Fire Extinguisher

[Terry M.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

Yes, this topic is such a good one that it has happened at least once, and I think twice, before. "Search" is a wonderful thing.

On to Ridge's comment about dry powder, and its mess. He will appreciate this story more than others.

I once responded to an electrical fire on the ground floor of a 48-story residential building. The fire was in a dry-type electrical transformer in the main electrical room (owned by the utility) of the building.

The responding units for the Chicago Fire Department included their dry chemical unit. Once we cut the power to the failed transformer, and the rest of the building, they proceeded to fill the room (about 300 square feet) knee deep with the infamous purple powder. Seems they had to take the unit in for service and they had to empty it someplace.

Fortunately, I didn't get the job of cleaning it up.

[John D.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

Oct 23, 2008 I bought two fire extinguishers as was forced to do so by the insurance company. I have insurance for my FI business and the insurance company send an inspector to my shop. I thought I passed as the guy made all positive comments. I saw him look at my existing fire extingishers but he didn't say anything. Later I got this "letter" from the company stating my FE's weren't properly tagged and they were outdated.
So I bought two of 4.75 FI 36 (Halon) FE's for only 434.60 buks. Whew!!!
Then I tried to get the fire protection company to refill or recharge my old ones but they refused. Anything older than 1984 are boat anchors.
But my old ones are still charged so I have fire extinguishers around here big time. Hopefully I don't have to use them.

Now my 63, the LWC has a GM FE dated 1963. Charged up too. But I also carry a nice halon with me at the shows just in case.

Don't skimp on the fire extinguishers. Get the best and don't worrry about what they cost. Skimp some where else. JD

[Henry S.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

Yes, this topic is such a good one that it has happened at least once, and I think twice, before. "Search" is a wonderful thing.

On to Ridge's comment about dry powder, and its mess. He will appreciate this story more than others.

I once responded to an electrical fire on the ground floor of a 48-story residential building. The fire was in a dry-type electrical transformer in the main electrical room (owned by the utility) of the building.

The responding units for the Chicago Fire Department included their dry chemical unit. Once we cut the power to the failed transformer, and the rest of the building, they proceeded to fill the room (about 300 square feet) knee deep with the infamous purple powder. Seems they had to take the unit in for service and they had to empty it someplace.

Fortunately, I didn't get the job of cleaning it up.

Terry,
Agreed, the search tool is a valuable asset and I personally try to use it often. The topic of fire protection is one that I believe we should visit here at least each spring. If for no other reason than to remind us all to be safe and responsible. Too many of us take it for granted.

I can only imagine the look on that poor manager's face when he saw the mess left behind. They're probably still finding remnants!! I have a neighbor who moved down here after being a paramedic in the Chicago Fire Department. He can keep the room in stiches with some of the stuff he's come across in his 25 years on the force.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

On a side to this, I was wondering how many of the Extinguishers folks have in their Vettes are mounted, i.e bolts or screws through carpeting and floor vs. rolling around loose? I have a nice unit in mine that I slip in behind the bulk head in my C-2 with the mounting bracket on which I use just the "Hook" part of velcro which secures it to the carpeting. It probably won't withstand a crash, but I might not either. I also use Hook Velcro to secure my stereo speaker housings to the carpeting as well - in keeping with my theme of being able to reverse my mods and additions back to stock.

[Michael A.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

On a side to this, I was wondering how many of the Extinguishers folks have in their Vettes are mounted, i.e bolts or screws through carpeting and floor vs. rolling around loose? I have a nice unit in mine that I slip in behind the bulk head in my C-2 with the mounting bracket on which I use just the "Hook" part of velcro which secures it to the carpeting. It probably won't withstand a crash, but I might not either. I also use Hook Velcro to secure my stereo speaker housings to the carpeting as well - in keeping with my theme of being able to reverse my mods and additions back to stock.

Stu - The unit I mention above includes a bracket to mount it in front of the passenger seat. It works very well. Easy to access. Non-obtrusive to the passenger. The only limitation is that the passenger seat needs to be all of the way back and cannot be moved forward. That's not much of a problem since that is where it is normally positioned anyway.

Cheers,

[Chris E.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

So, another question. Do the Halotron style extinguishers leave behind a nasty powdery mess, or are they just the latest version of Halon?

I need a FE, and want to know which one to buy.

[Scott P.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

In the last two weeks I have had two 2-1/2 lb Halon extinguishers refilled from a fire extinguisher servicing company here in Tulsa. They also sell new ones. Most towns have fire extinguisher servicing companies, they are better to deal with then the catalog sources. Look in the yellow pages or on the tag that is on the fire extinguishers at your work for a local place to do business with. I paid $60 on one because it was not empty but about $90 on the one that was empty. That also included a presssure test on the bottles.

[Michael A.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

So, another question. Do the Halotron style extinguishers leave behind a nasty powdery mess, or are they just the latest version of Halon?

I need a FE, and want to know which one to buy.

Chris - The Halotron is advertised as the EPA friendly, "clean" fire extinguisher for automotive and other applications. From the earlier discussions it sounds as if Halon is being phased out so the Halotron seems to be the way to go unless you want the mess that comes with the dry chemical FEs. I do however notice that the vendor I referenced in my earlier notes still shows 2.5lb Halon 1211 FEs in their online catalog. I have absolutely no connection with them so you're welcome to go with whomever you wish. Good luck with your choice.

Cheers,

[Chris L.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

I think since most here agree that the Halatron is the cleanest way to go, while not the cheapest, it would be a nice idea if one of our feerless NCRS leaders put out some feelers to the companies that manufacture these Halatron Extinguishers and see if we can get them at a substancial discount as club members since we are up to about 50K members now. Is that enough to attract someones attention? Volume always brings the price down. I have used these extinguishers many times and stand by them 100%. I have one in every car I own. Kind of like the American Distress card...don't leave home without it !!

[Bill M.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

Ridge suggested buying a used CO2 extinguisher in the last FE thread. The day I read that, I went to our local fire equioment outfit and bought a used CO2 for the garage. Thanks, Ridge

[Terry M.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

I think since most here agree that the Halatron is the cleanest way to go, while not the cheapest, it would be a nice idea if one of our feerless NCRS leaders put out some feelers to the companies that manufacture these Halatron Extinguishers and see if we can get them at a substancial discount as club members since we are up to about 50K members now. Is that enough to attract someones attention? Volume always brings the price down. I have used these extinguishers many times and stand by them 100%. I have one in every car I own. Kind of like the American Distress card...don't leave home without it !!

Back when we first started offering bonus points for fire extinguishers NCRS did exactly that, Chris. Back then the extinguishers contained Halon -- mine still does, but this thread has reminded me to put it in the new car. Especially since the old car has no battery in it, and no fuel either. The previous NCRS sale was just as the sale of Halon was supposed to end. Things that make you go Hmmm.

Is it a good idea worth repeating? Perhaps you should contact the NCRS sales office and/or your Regional Director.

[Ridge K.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

Ridge suggested buying a used CO2 extinguisher in the last FE thread. The day I read that, I went to our local fire equioment outfit and bought a used CO2 for the garage. Thanks, Ridge

Bill, you made my day with those kind words.
Many have figured out that I'm not an expert on these vintage Corvettes, and at my age will never be a team leader, or national judging chairman, much less NCRS President. If I can return the great help I've been given from fellow club members, with a tip or two on NOS parts (my limited expertise from 35 years of study), or maybe some handy advice about fire extinguishers to protect their prized Corvette, then it is a win-win situation.
Thanks Bill. Ridge

p.s. this thread started another great thread on the same subject. This is very important to most members.

[Joe T.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher

First, just for fun, if you've never seen a HALON discharge event in a closed room try to google it or check youtube. Its an AWESOME sight. I saw an event and the results (from outside the room).... YEEHAA! Anything that wasn't screwed down tight just took off! 40lb floor tiles flew like playing cards in a tornado. Chairs and telephones made very impressive projectiles. Like I said...AWESOME

Anyway..
I had a small gease fire (well my wife did) in our kitchen. I gave it one short burst (about one second or less) from the 1301 and that fire was GONE. It was like magic! It apparently even extingushed any burning droplets blown away by the pressure! Nothing will take the place of my 1301 or 1211 halon (or the advertised replacements if necessary) in my car. My truck can live with the dry chem/Purple K. I keep a CO2 in basement and the the garage gets along with two more dry chems. Just remember: The best solution is prevention...BE CAREFUL