26 replies to this topic

[Vipernoir]

Having put out quite a lot of fires, I would go with dry powder over CO2 every time.
CO2 may be cleaner, but it isn't as good at extinguising and things can reignite easier.

[AVV IT]

Having put out quite a lot of fires, I would go with dry powder over CO2 every time.
CO2 may be cleaner, but it isn't as good at extinguising and things can reignite easier.

Also small Co2 cylinders that are of a practical enough size to fit in a car (let alone a classic mini) are hopeless. If you are going to use a Co2 extinguisher, then you really need a full size one.

Edited by AVV IT, 05 February 2013 - 12:20 PM.

[iTomKart]

Most passengers don't even notice it til I point it out to them

[minical]

Best to go with a Foam if you can one, dry powders are good but make a hell of a mess, Co2's are nice and clean but as said earlier the fire can reignite. Foams however dont leave much mess only making it wet really and will cope with any fire in a car very well. I have two of the old halon extinguishers in my mini, works very well and no mess at all but now illegal as they damage the atmosphere apparently

[Vipernoir]

Foam is no good for electrical fires - and guess what is most common on a Mini...
Foam residue is also as nasty to clean off as powder.

[jaydee]

I have a foam extinguisher in my kitchen
ABC powder in the car.

[AVV IT]

Best to go with a Foam if you can one, dry powders are good but make a hell of a mess, Co2's are nice and clean but as said earlier the fire can reignite. Foams however dont leave much mess only making it wet really and will cope with any fire in a car very well. I have two of the old halon extinguishers in my mini, works very well and no mess at all but now illegal as they damage the atmosphere apparently

As they consist mainly of water, foam extinguishers are not approved for use on electrical fires, which is why they aren't really suitable for automotive use.

The problem is that in a vehicle you can have just about every class /type of fire that there is (i.e. ordinary combustible, electrical, flammable liquid etc). You therefore need the best all rounder extinguisher there is and Dry Powder really is the best option available. The old green Halon 1301 extinguishers were by far the best type of extinguisher for automotive use, but sadly the environMENTALists put and end to their use (clearly they thought that being able to effectively stop the massively environmentally destructive force of accidental fire wasn't an environmental issue in itself!!) Regardless of how good Halon was though, I really wouldn't want to be relying on a Halon extinguisher these days. They have now been out of production for well over 10 years, so any remaining Halon extinguishers out there are unlikely to be particularly safe, or effective and really should be disposed of appropriately.

Edited by AVV IT, 05 February 2013 - 03:21 PM.

[minical]

Your correct in saying foam not being suitable on electrical fires but when the electrics are switched off it becomes a class A fire which foams are best on, most plumbed in fire extinguishers used in race cars are foam

[Cooperman]

AFFF is required in competition cars. However, I know a guy who whilst having AFFF to comply with the regulations, carries a hand-held Halon extinguisher in the car. I asked him why and he said it was in case he actually needed to put a fire out!

[RedRallyMini]

Mine hangs on the rollcage in front of the passenger

[mini93]

AFFF is required in competition cars. However, I know a guy who whilst having AFFF to comply with the regulations, carries a hand-held Halon extinguisher in the car. I asked him why and he said it was in case he actually needed to put a fire out!

Highly illegal!! and toxic

Only military, aviation and few other small applications its legal to use. Not to mention they are not servicable and the remaining supply of halon is depleating.
The common options of extinguishant now being an FE36 or Novec gas. Novec especialy for electrical fires. These is now the main port of call for military applications and high level motorsport options.

And i said it the other week on here, buying foam extinguishers from the likes of halfords is false ecconomy.
The extinsgishers on sale designed for an automotive use are there to allow the safe exit of the occupents... not to save the vehicle, a pissy little 1litre foam wont supply nearly enough coverage to seal out the oxygen.
AFFF extinguishers are basic, they meet the specifications outlines by likes of MSA, the FIA requirements are much higher and a 1.25litre foam system will not meet this, the foam capacity required is much greater.
Again the gasious systems on sale are far better, lighter, effiecient and safer.

Iv done alot of extinguisher testing as part of my job and would rather do without one at all than risk going back near my car with a poor quality extinguisher.

When iv been required to put out a dieself fire previously, what most people would consider a BIG fire, 10ft diameter and 15ft tall... practice was to go in with foam to cool it and then a powder chase to seal out the oxygen.

Dave... Lifeline fire and safety

Edited by mini93, 05 February 2013 - 07:48 PM.

[sonikk4]

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