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Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are used in homes, schools, businesses and boats as a way to put out a small fire. Fire extinguishers come in many types for different purposes, including portable or fixed systems. This category relates to the science, origins, operation, selection and standards for fire extinguishers.
1,462 Questions
What the acronym PASS means and when it is used?
Among other tings, it is a reminder of how to use a fire extinguisher. Pull the pin. Aim at the bottom of the fire. Squeeze the handle hard, Sweep the spray across the fire.
What is the difference between dry powder extinguisher and dry chemical fire extinguisher?
The terms "dry powder" and "dry chemical", is used in regards to fire protection, refering to extinguishing agents.
Civilians, Lay persons and non-fire protection specialists use the terms interchangably. To be exact however, Dry Chemical refers to agents that extinguish Class A, B and C type fires, while Dry Powders refer to agents that extinguish Class-D type fires. Dry Chemicals have the consistancy of a flour like substance. Dry Powders have the consistancy of salt like substances. The difference is obvious to fire service professionals but not so for those who do not come in contact with the substances very often. Even the National Fire Protection Association confuses the issue when they use the word "powder" in their definition of a dry chemical.
NFPA 17 defines a dry chemical as: "a powder composed of very small particles, usually sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or ammonium phosphate-based with added particulate material supplemented by special treatment to provide resistance to packing, resistance to moisture absorption (caking), and the proper flow capabilities."
Why type of fire extinguisher is need on a boat less than 26 feet?
At least one USCG-approved Class B-1 fire extinguisher is required on any powerboat, unless it is under the following exception:
- "motorboats less than 26 feet in length,
- propelled by outboard motors and
- not carrying passengers for hire, need not carry such portable fire extinguishers if
- the construction of such motorboats will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors" [bullets added]
A UL-listed 5-B:C extinguisher, with 2 pounds of dry chemical, may provide the basis for the extinguisher, but it must ALSO conform to USCG-approvals (proper corrosion protection, labeling, mounting bracket, etc).
What type of fire extinguisher does a restaurant require?
A typical restaurant would require at least one Type ABC fire extinguisher plus a Type K fire extinguisher near the kitchen (for grease and fryer fires).
Why would you need a class A fire extinguisher?
Call A fire extinguishers are normally the best type for taking out fires, and keeping your family safe. It is advised to have at least one in any store and possible even your house.
Are CO2 fire extinguishers toxic?
No, they are not toxic. Some care must be taken, however, because CO2 is a heavy gas and in an unventilated area one could asphyxiate.
When mounted how far apart from other fire extinguisher?
Fire extinguishers shall be mounted 75 feet apart
Why did tj marshall invent the fire extinguisher?
There is no indication that anyone named "T.J. Marshall" invented any fire extinguisher.
However, there was a US Patent 125,063 issued to Thomas J. Martin, on March 26, 1872, entitled "Fire Extinguisher".
Actually it was a type of fire standpipe and sprinkler in which water pressure from a reservoir and pump pushes water up pipes and into a building to a valve that can be opened to make the water spray out of nozzles.
This is nothing like what came to be known as the "portable fire extinguisher" we have now.
A K class extinguisher is rated for use on Kitchen fires- such as a burning pan of grease or a deep fat fryer. Typically loaded with sodium bicarbonate.
Who is the inventor of the fire extinguisher?
The first automatic fire extinguisher of which there is any record was patented in England in 1723 by Ambrose Godfrey, as far as i know
Does fire extinguisher dust cause pneumonia?
Yes. I recently had a small fire, I used my fire extinguisher, the fire man told me I would almost guaranteed get pneumonia, because I was coughing after using it (indicating I had probably inhaled some). Sure enough about 3 weeks later I got very sick and eventually had to go to the hospital, I had severe double lung pneumonia& had to get IV antibiotics
What are the properties of carbon dioxide in a fire extinguishers?
The property used is its heaviness than air. CO2 being heavier than air, settles over the flames and cuts off contact with O2. Fire cannot continue without the oxygen supply and is extinguished.
ANYTHING is more suitable than water for those types of fires!
Water usually contains conductive impurities and will cause hazards of electrocution if used on live electrical conductors.
Water will displace, splash, spread and possibly explode if used on a hot oil fire. If water penetrates the surface of a deep oil fire, the liquid water will be superheated (beyond its boiling point) instantly, resulting in a blast of steam as the liquid expands approximately 20,000 times its liquid volume.
Carbon dioxide, while sprayed at -230 degrees F, forms a layer of relatively non-combustible gas upon an electrical fire or oil fire, smothering it. Carbon dioxide will "burn" at about 1,200 F, so it is not useful on all types of fires.
How to fill nitrogen to fire extinguisher from cylinder?
There is equipment that connects from the gas tank to the fire extinguisher, and is deigned to keep from overpressurizing the extinguisher. Do NOT try this without the equipment.
What are Class b fire extinguishers are best for what?
Burning liquids such as gasoline, oil, paint, etc.
What do you mean by hose stream on a fire extinguisher?
When a liquid fire extinguisher has a hose, the stream of liquid coming from the hose is called the "hose stream" and can be directed at the base of the flames.
What type of fire will be put out by a b-1 fire extinguisher?
B-1 is for a Class B fire, that is, flammable/combustible liquids and gases.
What are the classes of fires?
Class A- ordinary combustibles, such as wood or paper- leaves an Ash
Class B- liquids- such as oil, gasoline. Liquids Boil
Class C- has a live electrical Current
Class D- metals, such as magnesium. Metals can Dent
Class K- a Kitchen fire, such as burning fat.
What is a 'Class A' fire extinguisher?
A class B fire extinguisher that is rated for use on flammable liquids such as gasoline, its related hydrocarbon fuels, solvents, alcohols, ethers, and esters, who are also known as polar and non-polar fuels. However, the B classification of fires till now required different types extinguishing medias in order to be able to fight the full range of B fires. For example, the most prevalent and available type of fire extinguisher displaying a B rating is the Dry Chemical Powder extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is not very efficient on polar fuels nor is it recommended for use on grease and cooking media (vegetable oils), the K-Type fire. Therefore requiring the end user to employ other types of extinguishers such as an AR-AFFF foam extinguisher for polar fuels and a Wet-Chem, K-Rated extinguisher in order to provide total class B protection.
With the advent of the new industry changing FFC (Fire Fighting Catalyst) Technology and most advanced "Green", Non-Toxic, Non-Irritant, Non-Agressive, liquid and compact FireStopper® fire extinguisher line, the consumer has available an all fire class (A-B-C-D-K) Rated and Listed highly effective safety product.
