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ok I put a fire extinguisher in my 72 ,my question is the gauge shows it is charged up but it is about 6yrs. old how long does these last ,before they go bad???
I don't know how long they last, but I pulled one off the wall in my garage after one of my neighbors burned down the house about 4 from mine with fireworks and it worked perfectly. It's at least 10 years old and been subject to Florida heat and humidity. Sorry to say I didn't help the neighbor much as I need one the size of a pumper truck to make a dent in it. HOLY CRAP how fast a house burns down is amazing.
I've never had one "go bad" but the only way to really know is to try it then of course it's done.
If it's a powder type extinguisher the powder gets packed tight after a while and it may be a good idea to tap the side with a rubber mallet while tilting it in a different orientation to loosen up the powder.
I've never had one "go bad" but the only way to really know is to try it then of course it's done.
If it's a powder type extinguisher the powder gets packed tight after a while and it may be a good idea to tap the side with a rubber mallet while tilting it in a different orientation to loosen up the powder.
Yep and agree and good advice. I remember from the plant days, the advice was to turn it upside down and tap the bottom with a rubber mallet every once in awhile.
Read the placard on the side of the bottle; all DOT fire extinguishers have inspection information on them, including how to inspect it, a weight range that proves the bottle is full, and of course the gage. As long as you are in the weight range, and the indicator is in the green, its charged and ready for use. These bottles do have requirements at six years, and 12 years, but not sure any of us would worry about those. In the airplane business, we have to abide by them.
If it's a 'dry powder' extinguisher, it should be good as long as it is adequately charged. You might want to shake it once in a while to make sure the powder hasn't 'clumped'.
If it's a 'dry powder' extinguisher, it should be good as long as it is adequately charged. You might want to shake it once in a while to make sure the powder hasn't 'clumped'.
That powder packs just sitting. Riding in a car in a holder it's pretty much guaranteed it's gonna pack.
No, but they are no longer being sold. The replacement is FE-36. Ansul CleanGuard in 2.5 lb bottle with vehicle mounting bracket will run you $200. I used to carry a powder extinguisher until I realized how much damage they would do to a restored engine compartment.
ok I put a fire extinguisher in my 72 ,my question is the gauge shows it is charged up but it is about 6yrs. old how long does these last ,before they go bad???
Last year I found one in my unheated barn that came out of a 1985 service truck I used to have. I probably put it down there 20 years ago. I didn't trust it but was curious. Pulled the pin and trigger and it unloaded like crazy. Still seemed to be working. Go figure.
We are required to replace (or have recertified) our fire extinguishers every 3 years for most competitive events in Australia. Having said that, they normally then get put aside for use in the garage if necessary. I've seen 10+ year old ones fire fine.
I have a Amerex Haltron unit in my car. In theory, when you put the float too high and it floods the engine with fuel, plug the plugs and spin the engine with the starter, and the wires ignite the atomized fuel, the unit can put out the flash fire that it caused with no residue. Of course that is all theoretical when you are too hot from high heat, and not thinking right.
I believe that some types of Halon are still used for fire suppression in critical areas where contamination from powders or fluids cannot be allowed. Some aircraft systems and some computer server locations come to mind.
Halon is not allowed for common usage due to environmental issues (damages the ozone layer). It used to be used as a refrigerant, also. That is no longer allowed, either.
I believe that some types of Halon are still used for fire suppression in critical areas where contamination from powders or fluids cannot be allowed. Some aircraft systems and some computer server locations come to mind.
Halon is not allowed for common usage due to environmental issues (damages the ozone layer). It used to be used as a refrigerant, also. That is no longer allowed, either.
I've worked in halon equipped raised floors and computer rooms for many years. Even got caught in a spectacular discharge once.
I thought it worked by depriving the fire of air. You need a LOT of it for even a small room. I am curious how effective a small handheld bottle of it is out in the open
I don't think that our best scientists know why Halon works as it does. Most think it has something to do with the "chemistry" of fire. It doesn't 'smother' the fire as you are suggesting; it actually inhibits the creation of fire...somehow. You can find lots of papers on 'theories' of why Halon works; but I don't believe that anyone knows for certain.
I don't think that our best scientists know why Halon works as it does. Most think it has something to do with the "chemistry" of fire. It doesn't 'smother' the fire as you are suggesting; it actually inhibits the creation of fire...somehow. You can find lots of papers on 'theories' of why Halon works; but I don't believe that anyone knows for certain.
Well, I will leave it to others to ponder that one. I literally just bought a Kidde BC 2.5lb extinguisher for the car for $18. About the same as any extinguisher I've carried in any other car.
Have been working on a leaky carb and wanted to put the big one I've been carrying back where it belongs in the garage.
fire extinguisher????
