Spuddy
Well-Known Member
Thanks from me too, pauljs.
Carbon Dioxide extinguishers on boats
- Thread starter CharlesSwallow
- Start date
Graham_Wright
Well-Known Member
Nobody has said anything about water spray which is supposed to be the bees knees.
I would welcome some observations.
When I asked an RNLI safety adviser he said "water and electricity don't mix".
Hmm!
I would welcome some observations.
When I asked an RNLI safety adviser he said "water and electricity don't mix".
Hmm!
PaulJS
Well-Known Member
Where to buy small CO2 extinguishers
As I'm in the final throes of buying my first yacht I've decided to replace/supplement the previous owners extinguishers so I know that I'll have something whose history I'm sure of on board, but as I'm still offshore the desert I'm having to do all my buying online.
Yesterday I ordered a 2 litre BSI kitemarked CO2 and a 2 litre dry-powder/fire blanket package from an eBay retailer called Firemart (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/firemart?_trksid=p4340.l2563), they acknowledged the order almost immediately, and today emailed me to say that they had been dispatched.
Obviously I can't pass any recommendation on about the actual goods, but their service has created a good impression so far.
(I've just checked their shop before posting this and it seems that their premium range of extinguishers carry the BSI kitemark and have a 5 year warranty - although as the extinguishers aren't expensive and the warranty is subject to inspection by a qualifed engineer that might not be economical!)
Incidentally, the expected discharge time of the CO2 extinguisher is all of 9seconds, so I think it's important to emphasise that it's highly advisable to attack a small fire before it turns into a big one!
Paul
As I'm in the final throes of buying my first yacht I've decided to replace/supplement the previous owners extinguishers so I know that I'll have something whose history I'm sure of on board, but as I'm still offshore the desert I'm having to do all my buying online.
Yesterday I ordered a 2 litre BSI kitemarked CO2 and a 2 litre dry-powder/fire blanket package from an eBay retailer called Firemart (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/firemart?_trksid=p4340.l2563), they acknowledged the order almost immediately, and today emailed me to say that they had been dispatched.
Obviously I can't pass any recommendation on about the actual goods, but their service has created a good impression so far.
(I've just checked their shop before posting this and it seems that their premium range of extinguishers carry the BSI kitemark and have a 5 year warranty - although as the extinguishers aren't expensive and the warranty is subject to inspection by a qualifed engineer that might not be economical!)
Incidentally, the expected discharge time of the CO2 extinguisher is all of 9seconds, so I think it's important to emphasise that it's highly advisable to attack a small fire before it turns into a big one!
Paul
cindersailor
Well-Known Member
It is important not to underestimate the debilitating effect of a lung-full of carbon dioxide. I recall sticking my head into a mash tun at a whisky distillery and taking a good sniff which had me staggering around for a good 30 seconds. A second consecutive lung-full would have been very unpleasant. The physiological response to CO2 is much more dramatic than that to other asphyxiants (nitrogen etc.) given that it is what our respiritory system is designed to get read of. In the enclosed space of a boat cabin it could be disaterous. However, I could be persuaded that CO2 is preferable to powder in an enclosed engine compartment.
Intersting to note that the dry powder is sodium bicarbonate which absorbs considerable heat and in doing so is converted into CO2, water and sodium carbonate, but I certainly would not want the latter in the cylinders of my engine!
Intersting to note that the dry powder is sodium bicarbonate which absorbs considerable heat and in doing so is converted into CO2, water and sodium carbonate, but I certainly would not want the latter in the cylinders of my engine!
Last edited:
D
Deleted member 36384
Guest
+1
The FE36 attacks the fire by a chemical reaction which also cools the area being burnt. CO2 just displaces oxygen with a much higher probability of resignation occurring. CO2 is old technology and has limited functionality. FE36 while being much better can produce an acid which will burn the skin, the acid is produced in very small quantities and is only generated in certain circumstances. Yacht engine bays are not likely to produce this risk.
