Replacing Fire Extinguisher (perhaps silly)

[Winemaker2]

Originally Posted by Sweetbriar

Pigman1's post on recurring maintenance is spot on. Vibration and gravity will cause the media to pack down and potential clump.

Actually the current recommendation is NOT TO SHAKE extinguishers.
While that used to be the recommendation it has been changed.
Good idea to remove periodically, check the gauge or pin indicator and inspect the nozzle area for plugging.

Above is direction from USCG /USPS Vessel Safety Check manual & examiner instructions and has been changed in recent yrs.

[BigSkyBob]

Originally Posted by Winemaker2

Actually the current recommendation is NOT TO SHAKE extinguishers.
While that used to be the recommendation it has been changed.
Good idea to remove periodically, check the gauge or pin indicator and inspect the nozzle area for plugging.

Above is direction from USCG /USPS Vessel Safety Check manual & examiner instructions and has been changed in recent yrs.

Good to know, thanks Don.

[Winemaker2]

If anyone has never used a fire extinguisher it's a good idea to practice. Some fire depts have old units they can give out for practice sessions.
Another recommendation is to print P A S S on the extinguisher with a sharpie.
P Pull pin (to release the handle or trigger)
A Aim ( at base of the flames)
S Squeeze handle
S Sweep (side to side)

Practice helps and the PASS serves as a quick reminder.
Nobody has time to read instructions when you have a fire.

[Pigman1]

Originally Posted by Winemaker2

Actually the current recommendation is NOT TO SHAKE extinguishers.
While that used to be the recommendation it has been changed.
Good idea to remove periodically, check the gauge or pin indicator and inspect the nozzle area for plugging.

Above is direction from USCG /USPS Vessel Safety Check manual & examiner instructions and has been changed in recent yrs.

I don't know why that recommendation is in there, but I've been at a fire where the extinguisher did not work when the handle was squeezed. I turned it upside down and beat it on the car that was burning, turned it upright and then it worked. Perhaps the Coast Guard knows something about boats that's different in other vehicles, but since I've been agitating my extinguishers, mine work just fine. I used mine a few years ago on the Bus when an oil soaked rag dropped onto the exhaust pipe and I had 3' flames inside and outside the rear cap. The choice is yours, but vibrations in an RV do pack the powder. Just remove one that has been in place a long while and invert it. The powder can be felt to be stuck at the bottom until it's agitated.

[Sweetbriar]

Originally Posted by Pigman1

I don't know why that recommendation is in there, but I've been at a fire where the extinguisher did not work when the handle was squeezed. I turned it upside down and beat it on the car that was burning, turned it upright and then it worked. Perhaps the Coast Guard knows something about boats that's different in other vehicles, but since I've been agitating my extinguishers, mine work just fine. I used mine a few years ago on the Bus when an oil soaked rag dropped onto the exhaust pipe and I had 3' flames inside and outside the rear cap. The choice is yours, but vibrations in an RV do pack the powder. Just remove one that has been in place a long while and invert it. The powder can be felt to be stuck at the bottom until it's agitated.

Hate to say it but Winemaker2 is correct at least concerning the USCG. No idea what the Postal Service does. Working for the USCG, but not with the vessel safety people, so searching out an instruction or directive is pretty easy.

COMDTINST M16796.8A (October 2014) Vessel Safety Check Manual, Chapter 3.B.5.k.(3) states -
"Testing dry chemical extinguishers by holding the fire extinguisher inverted and solidly hitting the base of the extinguisher with the palm of the hand several times is no longer an acceptable practice, possibly resulting in clogging the discharge tube. Additionally, the use of flowing and anti-caking agents has eliminated the problem with caked powder, eliminating the need to rotate the fire extinguisher to feel the powder flowing."

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...Pe2zrsTP2xB2HN

I guess I've been on shore duty too long and out of circulation. I'm sure the Damage Controlmen told us to give the dry chemical PKP bottle a good shake before activating the CO2 cartridge to break up any potentially caked medium in the bottle.

[wa8yxm]

Just like a belt. Thrre is a buckle or other fastener

Suggestion Get ahold of Mac THe Fire Guy (Google works) he has some dang good extinguishers he recommends. .I'd make suggestions but frankly. He's who I learn from.

[Winemaker2]

Sweetbriar
That's the manual / section I am familiar with. I'm guessing that 2014 update was about when it changed.
I do know there are some extinguishers that are USCG approved but have no idea what is different about them. I can't believe the chemicals would be different ???

[Dfreiberger]

Just some G whiz. I bought a second extinguisher and mounted it in the rear of the coach for extra safety. Mine is mounted all the way up front by the door and could be difficult to get to if I am in the rear.