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Fire extinguisher

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Now to pose a question. Has anyone ever had an occasion to use their fire extinguisher on a fire in the engine compartment? I'm thinking if a fire broke out in the engine compartment and assuming some fuel component, that one would be unable to stop the car and open the hood (intense heat) to do much about it. I think that is why I have insurance.
 
I'm glad this post came up. I googled fire extinguishers and now believe I have the wrong type.
I think I need type B/C, which is CO2. What about Halon?
1. Which is best for our purpose?
2. Those who have one, what size are you using?
3. Brand/model number would be helpful.

I found this:

Kidde Fire Extinguisher, Auto, Disposable, UL rating 5-b:c
KID 21006287 by Kidde

Your drivers and company fleet will be protected with this dry-chemical extinguisher ideal for fighting fires common to motor vehicles. Pressure gauge provides at-a-glance status. Includes metal retention strap bracket for easy installation.

Material(s) : Aluminum Cylinder
Fire Class : B:Flammable Liquids/C:Live Elec.Equip.
UL Rating : 5-B:C
Charge Weight : 2.00 lb
Unit Weight : 2 7/8 lb
Mounting : Metal Retention Strap Bracket
 
One word. Halon. Three more words. Within arms reach. Period. Oh well, some more words. Bigger is better. And folks, I'm sure many of you know, but for those who don't, opening the hood can sometimes be worse than just hitting the release and sticking the nozzle in the crack. The best thing would be to run a tube into the engine bay that exits near the carbs so you can discharge the extinguisher from the pass. compartment and then just run, because you've done all you can. What ugly thoughts.
 
roscoe said:
One word. Halon.
Click to expand...

One more word. Halotron.
Halotron Fire Extinguishers replace Halon 1211 extinguishers. Halotron is a safer "clean" agent HydroChloroFluoroCarbon (HCFC) and leaves no residue behind.
From the description, this may be a better product?

Chrome 1.4 Lbs. Halotron Extinguisher
Halotron 1 Fire Extinguishers Stop Fires Without Harming Delicate Parts Or Leaving Behind Messy Residue And It's Environmentally Safe, Too!
A fire is bad enough. It's even worse when you use a dry chemical fire extinguisher on an engine, electrical or computer fire. You'll find the powder makes a mess and does enormous damage to delicate engine, electrical and some metal parts. If you're smart enough to keep fire extinguishers around your garage, home and in your vehicles I applaud you. Now, you can keep the right kind for the proper use. Halotron 1 is EPA approved. It's much more environmentally safe than Halon 1211. It has a low global warming potential and low ozone depletion potential due to its short atmospheric life. It's a clear liquid, stored under pressure, that vaporizes upon release. It doesn't degrade like powders do so its shelf life is up to 11 years. The vapor won't obscure your vision while fighting the fire and its non-conductive properties provide fast, clean fire control. Keep one in your garage, home, office and each vehicle. The trigger and nozzle are high quality, and the built-in gauge lets you know when it's time to refill. 1.4 lb. bottle diameter is 2 5/8" and 9 3/4" tall. 2.5 lb. bottle diameter is 3" and 14 1/4" tall. These bottles are masterfully crafted, have rubber seals and feature a simple mounting bracket with quick-release latches for fast access. Made in the U.S.A.

Here's a link that includes a video of the product in use:
https://www.h3rperformance.com/
 
Halon is very expensive but compact. The others are very messy and hard to clean up after. They should be recharged every two years regardless of what the gauge says about its condition. Your choice. Blanket is very good too but storage is difficult. Prevention is the best answer with any kind of extinguisher as back-up.
 
Thanks for all of the tips (and some great pics). I hadn't even thought about the type of extinguisher. I already ordered a solid extinguisher, but I think I'll send it back and get a Halon/Halotron one.
 
Halon is no longer available. It's replacement is Halotron.
Search for price differences on the same size.
 
Thanks for all of the tips. Got the Halotron extinguisher installed without any messy hole-drilling.
 

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GregW said:
Jeez Roger, the car might be engulfed in flames by the time you stop, pull the key, get out of the car, open the trunk, get the extinguisher, go back to release the hood latch, get out of the car again, put the extinguisher on the ground, use both hands to open the safety latches on the hood, attach the prop rod, pick the extinguisher back up, pull the pin and squirt.
Click to expand...

I second that. You might be able to extinguish an electical fire, but you probably have little chance with a fuel fed fire unless the hood is already open.

Last summer, Jim Hockert had an underhood fire. Even with a cockpit extinguisher and a BIG extinguisher in his garage, he still had massive fire damage.

Read Jim's account of his fire and see pictures of the damage here - https://www.ntahc.org/Hockert/HockertFire.htm

Tim
 
I have a 5 Kg. Halon (I know) in front of my seat attached to the driver seat frame. This way I can reach it easy and if we move the seat for my wife, the Extinguisher moves with it. Is not in any way and only visible if you look for.
No Powder in my cars.

Mr.JAJA
 
Putzkes-FAHRSPASS said:
I have a 5 Kg. Halon (I know) in front of my seat attached to the driver seat frame. This way I can reach it easy and if we move the seat for my wife, the Extinguisher moves with it. Is not in any way and only visible if you look for.
No Powder in my cars.

Mr.JAJA
Click to expand...
That's quite similar to how I intend to attch mine.

Previously, it's been attached at the xmsn tunnel (forward end) and on the battery cover.

I agree__NO POWDER!
 
Wong choice of words guys when I said it's not longer available. Should have said it's not longer produced, and it's replacement is Halotron. Which it seems is better for the Ozone.

For inquiring minds:

https://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/fire/qa.html

A. The Phaseout of Halons

When was the production of halons banned?
Under the Clean Air Act (CAA), the U.S. banned the production and import of virgin halons 1211, 1301, and 2402 beginning January 1, 1994 in compliance with the Montreal Protocol On Substances That Deplete The Ozone Layer. Recycled halon and inventories produced before January 1, 1994, are now the only sources of supply.

EPA's final rule published March 5, 1998 (63 FR 11084) (14 pp, 222KB), bans the formulation of any blend of two or more of these halons with one exception. An exemption is provided for halon blends formulated using recycled halon solely for the purpose of aviation fire protection, provided that blends produced under this exemption are recycled to meet the relevant purity standards for each individual halon. A fact sheet summarizing this rule is also available.

Must I now dismantle my halon fire protection system?
No. It is legal to continue to use your existing halon system. It is even legal to purchase recycled halon and halon produced before the phaseout to recharge your system.
However, due to the fact that halons deplete the ozone layer, users are encouraged to consider replacing their system and making their halon stock available for users with more critical needs.


Are there any federal laws on emissions of halons?
EPA's final rule published March 5, 1998 (63 FR 11084) prohibits the intentional release of Halon 1211, Halon 1301, and Halon 2402 during the testing, repairing, maintaining, servicing or disposal of halon-containing equipment or during the use of such equipment for technician training. The rule also requires appropriate training of technicians regarding emissions reduction and proper disposal of halon and halon-containing equipment. See the guidance document for more information (20 pp, 1.78 MB). The rule became effective April 6, 1998.
 
Recycled halon and inventories produced before January 1, 1994, are now the only sources of supply and I doubt them Mossy folks have either of them amd just erred in the listing.----Fwiw--Keoke
 
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