Are you looking for a versatile fire extinguisher for your home, boat, caravan, or RV? Dry powder fire extinguishers are ideal for different types of fires and situations. They are also known as ABC fire extinguishers, these units feature a red body and a blue label showing they are ‘Dry Powder’ fire extinguishers. You can have them in 1kg, 2kg, 3kg, 6kg, and 9kg foam sizes.
An ABC fire extinguisher works perfectly for outdoor spaces to prevent fires from different sources. For instance, you can use it in your home garage forecourt or ink your workshop. However, the extinguishers are not effective in enclosed spaces. Read on to learn more.
Types of Fires Suitable for Dry Powder Extinguishers
Dry powder fire extinguishers are available in two types:
- Standard
- Specialist
The standard dry powder fire extinguishers are ideal for fires from different sources, while specialist units are ideal for specific metal fires. These two types are unsuitable for enclosed spaces thanks to the dispersal of powder which minimizes visibility.
You can use the standard dry powder fire extinguishers on:
- Class A Fires – These fires come about by combustible materials such as wood, fabrics, paper, and other flammable solids.
- Class B Fires are fires from combustible liquids such as paint, petrol, paraffin, and spirits.
- Class C Fires – All fires from flammable gases such as natural gas.
- Electrical Fires are fires from equipment and appliances such as dishwashers, computers, and microwaves.
Because standard dry powder fire extinguishers can put out class A, B, and C fires, they are referred to as multi-purpose fire extinguishers or ABC fire extinguishers.
Specialist dry powder fire extinguishers are ideal for flammable metal fires. They can put out flammable metal fires. L2 extinguishers, for instance, put out lithium metal fires. Others, such as the M28 powder extinguishers, are ideal for all flammable metal fires except lithium-related fires.
Although dry powder fire extinguishers are effective on many classes of fire, they are not effective on class F fires. Class F fires result from cooking oils such as butter and olive oil. They are also not effective on electrical fires that exceed 1000v. If you anticipate these types of fires, try other types of extinguishers. Again, standard powder extinguishers do not put out flammable metal fires – you will need a specialist powder extinguisher for that.
How Do Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers Work?
Fires result from a combination of fuel, heat, and oxygen. Therefore, one or more of these elements need to go to put out a fire. In the case of forest fires, firefighters remove heat or fuel by using water to lower the temperatures or eliminate energy by excavating the earth.
Dry powder extinguishers use an inert solid to blanket fires and starve them of fuel. The extinguishers feature a fine powder of potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), or mono ammonium phosphate. When sprayed on a fire, the powders coat the fuel to put out a fire. The chemical powder spreads on a surface, melts, and covers the fire. The chemical powder settles at the base for class B fires to ensure vapor does not escape, smothering the fire immediately.
It is easy to use these extinguishers – pull the extinguisher pin, aim at the base of the fire, squeeze the extinguisher’s handle, and sweep from one end to the next.
Advantages and Limitations of Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Dry powder fire extinguishers have several advantages, including:
- Fast Action – The extinguishers put out the fire immediately. They cover the surface of the fire and starve it of fuel.
- Powder Does Not Conduct Electricity – You can use the powder in incidences involving live wires on electrical equipment.
- Extinguish Running Fuel Fires – Thanks to their blanketing action, these extinguishers work with foam sprays to stop running fuel fires.
- No Thermal Shock – You can use these extinguishers on hot metals as they do not result in thermal shock. As such, they are ideal for undercarriage assembly fires.
- Protect Surrounding Structures and Personnel from Fires – When sprayed on a surface, the powder creates a heat shield that keeps off radiated heat. By so doing, it protects any structures and people next to the fire.
- Use it on Class A, B, and C Fires – Dry powder fire extinguishers effectively put out Class A, B, C, and electrical fires up to 1000 volts and flammable metal fires.
- Works in temperatures between -20 and 60 degrees Celsius.
Although powder fire extinguishers have all the above advantages, they have several disadvantages, including:
- Minimized Visibility – One of the reasons why you cannot use these extinguishers in enclosed spaces is because the powder can form a cloud that reduces visibility. When that happens, you cannot judge how effective the powder is, and it may also make it challenging for people to escape from a fire.
- Affects Breathing – When inhaled, the powder irritates the respiratory system. Short-term exposure does not cause serious issues, but you must avoid repeated exposure.
- Leaves a Messy Residue – The powder from dry powder fire extinguishers covers surfaces on fire, smothering the fire and leaving behind corrosive residue. Most chemical powders can corrode some materials, so you must remove them when the fire is out. The deposition also contaminates foods and drinks and can affect the function of electrical components such as keyboards. Thanks to the lightweight of the chemical powder, contamination can spread beyond the area affected by the fire.
- Re-Ignition Might Occur – The dry powder smothers fires by starving them of fuel. However, the extinguishers are only effective if the powder is on the burning surface. When used during a windy day, the powder can be blown off, causing re-ignition.
- Packing Down Reduces Effectiveness of Extinguishers – The powder can pack down due to vibrations – this happens for vehicle-mounted extinguishers. When the powder compresses, the extinguishers can fail you during a crucial moment.
- Chemical Powder Breaks Down Foam Blanket – When used near a foam blanket, the dry powder causes the foam to break down fast.
Thanks to the nature of the chemicals in them, these fire extinguishers should be used in large workshops, liquid fuel storage facilities, garage forecourts, fuel tankers and RVs and other vehicles, and commercial boiler rooms.
Features and Examples of Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Dry powder fire extinguishers are the most common extinguishers. Although ineffective in kitchens and offices, they hang on walls in most business premises and homes. Some of the most common brands include:
1: FirePowder 4kg Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
The FirePowder 4kg Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher is a standard dry powder fire extinguisher. It features multi-purpose powder that effectively extinguishes different types of fires. You can use it on class A, B, C, and electrical fires. You can use this in several areas, including public places, garage workshops, garage forecourts, restaurants, and industrial units.
The cylinder accommodates up to 4kg of dry powder, which you can spray for up to 16 seconds. This is enough to put out a fire on a large surface. Even better, it throws the chemical powder over a distance of up to 6 meters at high pressure. Use it at temperatures between -30 degrees and 60 degrees Celsius.
Thomas Glover designed the extinguisher so that everyone finds it easy to use. The squeeze grip operation means you only need to pull the pin, point the nozzle to the base of the fire, and squeeze the handle.
Its cylinder features a corrosive-resistant finish with a plastic base for protection. Inside, the cylinder has polythene lining for protection, making it durable.
2: Commander Edge DP2E 2Kg Dry Powder Fire
Need a small portable ABC powder extinguisher? The Commander Edge, DP2E 2Kg Dry Powder Fire, is a 2kg dry powder extinguisher ideal for transport applications. You can have it in larger sizes when portability is not necessary. It features chemical powder to extinguish class A, B, and C fires.
Commander Edge offers a 5-year guarantee on all their products, so you are sure you have the needed protection. The cylinder features a corrosion-resistant finish with a polythene interior to protect it from corrosion. This way, the extinguisher is long-lasting to give you value for money. It works in temperatures between 0 and 60 degrees Celsius.
3: Seco Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
Seco offers fire extinguishers in different sizes to meet different needs. Whether you need a portable extinguisher for transport or one for workshops and garages, it sports an easy-to-use squeeze grip operation, so you never have to learn how to use it.
It is a multi-purpose extinguisher that effectively extinguishes class A, B, and C fires. Seco uses a corrosion-resistant finish that enhances the durability of the cylinder.
Maintenance of Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Fires break out with o warning. When that happens, you will have no time to prepare. You must ensure your extinguisher is always in good working condition. To do that, you have to examine the extinguisher thoroughly. A hydrostatic test is necessary after a thorough examination if the extinguisher is ten years or older. Check if the extinguisher needs repair or replacement of parts.
How often should you carry out extinguisher maintenance?
Dry powder fire extinguishers require maintenance at least once yearly – the same time every year. A professional should understand the following:
- Identification of extinguisher damage
- Extinguisher compliance
- Proper use of maintenance tools
- Application of extinguisher lubricants
- Replacement of parts
- Recharging the extinguisher
During maintenance, the professional records applicable data as required by regulation. They will repair and maintain your extinguisher to meet safety codes and regulations.
During maintenance, consider the following factors:
- Location – A fire extinguisher should always be in its designated area. When a fire breaks out, you will need to act fast. As such, ensure the extinguisher’s location is accessible and easily identified. During maintenance, test the wall hanger or bracket to ensure that it supports the weight of the cylinder.
- Use Instructions – The extinguisher comes with operating instructions on a nameplate. Ensure that the writings on the nameplate are legible.
- Hydrostatic Tests – A hydrostatic test comes in handy after a while. Check the nameplate on the cylinder for the date of manufacture to determine the right time to perform a test. The test checks the cylinder, hose, and nozzle for leaks. It involves filling the cylinder with water and pressurizing it to detect leaks.
- Operating Gauge – Check whether the extinguisher gauge is working and whether it is the proper gauge for the type of extinguisher. If the meter is faulty, a professional can help replace it.
- Check for Damages on Components – Check the cylinder and the functional parts of the extinguisher for any signs of damage, corrosion, dents, and any other factors that might affect the functioning of the extinguisher. Extinguishers used in areas that experience extremes of weather need more care. If there are defects on the cylinders, repair them or replace parts immediately.
- Check the Nozzle and Hose – If the hose cracks, develops cuts, and other visible damages, it will be less effective in directing the chemical powder towards a fire. Be keen on the hose thread to ensure that it does not have minor cracks that can affect its integrity. If the hose features a retainer band, ensure the band is secure so it holds the hose in place properly.
- Cleanliness – Ensure your fire extinguisher is always free from grease, dirt, and other substances that can affect its effectiveness. Use a damp rug to remove the dirt from the surface of the cylinder.
- Weigh the Cylinder – Check the nameplate on the cylinder for the total charged weight of the cylinder. The cylinder needs a recharge or further examination if there is a weight discrepancy.
- Check Handle Rivets – The handle and the operating lever feature rivets that hold them in position. Check for any signs of damage on the rivets and ensure the handle is secure.
- Recording – If the extinguisher is in perfect working condition, it should be tagged according to the set safety guidelines and records completed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers Be Used on All Types of Fires?
You can use these fire extinguishers on class A, B, and C electrical and electrical fires of up to 1000v. It could effectively put out class F and electric fires above 1000v. Again, although they put out most fires, you should not use them indoors as this increases the chances of inhaling the chemicals.
Always have a CO2 extinguisher handy for electrical fires above 1000v and class F fires for electrical components. Again, if you need an extinguisher for your kitchen, offices, or other enclosed rooms, go for any additional fire extinguisher.
2. How Do I Clean Up the Dry Powder After Extinguishing a Fire?
Remove the residue immediately after putting out a fire before the powder sticks to the surface. The residue is usually non-toxic, but you can use inexpensive PPE to ensure you do not inhale the powder. Have a dust mask and goggles and vacuum out the powder. Check the safety data sheets for details on the chemicals in the extinguishers.
An electrical contact cleaner cleans residues on electrical components. The cleaner comes compressed in an air canister, evaporating quickly after use. Isopropyl alcohol is one of the cleaning products in these cans.
A dry piece of clean cloth usually works perfectly to remove the residue. A soot eraser, a sponge created with natural rubber, works perfectly to remove mono ammonium phosphate. If the residue sticks on a surface, use isopropyl alcohol or some warm water to remove it. Note that the residue can cause corrosion if left on a surface for a long time.
3. How Long Does the Dry Powder Last in the Extinguisher?
If the extinguisher is in good condition, with no corrosion or damage, it can last up to 12 years. After that, you will need to perform hydrostatic testing. Most extinguishers, however, last an average of six years, after which you will need a replacement. After recharge, most dry powder fire extinguishers will last for less than a minute, depending on the size of the cylinder.
4. Can dry powder fire extinguishers be refilled or recharged?
Yes, after usage or during routine maintenance, dry powder fire extinguishers can typically be recharged or filled by trained personnel. To guarantee their efficacy in an emergency, it is imperative that they receive servicing from certified professionals.
5. Are there any safety precautions to keep in mind when using dry powder fire extinguishers?
Yes, always make sure you have a clear path out of the fire, use the right kind of extinguisher for the job, and keep your distance from the flames. Avoid breathing in the powder, and if you are exposed to a lot of smoke or powder, get medical help.
Conclusion
Do you need a fire extinguisher? Most homes have smoke detectors and alarms – these inexpensive devices detect fires before they break out. However, you may want to take your fire protection further with dry powder fire extinguishers. This equipment can save lives and protect your property. Once you have the extinguisher, ensure that it is in good working condition and that you know how to use it. The extinguisher should meet set safety standards and have routine annual maintenance.
A working fire extinguisher will ensure that your home, workshop, business, or vehicle meets the set fire safety legislation. Such equipment can qualify your home for more affordable home insurance premiums.
More than one fire extinguisher is required—research on other types of fire extinguishers and fires they put out. While the dry powder fire extinguishers will serve you outdoors, you need another unit for indoor use. Talk to a professional about your options for businesses, workshops, and other areas that must meet fire safety standards.
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