Community Forums

Ray,IN · 12-17-2007, 10:07 AM

I echo statements made by others. Monthly, remove every ABC extinguisher, turn upside down and shake vigorously(perhaps bang against a tire) until you can feel the powder moving, check pressure gauge and react accordingly before returning to service. This is a foam fire extinguisher DriVer spoke about.
I do not know/remember the stats for a RV, but a (10'x50') mobile home fire can go from ignition to fully-engulfed in 3-6 minutes.
Having just one extinguisher, worse yet, near the door is a bad thing. If you can access a door-GET OUT AND STAY OUT! If a fire occurs, you are in the bedroom and your one extinguisher is on the other side of the fire-you know the rest.

parmm · 12-17-2007, 08:31 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">This is a foam fire extinguisher DriVer spoke about............................................. ..............................................
If you can access a door-GET OUT AND STAY OUT! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>The referenced "extinguisher" only has a life of 3 years, after that, throw it in garbage! I have not found any info on winter storage. Would not leave it in coach during winter storage until someone has resolved issue.

Ray and others have best advise - "GET OUT AND STAY OUT!

Ray,IN · 12-19-2007, 04:21 PM

You are right about the 3 yr lifespan. Your ABC has a 2 yr warranty.

parmm · 12-20-2007, 06:52 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ray,IN:
You are right about the 3 yr lifespan. Your ABC has a 2 yr warranty. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>My ABC refillable extinguisher has a 6 year warranty and is refillable. There are other ABCs warranted longer than 6 years. You can refill after the warranty expires. There are single use disposable extinguishers with 10 year warranties available.

Ray,IN · 12-20-2007, 11:02 AM

You have a better quality ABC than most then. Keep in mind the "A"(paper,wood) part of the ABC is a very low rating comparatively. If you don't keep the powder loose (road vibrations quickly pack it into a solid mass)otherwise it is of little use. Another fact is, if a ABC extinguisher has a plastic head (I would think yours have a metal head) it will not retain pressure very long after refilling. Some certification companies will not refill them for that reason.

parmm · 12-20-2007, 09:05 PM

Ray,
There are better ones than my Kidde, but yes it does have a metal head/valve. As to refilling the plastic ones - no way in my book. Knowing what I learned after many college courses in Fire Science Tech, plus the Coast Guard Fire School at Yorktown. Plus the youngest son is a professional fire fighter / paramedic.
Pat

by the way - Army, 96B30F2, 61B30, and 31B40H, forced "retirement" disability. Nam '68/69

bsinmich · 12-26-2007, 04:45 PM

What temp does the foam freeze in the foam extinguisher? I can shake and bump a powder unit but it would take quite a while sitting on a foam unit to thaw it out.

David K · 12-26-2007, 06:48 PM

Just a thought to people -- One of my extinguishers is a halon filled one. I have had it checked and they tell me that the pressure is OK in it. I have the other types (dry chemical ones) -- one in the kitchen and one up front and the halon one is back in the bedroom area. I also have a large ABC in one of the outside storage areas -- the front compartment where the entertainment center is (passenger side). I have been thinking about the one described somewhere else that is installed in the engine compartment -- that is where my biggest fear is for a fire to start.

paz · 12-27-2007, 03:04 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by David K:
I have been thinking about the one described somewhere else that is installed in the engine compartment -- that is where my biggest fear is for a fire to start. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
That is an excellent idea, especially for a diesel pusher. Diesels tend to run hotter and since the engine is way in the back, a fire could go unnoticed until it was too late. The automatic extinguisher for the engine compartment was written up HERE by Cruzer.

Ray,IN · 12-29-2007, 04:32 AM

There is an excellent discussion of engine compartment fires and new extinguishers here macthefireguy.com is a participant. He does not have a good report for the foam FirstAlert units.