Fire extinguisher: which type/how big?

[Pavel]

Ditto. A small cruiser with an outboard, some basic electrics (12 v battery, lights, VHF etc.) and a galley.
Am I right in thinking that it should be 1-2 kg. either CO2 or powder? Apart from the mess the powder ones leave, are there any other pros and cons for either of the two types?

 

[sarabande]

Powder can be rather aggressive on electrics, and is generally a one-shot system.


I have an AFFF (treated water) for producing a foamy spray for liquid and solid fires, and a CO2 one for minor electrical and ones which might just need a squirt to control.

Tucked away in a shed, there are alos two automatic ones (with the little plastic sensor ) for the engine compartment.

 

[MoodySabre]

I regard the small ones in the boat as sufficient only to get you out of the boat safely - unless the fire is very small. I keep a 6kg one in the cockpit locker for fire-fighting.

 

[duncan99210]

We've got 3x2.5 kg dry powder. One in the saloon and 2 in the cockpit; for all it's aggression towards electrics and mess, dry powder has the advantage over CO2 in that it smothers the fire and helps prevent reignition. CO2 may put the initial fire out but may well not prevent reignition.

 

[alanwilson]

Ditto. A small cruiser with an outboard, some basic electrics (12 v battery, lights, VHF etc.) and a galley.
Am I right in thinking that it should be 1-2 kg. either CO2 or powder? Apart from the mess the powder ones leave, are there any other pros and cons for either of the two types?

If you ever have to use a powder extinguisher you'll spend days clearing up afterwards: if the powder gets near an engine that's running, you'll need to replace the engine. People say that CO2 can asphyxiate, but I've been in a cabin with a powder extinguisher used and nearly asphyxiated. Anything that puts out a fire can stop you breathing: after all, it's purpose is to stop the fire breathing! I'd definitely go for CO2 (but they are bigger and a bit more expensive), plus a frightened man with a bucket.

 

[stevensuf]

lidl were doing cheapo extinguishers

 

[Nigel_Ward]

http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/downloads/BSS_Guide_chap6web.pdf

This gives minimum recommendations on p3.

 

[RAI]

Although I've got powder extinguishers, I have found the CO2 type fast, clean and effective on electrical fires. The CO2 comes out very cold as well as smothering the flames. They have the plus that just weighing them tells the contents and mine has no date stamp on it. Powder needs a regular shake to stop it caking in the cylinder as well as a working pressure gauge.