What is the best type of Fire Extinguisher?

[turbo3six]

OK so how many Pelicans have a handheld fire extinguisher in their 911?

I understand that some of the extinguishers use a powdered dry chemical agent that once deployed can cause extensive damage to the engine components?

An extinguisher is undeniably a very wise thing to have in our vintage cars...but what is the best type of extinguisher to carry and why?

[Oh Haha]

I carry a dry chemical FE in the 911. It is the same one we carry in our work rigs to comply with DOT regulations.

Yeah, it'll make a mess but better than having fire consume your entire car.

[KNS]

I carry a Halon (or Halotron I think it's called now).

[nomad_fsoak]

Well powder extinguishers are most optimal... even OMP and Sparco systems are based on it (AFFF agent)

CO2 extinguishers are ok, but can destroy your engine due to thermal shock.



I think that best extinguishers are those of the new type., that can be used even on electronics...
They use clean agents like FE-36

[jamesjedi]

The most important thing about a hand held extinguisher....much more important than the type, is that it is to used for very small fires, or a fire in its initial stages. They do not have a capacity for large fires. In other words, know when to walk away. It is a safety issue. Also, a small hand held extinguisher will not have any affect on a car fire that is fully "on fire".

[donporfi]

You must carry any fire extinguisher.
If you are worried about the mess that a dry chemical leaves, you can use a clean agent fire extinguisher.

[willtel]

Check out the Sparco Fire Eater.

Sparco Fireater Fire Extinguisher (Elise, Exige, VX220) [SPFIREX] - €79.00 : Elise Shop, Performance parts for your Lotus Elise

[RWebb]

you need several Halon or Halotron fire extinguishers - one where you can reach it from the driver's seat (and do some practice runs!); and two in the garage -- one near the front (battery & fuse box) and one by the back of the garage by the engine compartment

[turbo3six]

Halotron = 'Clean Agent Extinguisher' no residue left behind.
So Halotron looks like good stuff, explanation video here: YouTube - Badger Halotron Fire Extinguishers

Our host website sells very similar Halotron Extinguishers: Pelican Parts - Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche & BMW

[twin plugged targa]

All good comments - here are a few more thoughts-

Dry powder is the most available and widely used fire extinguisher as it fights AB&C fires (pretty much most fires)
However pitfalls are that it does not cool the fire at all - so the fire may just re ignite after usage.
In my opinon - not a very effective extinguisher

Halon is VERY effective but not very green
Will not leave any mess but will also not cool the fire much - danger of re-ignition

FM200 Green eco freindly verson of above (not sure if available in small portable extinguishers?)

CO2 as above but very toxic in enclosed spaces- not really an issue for cars

Foam very effective and will have more of a lasting effect/ probabley the best to reduce chances of re ignition. Will fight A&B fires - not fires where electrics still active.
Yes its messy but, Hey your car is on fire!!!!

Guess what type of fire extinguishers the emergency services will use on you car when they arrive-

Yup! FOAM

As mentioned in a prior post - do not be a hero, use the extinguisher and then get the hell away from there - you should be insured!

from the experts-

Fire Extinguishers The different Types

I have an old Halon extinguisher - but these are illegal due to environmental effects.


I have dry powder at my home but am actively seeking foam extingusher suppliers who are amazingly rare in France

Hope this is of help
Ben

[twin plugged targa]

That Sparco fire eater is amazing!
I watched a video on that recently and it is definately the way forward- VERY effective and non toxic and green!!!

I would be very interested in the spec sheet for this in regards to cubic meter area of effectiveness?
regards
Ben

[Superman]

I was told by a fire guy that in the event of an engine compartment fire, put the nozzle of my 5# Halon against the grille (DO NOT OPEN THE DECKLID) and EMPTY the extinguisher. Then get away.

Halon works differently than dry chemical but generally speaking, is about half as effective. Yes, dry chemical makes a mess.

[Vincent Hill]

I bought several Halon and carry one in each and every car. The Dry "May" make such a mess that even if you put the fire out in time the mess will stop your car from YOU Being able to get going again. I have had mine for over 10 years and several of them have Guages where a few do not and I have put out a few fires with them! These fit right in the little opening at the side of the Footwell on the Passengers side. Right where you can reach it and see it.

First ALert at KMart for about $18 Clothing, Toys, Electronics, Jewelry, Jaclyn Smith - Kmart.com


Extinguishes fires. Use in case of fire. Stop fires fast! Grease. Fabric/wood. Electric. Easier and more effective! Biodegradable

Fount them at Home Depot, 2 for under $25 so I plan to get a few more. WHat I also like is that you can spray 4 times before discharged.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xh7/R-202248841/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
Easy Clean Up: Simply wipe area with damp cloth.

[aston@ultrasw.c]

Extinguishers are rated for the type and size of fire they will fight.

A small extinguisher will only last a few seconds.

Go BIG!

[Winter]

This is interesting and educational for me.

But I can't help but point out that it seems strange to worry about if an extinguisher is "green" or not, as the toxic s**t that will spew into the air from a car that burns isn't very "green" at all. Given the environmental impacts of burning car (tires, wires, seats, plastics, on and on) wouldn't the best extinguisher be the most effective, green or not.

Don't get me wrong, if all things are equal then why not go "green"? Even if it costs a few more bucks. But given the scenario of a car on fire, I'd want the most effective way to put it out first and foremost. And that's sounding like foam. . .

[James Brown]

I have a 5lb. halon Firefighter bottle in the front trunk with 2 nozzles in the engine compartment with a pull cable. A 2 1/2 lb. halon bottle in the cab for me! So the drill is: Stop car, Fuel pump/ignition-OFF, fire extinguisher-Pull, exit car w/2nd bottle-RUN AWAY.

[jamesjedi]

A small extinguisher = small fire. Very simple. Anything more than that is an unsafe scenario. There is an expression in the fire business, "big fire, big hose" . If you want something more effective you would need to use a built in extinguishing system. As for the mess that a dry chem makes, the fire would do much more permanent damage.

[81 SC Ray]

Hey Winter,

I have to chuckle as well. Here we are stroking 30 year old engines that barely, or do not pass emissions tests and folks are concerned that their fire extinguisher is not green. I hear the Prius has a green fire extinguisher option.

[RWebb]

you guys are confusing the issues involved re "green"

besides you can't buy a new Halon anymore

[9er]

Halon extinguishers are banned here in Australia so I cant comment on them. I put out at least a couple of car fires a week as a firefighter and most of them are going well by the time we get there, mostly we use water but if running fuel is involved dry powder is great. Since the fires we are concerned about in this thread are presumably our own, and at which we are present when they start I think a small dry powder would be a great thing.