Fire Extinguisher Upgrade

[John L.]

I am looking to upgrade the hand held fire extinguisher in my C2 and have focused in on two options, the Halon 1211 and Halguard Halotron 1. Are the fire surpressing capabilities of these units pretty much the same? Thanks

[Duke W.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Upgrade

Years ago when I was researching fire extinguishers for track events, I was leaning toward halon because dry chemical can do almost as much damage as a small fire, but the fire suppresion professionals I talked to recommended against halon because windy conditions can dissipate it. (And Willow Springs can be VERY windy.)

Their basic philosophy is that you want to use the most reliable method to extinguish the fire ASAP even if it causes consequential damage. If windy conditions dissipate halon, which allows the fire to continue burning, then you lost the car.

I took their advice and bought dry chemical.

Duke

[Dick W.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Upgrade

Duke is correct, the Halon units are fine for a confined area such as a computer or electrical control room, but for an underhood fire are basically worthless, no matter what the sales literature tells you. Which had you rather do, clean up the dry chemical or replace your burned out car? It is as plain and simple as that. I taught fire service classes for almost twenty years and had many demonstrations using various products. Personally I carry a 5 pound ABC extinguisher in all my vehicles.

[Steven B.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Upgrade

John, Duke and Dick are correct. Take their advice. In another life we had literally thousands of switching offices and computer centers, large and small. They were all converted to halon. We also had thousands of vehicles worldwide and they were equipped with ABC's. We tried halon on a vehicle fire suppression test. There was a 2-3 mph breeze. The halon dissipated and the vehicle was lost. I also carry 5 lb. ABC's. 'Hope you never need it. Steve

[Edward B.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Upgrade

33+ years in the fire service. Use the dry chemical ABC, put the fire out and worry later about the clean up - at least there will be something left to clean which might not be the case if you rely upon a halon extinguisher.

[Dick W.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Upgrade

33+ years in the fire service. Use the dry chemical abc, put the fire out and worry later about the clean up - at least there will be something left to clean which might not be the case if you rely upon a halon extinguisher.

AMEN! Tell it like it is!

[John D.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Upgrade

In my FI shop, Vendor trailer, etc I carry Ansul Clean Guard FE-36 4.75# expensive extinguishes. My insurance company approved them on a recent inspection.
I get them inspection once a year. Glad this subject came up as I see I could be in trouble if I get a surprise inspection. Inspection ran out in August. Whew!!!
Years ago I had a engine fire in my Hotrod. It had a primitive FI setup with no siphon breaker solenoid. We didn't know squat about that stuff in the early '60's.
Tried to start the engine and it locked up. Genius hear took the spark plugs out to turn the engine over. Well you know the rest. The spark ignited the raw gas.
I used a poweder type extingusher. It did put the fire out but made one horrible mess. But it did the job.

The Ansul Clean Guard is very expensive. I think two of them were almost 400 bucks.
Now to get my extinguishers recharged and tested pronto. JD

[Dick W.]

Re: Fire Extinguisher Upgrade

Added info, always buy an extinguisher with metal valves, they are not easily broken like the plastic valves.