Testing Element fire extinguisher

[Marc Bixen]

It's soo nice that it has taken since January 2018 until now for our first, real, Element test. Shows what a good job the Porsche community does when it comes to maintenance. Discseven, sorry that you had a fire, but thanks for the update! As for Uwon, what a joke. As nene said, "So don't buy one." The rest of us drive with confidence knowing that we have an Element on board, and by having the confidence that WE KNOW HOW TO USE IT!

[Marc Bixen]

Remember that Element also sells a nice secure seat mount at an affordable price:

https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/MISC/POR_MISC_ELEMEN_pg5.htm

https://elementfire.com/collections/allproducts/products/seat-rail-mount

[Uwon]

Karl, thank you for posting your “lucky” experience. Nice to see that the unit really works. I think that you may have the advantage in your successful fire extinguishing in that you did the original and extensive testing of the unit. Not having used the unit before, I hazard to say that I would have been fumbling around trying to read the minuscule instruction with my ageing eyes on how to ignite it. In my opinion, that is a major drawback.
I’m going to make it a point to reprint the instructions in large letters and wrap it around the Element. As well, I should watch the video on Utube and then pray that I’ll never have to you it.
The Element is in the 997S and I’ll retain the Halotron fire extinguisher in the RST.
Cheers,
Johan

[QueWhy]

Originally Posted by Uwon

Karl, thank you for posting your “lucky” experience. Nice to see that the unit really works. I think that you may have the advantage in your successful fire extinguishing in that you did the original and extensive testing of the unit. Not having used the unit before, I hazard to say that I would have been fumbling around trying to read the minuscule instruction with my ageing eyes on how to ignite it. In my opinion, that is a major drawback.
I’m going to make it a point to reprint the instructions in large letters and wrap it around the Element. As well, I should watch the video on Utube and then pray that I’ll never have to you it.
The Element is in the 997S and I’ll retain the Halotron fire extinguisher in the RST.
Cheers,
Johan

Why wouldn't you read the instructions prior to needing it? It seems it's about as difficult to use as a road flair or any traditional fire extinguisher.

[Uwon]

Originally Posted by QueWhy

Why wouldn't you read the instructions prior to needing it? It seems it's about as difficult to use as a road flair or any traditional fire extinguisher.

Like most people I have never used a road flare and it’s not as intuitive as a traditional fire extinguisher. I probably have thirty years on you and at my age I recognize my limitations in remembering all seemingly small things.
Just the way it is.
Cheers,
Johan

[Jonny042]

Originally Posted by Uwon

Like most people I have never used a road flare and it’s not as intuitive as a traditional fire extinguisher. I probably have thirty years on you and at my age I recognize my limitations in remembering all seemingly small things.
Just the way it is.
Cheers,
Johan

I have two elements - one for each car. I have often thought that in the heat of battle I might have to fumble for a second or two to get it lit.

It might be worth doing a dry run or two, without striking it. Then with a label maker (or even masking tape) make a couple of large print labels that will make sense when the time comes - "remove and discard" and "striker" or something like that.

Also, some 911's (both of mine) have a huge access hole in the decklid covered by the grille. I wonder if simply filling the compartment via that hole would be the best and safest way to put out the fire??

[BE911SC]

Jay Leno clip on the Element extinguishers, FWIW:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBjXecsF860

[Discseven]

Some more notes on the fire and on using an Element...



‘85 3.2. Cross-over hose had a pinhole leak near the dampener. Hose was new. FI rated with 100 psi working and 900 psi burst specs. Is possible the hose failed but am more inclined to put the fail on me. Crimp collar was very tight and I forced the dampener’s fuel fitting and collar together. I suspect this damaged the hose's interior and pressure eventually managed to work through the line. Were the hole far from the collar, I might think otherwise. After the fire, I let engine cool 2 hours before turning the fuel pump on in hopes of seeing the leak(s). Caught it in the pic above. Jet of fuel is towards rear of car pizzing on the shroud that covers the engine's oil cooler. I get approximately 3 miles from home when my 3.2 reaches op temp… then fuel ignited. No mistaking engine on fire given the smoke created by the sound dampening burning/melting. I happened to be driving through a parking lot when the fuel ignited so was a simple matter to stop and get to the engine. No mounting hardware for my Elements---I have them between the seats. Johan, that looks a nice piece of hardware. Going to see where that mounts and possibly make it. Thanks.




Element is very easy to use. Before all else, doesn't matter what extinguisher is used, speed to the fire and putting it out quickly is important. May sound silly but I rehearsed what to do with the Element so in the event of a fire, there would be no thinking, reading instructions, or wondering wtf to do. From prior Element product testing I also knew what to expect once the unit was “on.” In my opinion, is worth getting an extra unit just to turn it “on” to see how that works and what happens when the Element is “on.” Small price to pay in the event a fire needs attention. If it sounds like I’m marketing for Element, am not intentionally doing so. I only stand behind this because it works. Were it otherwise, I’d tear into this product like a rabid dog.

These extinguishers are a baton with a sleeve covering the discharge end, a yellow igniter cap that is inserted into the handle’s end, and the extinguisher itself. The sleeve is removed from the baton and next the Striker cap. The striker’s nub is rubbed on the nub on the discharge end. Is a friction strike akin to lighting a match but with more force. Takes about a second from the strike till it's evident the unit is “on.”

Once “on,” there’s no shutting an Element “off.” It goes “off” by itself doing so when the agent inside is fully depleted. The red section of the baton gets hot so unit should only be held by the black handle after ignition. I advise being conservative about how close the discharge end gets to paint and rubber surfaces and how long the discharge end is focused on any particular point. In other words, best to keep the discharge end moving rather than stationary. This is because the discharge---whatever it is---is hot as it exits the nozzle. When the fire is confirmed out, I advise removing the extinguisher from continued use (provided it remains "on") from the engine bay. Of course if engine is hot enough and fuel remains available, that fuel could reignite. Good idea to unquestionably confirm fire-out... and watch for reignition.




Only damage that came of this is the plastic cap on the bottom of the air flow sensor having sagged from the heat. Electrical wiring and rubber all remained intact. Worst of this is the melted sound dampening material (attached to the bulkhead ahead and over engine.) When this stuff melts, it rains down on the engine as a sticky tar. Cleanup called for removing the intake manifold. New cross-over hose was made, this time with a more appropriately fitting crimp collar.

In my opinion & practice, having two Elements on hand is a smart move. This is in the event there’s reignition and #1 Element has fully discharged.

[BE911SC]

Originally Posted by Discseven

In my opinion & practice, having two Elements on hand is a smart move. This is in the event there’s reignition and #1 Element has fully discharged.

I keep two in my 911 and two in my other play car. Thanks for the first-hand writeup.

[ToySnakePMC]

Really good review and recap of what could have been a nightmare that we all worry about in the back of our minds. Recently purchased an E50 and now feel more confident that I could put this to work immediately if ever required. Certainly hope not. Thank you for taking the time to share the news and your first hand experience.

[Jonny042]

Originally Posted by Uwon

Like most people I have never used a road flare and it’s not as intuitive as a traditional fire extinguisher. I probably have thirty years on you and at my age I recognize my limitations in remembering all seemingly small things.
Just the way it is.
Cheers,
Johan

I grabbed my element yesterday and had a look at it. Perhaps it's a newer unit than yours but it has a pretty good set of 4 step illustrated instructions for using it. I took off the cap and the striker to have a look and it's pretty clear what to do with them - toss the cap, hold the baton by the handle, and strike.

I did not go so far as to light it

[safe]

I still have an "element-type" extinguisher in my car, happily haven't had to use it, even though I had a fuel leak in the engine compartment.

In the track car I have recently installed a fixed system with nozzles in the trunk, cabin and engine bay (above and bellow engine). The cost was like $250, I thought they were more expensive than that, otherwise I would have installed one before.
Maybe not applicable to a street car, but it can be done pretty tidy and not so in your face.

[Matt at Pelican Parts]

Hey guys! Just a heads up we have one week left on our Element Fire Extinguisher sale!

Now until January 27th 2024 you can take 5% OFF One, 10% OFF 2, and 15% OFF 3 Pack Fire Extinguishers. Track season is right around the corner and these are super handy to have!

Also be sure o check out their new "Tactical" Kits which fits the E50 & E100 Element Fire Extinguishers. This mounting kit is Made in the USA with durable nylon construction and high strength Velcro, allowing you to mount it to a variety of surfaces.

More info here:
https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/MISC/POR_MISC_ELEMEN-detail.htm

[Matt at Pelican Parts]

This is your last chance! Small, lightweight and no maintenance required, Element Fire Extinguishers pack all the power and coverage of a full-sized fire extinguisher into a package small enough to fit into your glove box. This is your last chance to save up to 15% OFF these non-toxic fire extinguishers plus Element's new Tactical Kit.

These are just a few things we love about the Element Fire Extinguisher:
• Weighs less than one pound.
• Gives you 5x the firefighting time compared to a standard 5lb fire extinguisher.
• Uses a clean and non-toxic gas that leaves no residue behind.
• Fights all major fire classes.

[winglesss]

Thanks for getting the Element forum deal.

Now all my vehicles will have these on board, plus the other fire extinguishers.

It would be VERY sad and frustrating to helplessly watch the vehicle burning. This provides a chance for salvation.

My '96 911 Targa already had an Element fire extinguisher, Plus a HalGuard HG100B, plus similar equipment in some of my other vehicles.

Now I will have something to fight fire in all my vehicles.

[Discseven]

Originally Posted by Matt at Pelican Parts

This is your last chance! Small, lightweight and no maintenance required, Element Fire Extinguishers pack all the power and coverage of a full-sized fire extinguisher into a package small enough to fit into your glove box. This is your last chance to save up to 15% OFF these non-toxic fire extinguishers plus Element's new Tactical Kit.

These are just a few things we love about the Element Fire Extinguisher:
• Weighs less than one pound.
• Gives you 5x the firefighting time compared to a standard 5lb fire extinguisher.
• Uses a clean and non-toxic gas that leaves no residue behind.
• Fights all major fire classes.

Incorrect. There is residue---a splatter. On aluminum, the sooner it is removed the better. Aside from that, it's excellent performer in a 911-930 type engine bay.
.

[GH85Carrera]

I somehow missed this thread back in 2018. I have never had an car fire, and I hope to continue that streak. The above photo is how I mounted my Element extinguisher with their clip. It is 100% out of the way, and I can quickly and easily grab it from the driver's seat. I just used the bracket as a template to mark where to drill two small holes in the seat rail, then used self tapping screws to hold the bracket tightly. It does not rattle or wiggle at all, but is easy to get it out and ready to use.

I regularly take long road trips with my wife. Two weeks of luggage for two people, and a wife fills up 911 interior. There is no space for a larger conventional extinguisher with all that luggage.

Yea, all that fits. And my helmet bag and car washing stuff was left in the car.

Of course the ultimate extinguisher is a halon extinguisher for small aircraft. They are really expensive, and fairly bulky. I went the element, as a easy to fit into place hopeful adequate extinguisher.

Karl, it was above and beyond to set your engine on fire to test the Element!
Hopefully you can get it all fixed without too much expense.

[stownsen914]

Originally Posted by Matt at Pelican Parts

Hey guys! Just a heads up we have one week left on our Element Fire Extinguisher sale!

Now until January 27th 2024 you can take 5% OFF One, 10% OFF 2, and 15% OFF 3 Pack Fire Extinguishers. Track season is right around the corner and these are super handy to have!

@Matt - the sale ends Jan 27, or yesterday? I've got some in my cart ...

[gamin]

An actual fire will make a believer of you. Had engine fire in the 70. One std extinguisher didn't cut it. I was left standing with an empty bottle waiting for the fire truck. Now I have 4 element units in the glove box (nice fit) and one std ext behind the seat. 2 elements and one std in the 88. I'd rather wait for a tow truck rather than a fire truck. Salvaged the 70 and now it's much better than new.

[stownsen914]

I've had my a$$ saved two different times with fire extinguishers. Once in the garage while working on a 914. Another time an intake backfire lit the filter and composite airbox on fire. Both times a 1-2 second squirt with a halon extinguisher put the fire out. Large fires start as small ones ...