Automatic fire extinguisher: recommended size?

[haydude]

I would like to fit an automatic fire extinguisher to my engine compartment. Boat is a Bavaria 42 Cruiser.

I found on-line two different sizes, price difference is minimal.

Would you recommend 1kg or 2kg?

Any danger that with the engine room temperature or vibration they set off without fire, and make a mess of the engine?

 

[rob2]

You don't say which type of extinguisher.

Powder extinguishers do make a mess when they go off, which needs to be cleaned up urgently to avoid etching and corroding - but I've never heard of one going off erroneously.


There are also "Halon replacement" types, which use a non-inflammable gas to smother the fire - these certainly quote a maximum volume of engine bay to which they are suited. Incidentally, the experts always say that you should never fit two smaller extinguishers to achieve the required charge as, if they do not fire simultaneously, neither will be successful in extinguishing the fire.

More questions...

Rob.

 

[Ripster]

I would like to fit an automatic fire extinguisher to my engine compartment. Boat is a Bavaria 42 Cruiser.

I found on-line two different sizes, price difference is minimal.

Would you recommend 1kg or 2kg?

Any danger that with the engine room temperature or vibration they set off without fire, and make a mess of the engine?

I fitted a 2kg one on My Bav 36 - gas not powder - seen a powder one go off (thankfully not my boat) and the mess it makes! For the difference in cost and as there was plenty of space I just bought the bigger one. The manufacturers state the volume space each one does. Have had one in engine bays of the last three boats and never had one go off when it shouldn't have done.

 

[neil1967]

We used www.safelincs.co.uk - good service and good prices. Choice of 3 sizes of inert gas auto extinguisher - 1, 1.5 & 2Kg. We went for 1.5 Kg for an Oyster 406.

Neil

 

[rogerthebodger]

Any danger that with the engine room temperature or vibration they set off without fire, and make a mess of the engine?

Had that happen to me a number of years ago so I will only fit remote operated fire extinguishers in my engine compartment from then on.

Also allows you to close down the engine before setting off. I also use a smoke detector inside the engine compartment to indicate that a problem as occurred

 

[Ripster]

I also use a smoke detector inside the engine compartment to indicate that a problem as occurred

Interesting.... do you have a specific engine room one or just a regular domestic? And did wire in a remote speaker to make sure you hear it?

 

[rogerthebodger]

Interesting.... do you have a specific engine room one or just a regular domestic? And did wire in a remote speaker to make sure you hear it?

regular domestic. My engine room is directly under my wheel house so IMHO does not need a remote speaker.