Best car extinguisher type?

[Robotstar5]

....Powder will knock down any type of fire due to the way the powder interacts with the fire. However it has no cooling, blanketing or smothering effec so requires to be backed up by something else. For example for helicopter landing sites twin agent skids are popular, powder for quick knock down, with foam to blanket once out.....

That's what we were taught on the marshals training, known as the "4x4" method, first 2 use dry powder to knock the fire down followed by 2 more using foam/AFFF to cool

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

@The_Yellow_Ardvark what about foam extinguishers? As people are saying powder is very messy and foam seems to be what the MSA require?

I spoken to the OP and his needs is a ABC dry powder of 2KG.

Smallest decent foam is 3lts, hard to find space in the car.

The extinguisher is there to aide escape. If possible extinguish a small, controllable (if there is a such a thing) fire.

I fit 2kg and supply 2kg to cars and truck cabs.

Yes a powder is messy, it will make you like triple ply, supper soft and scented paper.

A foam will tackle a running fuel fire, most car fires are not running fuel fires. Well not until they are well alight. Then the fire brigade will only stop the fire spreading.

A foam is heavier compared for powder. Plus a Powder is an ABC unit, were a foam is only AB.

I am sure, as I have read many statements, when confronted with a vehicle fire the last thing people think is insurance.

80% of car or bigger vehicle results in said vehicle being an insurance write off, for lots of reason.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

But not ideal as you mentioned due to the mess they make!

In an emergency, is a mess the first thing you worry about.

I see above someone had a cavity wax fire, when welding. Yes then Foam AFFF is best then. Brag, squirt and get mocked.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

They are better for breaking windows or door locks than your fists.

I have had arguments about people using them to smash windows and break down doors in an emergency.

I always reply:
"They aided an escape and prevented loss of life. They did their main roll.

 

[Robotstar5]

I have had arguments about people using them to smash windows and break down doors in an emergency.

I always reply:
"They aided an escape and prevented loss of life. They did their main roll.

Then there is the opposite argument when they use them to prop open fire doors.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Then there is the opposite argument when they use them to prop open fire doors.

One of my pet hates.

It also is a main cause why they get condemned, as they get damaged.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

For a vehicle, these look an excellent idea, incorporates a [safe] blade to cut seat belt(s) if needs be. Other makes/types are available......

https://www.fireprotectiononline.co...MI9fe25rqy2AIVaL7tCh3awgSgEAkYAiABEgKmb_D_BwE

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

For a vehicle, these look an excellent idea, incorporates a [safe] blade to cut seat belt(s) if needs be. Other makes/types are available......

https://www.fireprotectiononline.co...MI9fe25rqy2AIVaL7tCh3awgSgEAkYAiABEgKmb_D_BwE

Get a BS kite marked item.
Some insurance companies will offer a small discount.

 

[rcx132]

So 2kg dry powder it is. Cheap as well

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Make sure it is BS kite marked.

 

[barracuda816]

Shame (in a way) that you cant use haylon any more. Nothing more effective imho!

 

[brightspark]

should still use carbon tetrachloride fire extinguishers .if the flames didn't kill u the fumes of carbon tet would

 

[Robotstar5]

Make sure it is BS kite marked.

Looking at SBF's link, are the 10 year "check yourself" extinguishers any good?

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

@Robotstar5
No.
BS regulations state a yearly inspection in normal service, more regular in harsh situations. After 5 years a full Discharge. Test. Refill.

That's is what makes it cheaper to replace a wet and powder unit after 5 years. CO2 are 10 years.

The 10 years ones are EU approved, not BS approved. Plus they jack the cost up.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Looking at SBF's link,

Sorry, my link was only meant to highlight the 'Lifehammer', I'd not scrolled down and seen the extinguisher.

 

[DrDeAtH]

should still use carbon tetrachloride fire extinguishers .if the flames didn't kill u the fumes of carbon tet would

Methyl Bromide... Now that's one you don't want to be around

 

[lshigham]

I spoken to the OP and his needs is a ABC dry powder of 2KG.

Smallest decent foam is 3lts, hard to find space in the car.

The extinguisher is there to aide escape. If possible extinguish a small, controllable (if there is a such a thing) fire.

I fit 2kg and supply 2kg to cars and truck cabs.

Yes a powder is messy, it will make you like triple ply, supper soft and scented paper.

A foam will tackle a running fuel fire, most car fires are not running fuel fires. Well not until they are well alight. Then the fire brigade will only stop the fire spreading.

A foam is heavier compared for powder. Plus a Powder is an ABC unit, were a foam is only AB.

I am sure, as I have read many statements, when confronted with a vehicle fire the last thing people think is insurance.

80% of car or bigger vehicle results in said vehicle being an insurance write off, for lots of reason.

Thought it was an old wives tale about powder giving you the runs. I can confirm having been on the receiving end of one it isn't.

Welding related tip, don't wear polyester when operating a 9" grinder

 

[doubleboost]

I still have 2 "Nu Swift" 2Kg BCF in the garage
From what I was told the military still use BCF as it works
When things get to the point of needing a fire extinguisher the mess a powder one makes is not a prime concern

 

[ukracer]

Years back, when I was in the fire brigade, the green (BCF) ones were brilliant, but they were due to be banned, due to their affect on the environment.

The only ones I've found that work in anything like the same way are the FireTool ones.
I've not had to use either of the ones I've got so far - but even if it doesn't behave quite like BCF, it'll be better than blowing - or having nothing to hand!

I still have an old "FPS Swordsman" BCF type handy, but nobody gets to see it, for fear of the ensuing lectures!

The powder ones can settle, and just like addjunkie says, they also make the most horrendous mess!

All the Best,
CJ

Plus one for BCF (bromochlorodifluoromethane). I dont know what the closest alternative is.

https://www.fireprotectiononline.co.uk/info/whatever-happened-to-halon-fire-extinguishers/

I do know it was brilliant when i had to use mine on a motox bike that caught fire. I had only just come of track and was bushed........i saw it flare up and grabbed it from my van and ran 50 yards to the bike on fire....it still knocked the fire out instantly.

I think a couple on here are in the industry...

 

[ukracer]

I still have 2 "Nu Swift" 2Kg BCF in the garage
From what I was told the military still use BCF as it works
When things get to the point of needing a fire extinguisher the mess a powder one makes is not a prime concern

Banned in 2002 so i would not tell anyone john. Cant be refilled either its now illegal.......although it can be used on planes some electrical installation and the channel tunnel.....so how its illegal to fill. I guess its only under licence.