FE36 or CO2

[Dazzajohm]

Afternoon all,

I need to buy some auotomatic fire extinguishers for my engine bay and my question is which is better - the FE36 Halon replacement type or CO2?

Any recommenditons for best place online to get them from?

Cheers

 

[sarabande]

It's worth reading up on Water Mist extinguishers.

http://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/water-mist-extinguishers/


Multi-target, easily maintainable.

http://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/water-mist-extinguishers/


I have two; one on board, one at home.

 

[Dazzajohm]

It's worth reading up on Water Mist extinguishers.





http://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/water-mist-extinguishers/


Multi-target, easily maintainable.

http://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/water-mist-extinguishers/


I have two; one on board, one at home.

OK great. Thanks for that. I will investigate further.

Are yours automatic though? I must have automatic for insurance purposes.

Cheers

 

[superheat6k]

For me the halon style every time. CO2 works by smothering the entire firs and starving the oxygen. Whereas essentially a halon achieves the same thing the method should be considered.

The halon actually burns or in fact pyrolises around the flame base forming an inpenetrable barrier to free oxygen required to sustain combustion. I have seen halon work and it was instant in knocking out a fire on a gas turbine. But do not breathe in the pyrolised product after it has done its job. The by products are very nasty.

 

[penberth3]

...The halon actually burns or in fact pyrolises around the flame base forming an inpenetrable barrier to free oxygen required to sustain combustion. I have seen halon work and it was instant in knocking out a fire on a gas turbine. But do not breathe in the pyrolised product after it has done its job. The by products are very nasty.

Good advice, and neither should you stick your head in a compartment full of CO2.

 

[Dazzajohm]

Thanks for the comments guys.

I hope to go to the London boat show next month so I’m hoping I can get a deal while I’m there

 

[PCUK]

AFFF extinguishes and cools to prevent re-ignition which gas types do not. Many reputable discount sellers on line.

 

[NBs]

Hi,

CO2 can also cause damage to the machine because when discharged it is very cold and if the shower hits the hot engine it can be distorted by the temperature difference in the engine.

I have Fireboy- Xintex MA2-500-227 + Automatic Marine Engine Shutdown, i thik this is HALON system. I do not know if this is good because I hope I will never need it.

NBs

 

[Montemar]

Afternoon all,

I need to buy some auotomatic fire extinguishers for my engine bay and my question is which is better - the FE36 Halon replacement type or CO2?


Isn't Halon banned except for military use?

 

[Dazzajohm]

Afternoon all,

I need to buy some auotomatic fire extinguishers for my engine bay and my question is which is better - the FE36 Halon replacement type or CO2?


Isn't Halon banned except for military use?

Yes indeed but the FE36 is halon replacements.

 

[superheat6k]

Hi,

I have Fireboy- Xintex MA2-500-227 + Automatic Marine Engine Shutdown, i thik this is HALON system. I do not know if this is good because I hope I will never need it.

NBs

FE36 is a trade mark of Du Pont, and is ASHRAE HFC R236a, whereas HFC R227 is a generic ASHRAE numbered gas. These gases are generally made by the same chemical firms that make the common refrigerants, such as R134a, R407C etc. Generally they market these under their own branded numbers, and often only the brand owner will be able to make a certain blend.

All are HFC F Gases, so it will be interesting as the HFC phase down continues to see what will be offered. HFCs are being largely replaced by HFOs in the refrigeration field, which won't be of much use for fire extinguishing as all HFOs are flammable. The refrigeration industry isn't used to using flammable gases, and this Country is about to start filling all its commercial fridges with flammable gases. That said Hydrocarbon HC (Butane / Propane) have been used as refrigerants in fridges for about 10 years. They offer similar operating characteristics to R134a.

Not sure these are so safe though - Grenfell Tower fire started in a fridge using HC as the refrigerant, but presently the specific cause has not been released as it may have been either the fridge gas burning or the insulation / casing materials, or possibly both.