Portable and Wheeled Fire Extinguishers
In the United States, fire extinguishers in all business and commercial buildings are generally required to be serviced and inspected by a Fire
Protection service company at least annually. Some jurisdictions require
more frequent service for fire extinguishers. At the time of service, a
fire extinguisher tag is placed on the extinguisher to indicate the
type of service perform (annual inspection, recharge, new fire
extinguisher) and date of service.
Fire extinguishers are divided into handheld and
cart-mounted, also called wheeled extinguishers. Handheld extinguishers
can weigh 1 to 30 pounds or more, and are easily
portable by hand. Cart-mounted units typically weigh 50+
pounds. These wheeled models are most commonly found at construction sites, airport runways, heliports, as well as docks and marinas.
Types of Extinguishers
| Regular Dry Chemical extinguishers are usually rated for multiple
purpose use. These units contain special extinguishing agents which
smother and break the chain reaction on Class B fires, fuses and insulate Class A fires, and as a non-conductor of electricity, is effective on Class C fires. | | Halotron I extinguishers, like carbon dioxide units, are "clean agents"
that leave no residue after discharge. Halotron I is less damaging to
the Earth's ozone layer than Halon 1211 (which was banned by
international agreements starting in 1994). This "clean agent"
discharges as a liquid, has high visibility during discharge, does not
cause thermal or static shock, leaves no residue and is non-conducting.
These properties make it ideal for computer rooms, clean rooms,
telecommunications equipment, and electronics. These superior
properties of Halotron I come at a higher cost relative to carbon
dioxide. | | Wet Chemical units are designed specifically for kitchen grease fire hazards and meet the new K Class
listing now required for all extinguishers installed in restaurant
kitchens. They contain a special agent which leaves no chemical residue
to clean up. | | Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are most effective on Class B and C
(liquids and electrical) fires. Since the gas disperses quickly, these
extinguishers are only effective from 3 to 8 feet. The carbon dioxide
is stored as a compressed liquid in the extinguisher; as it expands, it
cools the surrounding air. The cooling will often cause ice to form
around the “horn” where the gas is expelled from the extinguisher.
Since the fire could re-ignite, continue to apply the agent even after
the fire appears to be out. | | Water Mist units are designed for use whenever there is a Class A
hazard near electrical equipment and the environment is of paramount
concern. The extinguishing agent is de-ionized water, and the wand
provides greatest operator safety. There is no risk of electrical
conductivity or thermal or static shock. Ideal for use in health care,
data processing, telecommunication, and clean room facilities. | 
| Water and Foam extinguishers contain water and compressed gas and should only be used on Class A
(ordinary combustibles) fires. These extinguishers are ideally suited
for all industrial and commercial applications, where easy to use,
positive on-off operation is important. Water is used as an
extinguishing agent, making it highly effective on deep seated Class A fires. |
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