Fire extinguishers - are gauges any use?

[PetiteFleur]

Just a thought - the crash test video made it pretty clear that the cure offered by a powder extinguisher was nearly as bad as the problem it solved, in terms of damage to textiles, equipment and so on. Are there other types more suited to the environment of a boat that will not trash everything when they are set off? I am even given to understand that a powder extinguisher could seriously damage a diesel engine, if let off when it is running.

I replaced all my powder extinguishers with the water/foam type - ATF? type which leaves no mess to speak of and the engine compartment has an automatic Halon Replacement type. See:- http://www.firemart.co.uk/webshop/1ltr-foam-fire-extinguisher?cPath=72_95_98

 

[PetiteFleur]

Only problem with foam extinguishers is that they do not tolerate frost, which means they have to be taken off the yacht in winter and stored frost free. Perhaps the best balance is a mixture of foam and powder, with foam the best option but backed up with powder

Oh dear - I left mine on board last winter when the sink mixer tap blew apart with frost. What happens if they freeze?

 

[davidwf]

Just a thought - the crash test video made it pretty clear that the cure offered by a powder extinguisher was nearly as bad as the problem it solved, in terms of damage to textiles, equipment and so on. Are there other types more suited to the environment of a boat that will not trash everything when they are set off? I am even given to understand that a powder extinguisher could seriously damage a diesel engine, if let off when it is running.

If my boats on fire I don't give a dam what damage the extinguisher causes as long as the fire is put out.

 

[talltim]

Gauges will fluctuate with temp even dropping into red when really cold.

Halon Extinguishers are no longer used due to CFC,s and glue sniffers etc

The extinguishers on buses and coaches are only changed when used or pressure shows nil.

The engine bay fire suppression systems are pressure sensed electronically and utilised a large powder extinguisher.

 

[westernman]

If my boats on fire I don't give a dam what damage the extinguisher causes as long as the fire is put out.

I had fire in the engine compartment when the starter motor caught fire with the engine running. I am sure glad I did not wipe out my engine with powder.

I do care very much about what damage the fire extinguisher does.

As it was I had to replace a starter motor. Total cost including labour 600 euros. Engine replacement cost with labour - more like 10,000 euros.

I do care about the difference - and also the time my boat would have been out of action when replacing the engine if the fire had been put out with powder.

 

[mcframe]

Thanks all, I've ordered a pair of little 600g kitemarked dry powder (with gauges) from firemart.co.uk. (no relation, etc)

Non-powder is interesting - I'm not in a position to consider auto stuff for "engine room", but might mount one of them in cockpit locker rather than have three down below.

SWIMBO has /almost/ given me permission to let the children (4&6) try out the out-of-date ones in the garden ;->