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SAAC Forum => SAAC Forum Discussion Area => Topic started by: SCOTTGTK on August 31, 2024, 07:04:50 AM

Title: Fire extinguisher
Post by: SCOTTGTK on August 31, 2024, 07:04:50 AM
All, does anyone have a recommendation for a fire extinguisher inside the car. Not a system, just a bottle type.. Thank you, Scott
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: Jhockman on August 31, 2024, 07:35:03 AM
2.5# FE-36 Clean agent extinguisher
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: SCOTTGTK on August 31, 2024, 08:34:47 AM
Thank you Jhockman.... any particular brand you like?
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: Jhockman on August 31, 2024, 08:43:45 AM
Ansul
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: SCOTTGTK on August 31, 2024, 08:49:17 AM
Thanks again... just read about that brand.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: SCOTTGTK on August 31, 2024, 08:50:15 AM
Last question, what do you like about this one?
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: NC TRACKRAT on August 31, 2024, 09:02:59 AM
For years I've been a proponent of good old HALON but I've been won over to the ELEMENT 50.  It's small (fits in the glovebox), lightweight, highly efficient, clean and runs for 50 seconds vs. about 10-15 seconds for a 2-1/2 lb. bottle. www.elementfire.com  Often, some of the more prominent parts suppliers will run sales with 15% off if you order three. We have them in our vehicles and the kitchen.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: Bill on August 31, 2024, 09:21:33 AM
Quote from: NC TRACKRAT on August 31, 2024, 09:02:59 AMFor years I've been a proponent of good old HALON but I've been won over to the ELEMENT 50.  It's small (fits in the glovebox), lightweight, highly efficient, clean and runs for 50 seconds vs. about 10-15 seconds for a 2-1/2 lb. bottle. www.elementfire.com  Often, some of the more prominent parts suppliers will run sales with 15% off if you order three. We have them in our vehicles and the kitchen.

Element 50 gets my vote after seeing it in action a year ago.


Bill
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: Jhockman on August 31, 2024, 09:26:42 AM
Quote from: SCOTTGTK on August 31, 2024, 08:50:15 AMLast question, what do you like about this one?

I worked in fire protection business for 25 years and found them very reliable. Equally as good is Amerex
I also like that they can be visually inspected and they can be easily serviced.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: Jhockman on August 31, 2024, 09:29:34 AM
Quote from: Jhockman on August 31, 2024, 09:26:42 AM
Quote from: SCOTTGTK on August 31, 2024, 08:50:15 AMLast question, what do you like about this one?

I worked in fire protection business for 25 years and found them very reliable. Equally as good is Amerex
I also like that they can be visually inspected and they can be easily serviced.
[/quot

I done like that you have to strike the element extinguisher with something that you can easily drop in the moment


Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: SCOTTGTK on August 31, 2024, 09:39:41 AM
Thank you all!
Jhockman.... you have to strike something? To activate?
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: Jhockman on August 31, 2024, 10:10:36 AM
Quote from: SCOTTGTK on August 31, 2024, 09:39:41 AMThank you all!
Jhockman.... you have to strike something? To activate?

Watching a video on the element 50 extinguisher in use it appears so
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: FL SAAC on August 31, 2024, 12:10:13 PM
usually.... I said usually in the trunk
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: SCOTTGTK on August 31, 2024, 12:46:56 PM
Yeah, watched a couple video's also... looks pretty easy and effective. Like the fact it can go in a glove box etc.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: Bill on August 31, 2024, 03:29:34 PM
Quote from: SCOTTGTK on August 31, 2024, 12:46:56 PMYeah, watched a couple video's also... looks pretty easy and effective. Like the fact it can go in a glove box etc.

In my daily driver (Expedition) it's mounted to a bracket just to the left of the drivers seat. Easy to get to in case of an emergency, such an an engine or dash related fire.
In my vintage rides, I have velcro straps that keeps it close enough for me to grab it, also next to the drivers seat, again, so I do not have to search for it, or god forbid, I was upside down and on fire while trapped in the vehicle of choice I happen to be driving. Element makes some generic mounting brackets that can be tweaked for just about any vehicle.

Bill
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: SCOTTGTK on August 31, 2024, 09:56:49 PM
Thanks Bill...I'll have to see where it makes most sense in my 65 fastback. Thank again to all who weighed in! Helped me out alot!
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: SCOTTGTK on September 02, 2024, 08:04:15 AM
Saw the various mounting brackets, thanks Bill. I've ordered 2.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: A-Snake on September 02, 2024, 12:24:39 PM
You might want to watch this video before purchasing the Element 50.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAjlLscIizI
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: SCOTTGTK on September 02, 2024, 01:57:08 PM
Thanks A-Snake... that video shows an "outdoor" "ember" fire which Element's website says is best extinguished with water? I would imagine there are many situations one could be pro Element or con Element, but for the average (if such a thing)fire on one of our prized Mustangs, this extinguisher seems well suited.. hopefully we never have to prove it one way or another.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: A-Snake on September 02, 2024, 02:50:05 PM
Quote from: SCOTTGTK on September 02, 2024, 01:57:08 PMThanks A-Snake... that video shows an "outdoor" "ember" fire which Element's website says is best extinguished with water? I would imagine there are many situations one could be pro Element or con Element, but for the average (if such a thing)fire on one of our prized Mustangs, this extinguisher seems well suited.. hopefully we never have to prove it one way or another.
Another viewpoint https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Oy9qD-W58g
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: SCOTTGTK on September 02, 2024, 03:15:07 PM
Certainly a valid point... so maybe depending on the situation, we should carry each type? The Element and the 2.5# bottle of choice? I may have to go that route!
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: J_Speegle on September 02, 2024, 03:50:02 PM
Yes there is no one best extinguisher for all situations that is why there are different classes. You can only anticipate (read guess) what your likely to use the extinguisher for then plan accordingly.  With a older vehicles (new ones are different since there are allot more types of materials used to make them now) you can plan on gas/oil and/or electrical fires. Basically each works differently "removing" on side of the fire triangle to extinguish the fire hopefully.

That and really good insurance, as well as a phone, are your best weapons. Of course training on how to use each type of extinguisher. You can't believe the things people will do when they panic and using a fire extinguisher is is a good example of this in my experience
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: Jhockman on September 02, 2024, 04:02:28 PM
Quote from: J_Speegle on September 02, 2024, 03:50:02 PMYes there is no one best extinguisher for all situations that is why there are different classes. You can only anticipate (read guess) what your likely to use the extinguisher for then plan accordingly.  With a older vehicles (new ones are different since there are allot more types of materials used to make them now) you can plan on gas/oil and/or electrical fires. Basically each works differently "removing" on side of the fire triangle to extinguish the fire hopefully.

That and really good insurance, as well as a phone, are your best weapons. Of course training on how to use each type of extinguisher. You can't believe the things people will do when they panic and using a fire extinguisher is is a good example of this in my experience
I heard of someone sticking the hose of the fire extinguisher into the fryer that was on fire and discharging it causing 2nd and 3rd degree burns all over her body!
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: SCOTTGTK on September 02, 2024, 05:14:54 PM
Thank you all for the info.. I appreciate it! I think I'll be going with multi purpose units...
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: J_Speegle on September 02, 2024, 05:20:58 PM
Quote from: SCOTTGTK on September 02, 2024, 05:14:54 PMThank you all for the info.. I appreciate it! I think I'll be going with multi purpose units...

Understand that by design most multi-purpose will have some compromises in order to address multiple needs. Though most will tell you differently. Not that this a a bad thing just something that gets figured in when making a choice.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: FL SAAC on September 02, 2024, 05:26:05 PM
Friend of mine installed this kit in his car

Easy to Install, Maintenance Free
Automatic, Universal Use
Harmless to people and possess no threat to health once activated
HFC agent does not conduct electricity, corrode, or cause thermal shock damage
System does not require an external power supply to activate
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: NC TRACKRAT on September 02, 2024, 08:00:55 PM
Years ago, we were headed down I-85 when we came up on a VW on the side of the road with the engine on fire. I pulled over and ran over with my 2.5 lb HALON extinguisher, pulled the pin and gave it all I had...but not enough.  The fire had a head start and it couldn't be put out. The VW was "Toast".  OTOH, we were coming out of a restaurant one night when we saw a car with smoke pouring out of the engine compartment. I asked the owner to release the hood lock so I could open it just enough to see inside.  A quick shot of HALON was all it took to put out a small electrical fire, then disconnected the battery.  While HALON is effective `in most instances, keep in mind that substitutes like HALOTRON or similar are far less effective. They don't mention that in their ads.
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: J_Speegle on September 02, 2024, 10:03:03 PM
Older VW engines are cast from magnesium so if you have an engine fire one of the worst choices is spraying water on them. It just intensifies the flames, heat and such.  Had a few during my career  ::)
Title: Re: Fire extinguisher
Post by: SCOTTGTK on September 03, 2024, 05:18:57 AM
I shhould clarify.. by multi purpose units.... I mean multi type of units... an Element 50 and and Ansul 2.5# clean agent...