What fire extinguisher

[Overdriven]

As I work servicing, recharging Fire Extinguishers + Fire Suppression systems for work I thought I'd chime in here. The ABC ext. are a powder which is messy and can also corrode certain metals and finishes if left on for an extended period of time. Key word, extended. But they can be used on anything (A=paper, wood, ordinary combustibles B=gas, oil, flammable liquids C= electrical) CO2 is great with no mess and works great too, but it does not have an A rating. C02 Fire Ext are also bigger, heavier, and don't work well when there is any wind since they basically make a cloud of gas to suffocate the fire. Also some foam fire ext do not have an C rating, so lookout for that as well.

As far as store bought Fire Extinguishers go, stay away from anything without a gauge. Fire Extinguisher gauges aren't the most accurate in the world, but the little button you push and hope pops back up is even worse. First Alert fire ext are pretty much total junk as far as reliability is concerned, Kidde isn't too far behind. These are the brands you'll find at home depot + lowes. If you must purchase there, at least buy the Kidde with the metal handles + valve body, they call these the "commercial Grade". They have one thats a good size to keep in the car. The plastic heads versions (Home grade) are prone to leaking, especially in an environment like a car trunk. Also, any Fire Ext. thats about the size of a 20oz soda is really only good for a rc car, as it'll last all of 5-8 seconds, assuming the plastic head didn't leak. If you want a real commercial grade Fire Ext, find a local service company and buy a Badger, Amerex, or buckey (in that order) and it will last you a lifetime.

[JThiessen]

Originally Posted by Overdriven

As I work servicing, recharging Fire Extinguishers + Fire Suppression systems for work I thought I'd chime in here. The ABC ext. are a powder which is messy and can also corrode certain metals and finishes if left on for an extended period of time. Key word, extended. .

Doesn't need to be an extended time. We had an electrical fire in a light next to one of our planes a couple months ago. The maroon that grabbed the fire extinguisher (ABC type) also shot it into the A/P. We ended up having to replace an entire skin panel due to the corrosion (cost the company about 500K in parts and labor).

I've seen stuff on this new type K general purpose extinguisher. Dont know much about it yet.....