Fire extinguishers
Discussion
I used to have a 2kg CO2 can in the back of the car but it was stolen over the winter.
Before I replace it with the same again, I'd be interested to know about what other owners use and the reasonings.
I'm tempted to fit a full system as the car is a 2+2 and will often have my kids in the back. I've also been told that powder will make a total mess which is why I opted for CO2 originally but in reality, in an event where you want to buy time to get everyone clear I really would think I'd be worrying about that if powder was notably superior to CO2.
I think that a mild concern over CO2 is that while it may put out a flame initially it doesn't go on to supply any suppressant nature to stop the fire from igniting again.
So, from a small CO2 can fixed in the driver door pocket (which is massive and an ideal location) to a full blown, integrated powder solution, I'm pondering which is the most suitable.
Thanks in advance.
Just to add, something to bear in mind is that the bonnet doesn't open on my car so targeting anything in the engine bay is not an option with a standalone canister. All that could be done is to point the nozzle at one of the two gaps between the bonnet and the windscreen and just emptying the can in there and hope it fills the bay sufficiently to suppress any flames.
Before I replace it with the same again, I'd be interested to know about what other owners use and the reasonings.
I'm tempted to fit a full system as the car is a 2+2 and will often have my kids in the back. I've also been told that powder will make a total mess which is why I opted for CO2 originally but in reality, in an event where you want to buy time to get everyone clear I really would think I'd be worrying about that if powder was notably superior to CO2.
I think that a mild concern over CO2 is that while it may put out a flame initially it doesn't go on to supply any suppressant nature to stop the fire from igniting again.
So, from a small CO2 can fixed in the driver door pocket (which is massive and an ideal location) to a full blown, integrated powder solution, I'm pondering which is the most suitable.
Thanks in advance.
Just to add, something to bear in mind is that the bonnet doesn't open on my car so targeting anything in the engine bay is not an option with a standalone canister. All that could be done is to point the nozzle at one of the two gaps between the bonnet and the windscreen and just emptying the can in there and hope it fills the bay sufficiently to suppress any flames.
Edited by DonkeyApple on Sunday 15th May 23:41
The CO2 will extinguish a fire but it also blows away easily in a breeze. It smothers the fire and kills the O2. There is a risk of re-ignition once its been discharged.
The Powder is more likely to form a crust over the fire if you can get in enough to cover the area that's ignited, and it'll stay on the fire zone once discharged ( if you can get enough of it on the area). Very messy and will do damage to sensitive electrics etc.
Fuel fires will be better stopped with the powder ( or foam ).
Bit of a gamble really, and without access to the seat of the fire all you can do is stick the nozzle into any aperture on the bonnet area and discharge the contents and hope it kills the fire.
If you have other people in the car, you can gain some time to get them out safely.
Best check your fuel lines for wear and tear, and then make sure your insurance is ok too. ( agreed value !)
http://www.mfs-fire-extinguishers.co.uk/types.htm
The Powder is more likely to form a crust over the fire if you can get in enough to cover the area that's ignited, and it'll stay on the fire zone once discharged ( if you can get enough of it on the area). Very messy and will do damage to sensitive electrics etc.
Fuel fires will be better stopped with the powder ( or foam ).
Bit of a gamble really, and without access to the seat of the fire all you can do is stick the nozzle into any aperture on the bonnet area and discharge the contents and hope it kills the fire.
If you have other people in the car, you can gain some time to get them out safely.
Best check your fuel lines for wear and tear, and then make sure your insurance is ok too. ( agreed value !)
http://www.mfs-fire-extinguishers.co.uk/types.htm
<<Race marshal's hat 'ON'>>.
Our first approach to a burning car will always be from upwind with a DP extinguisher.
The other type we have on post is a foam extinguisher...good for oil/petrol fires.
All the race cars fixed systems are DP.
CO2 will just disperse with any air movement and does not 'cool' or provide a crust to exclude air.
Nick
Our first approach to a burning car will always be from upwind with a DP extinguisher.
The other type we have on post is a foam extinguisher...good for oil/petrol fires.
All the race cars fixed systems are DP.
CO2 will just disperse with any air movement and does not 'cool' or provide a crust to exclude air.
Nick
Dry Powder does ( and will) settle out, especially with the constant vibration to help it do so.
You can up end the extinguisher and give it a shake to aerate the powder again - this is what is done on a regular basis on freestanding extinguishers that are subject to a maintenance routine. If it's hard plumbed in, this may not be possible.
Its not BS - It does settle and compact.
You can up end the extinguisher and give it a shake to aerate the powder again - this is what is done on a regular basis on freestanding extinguishers that are subject to a maintenance routine. If it's hard plumbed in, this may not be possible.
Its not BS - It does settle and compact.
DonkeyApple said:
Thanks. To be honest I don't really care about the car. It it wants to kill itself then it can go and do so, just not take me or anyone else with it. 
I'd agree that this is the way to think about any fire situation with a car. Lifting the bonnet may have terrible consequences for any individual attempting to fight the fire.Get out - get others out, and stand well clear. The car can always be replaced.
DonkeyApple said:
Thanks. To be honest I don't really care about the car.
You've got a Typhon ---- and you don't care about the car !!I think the statement - "The car can always be replaced" isn't quite true in your situation.
Personally, I'd be interested in a system that could hopefully save the car - after getting everyone out safely of course.
Phil.
Phil Tudhope said:
DonkeyApple said:
Thanks. To be honest I don't really care about the car.
You've got a Typhon ---- and you don't care about the car !!I think the statement - "The car can always be replaced" isn't quite true in your situation.
Personally, I'd be interested in a system that could hopefully save the car - after getting everyone out safely of course.
Phil.
Relatively speaking, the car is a wholly irrelevant object in contrast to the concept of having a family member doing a permanent Lauda impression.
I was b
ked by a scrutineer earlier this season for having a powder extinguisher in the car. I sprint a road car so there are no formal rules for extinguishers. As noted earlier the powder settles as it is vibrated so it may not work BUT I was also advised that if you breathe it in it coats your lungs which is a very bad thing. I am investing in a plumbed in foam system at the moment. Not very practical in a road car though.
ked by a scrutineer earlier this season for having a powder extinguisher in the car. I sprint a road car so there are no formal rules for extinguishers. As noted earlier the powder settles as it is vibrated so it may not work BUT I was also advised that if you breathe it in it coats your lungs which is a very bad thing. I am investing in a plumbed in foam system at the moment. Not very practical in a road car though.Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff