Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
Basics of Fire Extinguishers
A fire extinguisher is one of those devices that can hang on the wall for years unused, but when you need it, it's got to work. Home extinguishers are filled with dry chemicals or Halon gas. Extinguishers are designed to fight a particular type of fire. They are rated by letter, Class A is for wood, paper, trash, etc., Class B is for gasoline of other flammable liquids, and Class C is for electrical fires.

Dry chemical and Halon extinguishers should be inspected on a regular basis to assure that they will function when you pull the trigger. All type fire extinguishers are pressurized; therefore, there is the potential for a leak. The fire fighting chemicals, either sodium bicarbonate (Class B,C fires) or monoammonium phosphate (Class A,B,C fires) inside the extinguisher will settle and compact in the bottom of the extinguisher over time. These powders can become so compacted that they will not dispense properly, even if the extinguisher has full pressure.

Every month remove the extinguisher from its mounting bracket and look at the pressure gauge to see that it is charged. The indicator should be in the green area of the dial. On some types, you may have to push a test button to activate the gauge. If the pressure is low or excessive, have the extinguisher serviced by a professional.

If it's a dry chemical extinguisher, turn it upside down and shake it to loosen the dry chemical charge. Then check that the lock or safety pin is in place and that there's no sign of corrosion or dents to the tank. If the extinguisher doesn't measure up, have it recharged at a fire extinguisher recharging service, which are listed in the Yellow Pages under "fire extinguishers."

While you looking at the extinguisher, ask yourself if everyone in your family knows where the extinguisher is located and how to operate it (and how to dial 911). If you have any questions, call your local fire department for information on home emergencies and fire prevention.

written by the editors of HouseNet
Copyright HouseNet, Inc.

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