I have two of these left over from a previous employment. The needles on both are still in the green, but I was wondering if anyone knew how long these last for roughly? And if they are a good idea to keep around?
I know that quite a few places got rid of this type of extinguisher in favour for CO2 but I am unclear as too why.
Cheers
ABC Powder Extinguisher
Re: ABC Powder Extinguisher
The extinguisher will be good for 5years from when last serviced.
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Re: ABC Powder Extinguisher
From what I was told ( so it could be true or complete twaddle) the powder can be corrosive so while it will put out a fire there is a good chance it will ruin whatever you were trying to save in the first place whereas CO2 puts the fire out and evaporates or blows away.Aky208 wrote:
I know that quite a few places got rid of this type of extinguisher in favour for CO2 but I am unclear as too why.
Cheers
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Yorkshire Andy
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Re: ABC Powder Extinguisher
both kind of true
water based extinguishers are rated at 5 years before a pressure test is needed on the cylinder
CO2 and dry powder is generally 10 years...
ideally they should be serviced every year by a BS approved man but if its in the green, the hose isn't perished and the handles all move as they should it should still work.......
newer BS installation recommendations are confining Dry powder to essential use areas only and not in dwelling areas or hall ways (( unless risk assessment shows they are needed)) due to the fog effect they induce limiting vision by the cloud of powder and yes the powder causes a hell of a mess, yes it can be corrosive But Fire and smoke causes far more damage in most instances....
CO2 is next to useless in a house IMO unless you know how to use it most people just fan the flames with it,,,, eg:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2cNVbMoHto
as its only for flamamble liquid based fires and electric risk
(both of which dry powder can do along with class A and gaseous fires) its worth noting that a 2kg co2 has the same effectiveness on class B ((32B)) as a 1kg dry powder)
Im looking more into water mist, hydrospray water and AFFF foam spray which have passed the 35kv electric discharge test as and when ours need replacing they will be ordered,...
water based extinguishers are rated at 5 years before a pressure test is needed on the cylinder
CO2 and dry powder is generally 10 years...
ideally they should be serviced every year by a BS approved man but if its in the green, the hose isn't perished and the handles all move as they should it should still work.......
newer BS installation recommendations are confining Dry powder to essential use areas only and not in dwelling areas or hall ways (( unless risk assessment shows they are needed)) due to the fog effect they induce limiting vision by the cloud of powder and yes the powder causes a hell of a mess, yes it can be corrosive But Fire and smoke causes far more damage in most instances....
CO2 is next to useless in a house IMO unless you know how to use it most people just fan the flames with it,,,, eg:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2cNVbMoHto
as its only for flamamble liquid based fires and electric risk
(both of which dry powder can do along with class A and gaseous fires) its worth noting that a 2kg co2 has the same effectiveness on class B ((32B)) as a 1kg dry powder)
Im looking more into water mist, hydrospray water and AFFF foam spray which have passed the 35kv electric discharge test as and when ours need replacing they will be ordered,...
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Re: ABC Powder Extinguisher
Thanks guys, much appreciated. I only use these as a standby when I have my open pit fire going in the garden or when camping so I guess I will keep them for that.