SOHC.co.uk Forums > Anorak's Corner

Which fire extinguisher

(1/3) > >>

DomP:
All this tinkering with carbs and fuel has got me thinking I should invest in a fire extinguisher, ive done some research into them but wondered what you all recommend?  Powder seems the go to choice but it would appear its very corrosive, maybe not an issue when the other option is a pile of melted parts, foam is soon to be banned which leaves CO²

TrickyMicky:
It's only certain types of foam extinguisher which are to be phased out. CO2 gas models are very good, but can still leave hot spots as the gas clears. Just remember that fire needs 3 ingredients:- fuel, air, and  heat. It only needs one removal of these to kill a fire.

Murf:
Dry powder is the most popular for home type use these days and is readily available. It is good for oil and fuel fires, electrical fires and general house fires. Downside is it makes a lot of mess and a lot of cleaning up. But like you say the alternative to not using it is a lot worse.  Dry powder extinguishes should be changed after a number of years as the powder can start to become packed down, particularly with vibration when the extinguisher is carried in a vehicle. 
Good all round general fire extinguisher.

Foam is also good for oil and fuel fires, should not be used on electrical fires and not a good choice for general house type fires. It also makes a horrible mess and is more for industrial type situations.

CO2 is good for electric fires, it will put out oil and fuel if you are really quick and get the fire right at the start but there is risk of reignition as the CO2 disperses. not much use on oil fires once they start to take hold because of the reignition factor. Not sure how CO2 extinguishers fit in with environmental concerns nowadays.

We carried water, foam and CO2 extinguishers on the RN ships, powder wasn’t a big thing back then.

DomP:
Ive ordered a 2kg powder for my workshop (woodwork rather than bikes)  but I think ill get co2  and powder for my bike garage, co2 of fuel fires when working on cards and powder for worse situations

Spitfire:
After nearly 40 years working on oil refineries I've used them all on too many occasions, but in the house and garage I have CO2.

Cheers

Dennis

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page