oil and worn electrical wiring in close proximity to make an in-flight fire a real possibility. That's why most pilots carry fire extinguishers.

Under FAR Part 91, they aren't required but they most definitely are for commercial operations, for large (more than 12,500 pounds) and turbine powered multiengine airplanes and under transport aircraft certification regulations. As it usually does on matters of safety, the FAA has both rules and suggestions on the subject of fire extinguishers. The suggestions are found in Advisory Circular 20-42C.

It strongly encourages the use of Halon-filled extinguishers as the fire fighting agent of choice in aircraft. Only problem is, Halon has been judged a danger to the ozone layer and it's no longer in production. You can still get it, but it's getting increasingly expensive. Should you cut the price corner, then, and make do with a cheap hardware store extinguisher? We think that would be a mistake.

[Michael A.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

Ken
I went with a 2.5lb Halotron 1. It was available with a bracket to fit well in front of the passenger seat on my C2. A bit pricey at ~$230 but it makes for a good installation and I like the added sense of security to have it handy. I'll try and post a picture of it installed later today.

The unit I bought can be found at:

http://www.vetteworksonline.com/

Here's a picture of one installed off of their website:


Good luck & stay safe!

Cheers,

[Chuck G.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

I have 2.5 lb. Halon's in all of my cars. Never had to use one, but they're there.

Here's another thought....

MANY judging clubs require a fire extinguisher, including AACA. If you're at a show with 200 cars, you have 200 extinguishers at hand.

Food for thought.

Chuck

[Kevin G.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

Fire Extinguisher:

What is the best type to buy? Is "Halon" the way to go? If so, who has the best price and what size would be good to get? (2.5 pounds?)
Thanks

Ken,

Here is a link to Grainger's site, where I purchased several extinguishers for home or auto.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/productIndex.shtml?operator=prodIndexRefinementSearch&originalValue=fire+extingushers&L1=Extinguishers%2C

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3GRX4

Regards,

Kevin

[Paul J.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

I carry a 2 lb Kidde dry chemical in the glovebox. It's charged to 100 psi and discharges in 10 seconds, which is more than enough to put out a fire. The dry chemical mess that I'll have to clean up is a minor issue compared to the burned wires, fittings, plastic, etc that I'll have to replace.

[Ridge K.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

I carry a 2 lb Kidde dry chemical in the glovebox. It's charged to 100 psi and discharges in 10 seconds, which is more than enough to put out a fire. The dry chemical mess that I'll have to clean up is a minor issue compared to the burned wires, fittings, plastic, etc that I'll have to replace.

I still recommend co2 extinguishers, in the shop, or garage, Their sheer size is what you need around a higher volume of class A, ordinary combustible materials. Same method of use. A sweeping motion at the base of flames, that is more brisk on larger bodies of flame, with the co2 gas replacing the oxygen, and thus snuffing the flame out. Been there, done that.
A secondary choice for your garage of shop, would be a pressurized water type extinguisher (commonly found in school buildings, and usually available as used trade-ins). Of course, freezing conditions are not conductive to storing water extinguishers, so it must be a heated garage.

Hope this is helpful, Ridge.

[Henry S.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

Ken, This is a good topic and definitely one that everyone needs to consider. For those of us in the colder regions our Corvette season is just beginning. With our list of "things to do" in hand before we head out in our Corvettes for some summer fun, making sure you have a workable fire extinguisher on board should be at the top of all our lists.

I'd like to expand on your question a little bit. For those members knowledgeable in fire protection/prevention EXACTLY what should we all be looking for in a fire extinguisher? What type, size etc? Keeping in mind that maybe some of us are limited in what we know about the subject. It brings to mind that video we've all seen of the guy throwing water on a grease fire on the kitchen stove only to see the flame engulf the entire kitchen. I would imagine a scene like that playing out at a car show or event could possible send the owner into a fit. We all need to be prepared properly if the unthinkable does happen and we can respond correctly.

[Kevin G.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

Ken, This is a good topic and definitely one that everyone needs to consider. For those of us in the colder regions our Corvette season is just beginning. With our list of "things to do" in hand before we head out in our Corvettes for some summer fun, making sure you have a workable fire extinguisher on board should be at the top of all our lists.

I'd like to expand on your question a little bit. For those members knowledgeable in fire protection/prevention EXACTLY what should we all be looking for in a fire extinguisher? What type, size etc? Keeping in mind that maybe some of us are limited in what we know about the subject. It brings to mind that video we've all seen of the guy throwing water on a grease fire on the kitchen stove only to see the flame engulf the entire kitchen. I would imagine a scene like that playing out at a car show or event could possible send the owner into a fit. We all need to be prepared properly if the unthinkable does happen and we can respond correctly.

I agree! This thread is starting to look like the begining of a great article for Vinnie and the Restorer!

Kevin

[Paul J.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

Ridge:

I've only helped put out one vehicle fire, although I've seen several (none were Corvettes). I saw smoke coming out from under the hood of a car in a parking lot. I pulled over to help and got out my dry chemical extinguisher. We managed to get the hood open without getting singed from the influx of fresh air and as I pulled the safety off the trigger I remembered what these things will do. I had put out fires with them before and had some training from my local fire department, and I wondered what the owner would say when he saw the end result. So I handed the extinguisher to him and told him to spray at the base of the flame in a slow sweeping motion. When he pulled the trigger, the car, engine, fire, and him all disapeared in giant white cloud. The fire was out in less than a second and he's now pointing the extinguisher to the ground filling up his shoes while he's jerking at the trigger trying to shut it off (which we know you can't do on most of these). The engine compartment looks like a Christmas scene in a department store window. The stuff is everywhere, but the fire is out and the car starts! He hands me back my extinguisher without as much as a "thanks", much less offering to pay for it. I'm glad it was a cheap dry chemical and not Halon.

I've always been a fan of CO2 but the shear size of them is prohibitive for auto use.

With respect halon, you're right that it's the best but I think that you will only be able to purchase/refill them for another couple of years, particularly with the present Administration.

Paul

[Henry S.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

I still recommend co2 extinguishers, in the shop, or garage, Their sheer size is what you need around a higher volume of class A, ordinary combustible materials. Same method of use. A sweeping motion at the base of flames, that is more brisk on larger bodies of flame, with the co2 gas replacing the oxygen, and thus snuffing the flame out. Been there, done that.
A secondary choice for your garage of shop, would be a pressurized water type extinguisher (commonly found in school buildings, and usually available as used trade-ins). Of course, freezing conditions are not conductive to storing water extinguishers, so it must be a heated garage.

Hope this is helpful, Ridge.

OOPS, as I was writing and asking about this information you posted this Ridge. GREAT INFORMATION! I'm sure many of us will use this information in selecting our fire extinguisher (me included). THANKS FOR POSTING!!