Fire Extinguishers for old cars

[Deleted User]

I'm considering replacing the dry powder chemical fire extinguisher I carry in my Hudson for one that uses a foam suppressant (aqueous film forming foam, aka, AFFF). One company which sells foam extinguisers, Fire Fight Products LLC (I'm sure there are others), has placed ads in Old Cars Weekly News & Marketplace claiming that using an ABC dry powder extinguisher to put out a car fire will ruin the glass (apparently etch it), paint and wire harnesses on you car should the powder come in contact with these things and get hot. Before I purchase one of these fire extinguishers and place the dry one in the home (with the others), has anyone out there had any further conformation on the bad effects of dry powder extinguishers on car fires?

Dan

37 CTS

This is new to me, I used a DOT approved ABC fire extinguisher and had no paint or wiring damage after an engine fire. There was no exposure to glass. Just the white residue to clean up, and that was not difficult. It was somewhat paste like to clean off.
I would not use the FFP unless it was DOT approved.

[Deleted User]

The powder will destroy your engine if it gets inside.

Barry Smedley
53 Super Jet
and a bunch of Crosley's

[Deleted User]

One thing that now makes me just a bit skittish regarding these foam fire extinguishers is that if the ABC dry powder extinguishers are so bad, why haven't we heard more from people who've had paint, wiring damage, etc.,. after a car fire of some sort and use of these extinguishers? Thanks, 37 CTS, for relating your car fire and dry powder fire extinguisher experience. Seems you came out OK with no damage issues as a result of the fire extinguisher itself.

Fire Fights "Old Cars" ad says states the following: "ABC fire extinguishers use a chemical that becomes toxic and corrosive as it gets hot. Putting this powder on the finish of your car, the glass, the wire harness and you will find whatever the chemical touches destroyed."

I went on Kidde Fire Systems website and they too sell the AFFF fire extinguishers. But, I couldn't find anything promoting that dry powder extinguishers cause damage to materials and that a foam type extinguisher should be used to avoid these issues. Also, from some on-line research, foam type extinguishers may not be compatible on electical fires that still have an electrical source feeding the fire. They do, however, perform a very good job on liquid fires such as gasoline and solids such as paper, plastic, etc.,.

I suppose the jury's still out regarding foam versus dry powder fire extinguishers. Think I'll stick to the dry powder one I keep in my Super Wasp for now.

Finally, a little non automotive advice: I've been told the best place to keep a fire extinguisher in your home is beside your bed.


Dan

Park_W

Doesn't the AACA recommend, if not mandate, a Halon extinguisher? Seems like there was a fair bit of analysis a few years ago before this type was deemed best for automobile fires . . . got the job done, and without doing damage.

[Deleted User]

Good point. Just checked that out on line. AACA does indeed recommend Halon (2.5 lb) extinguishers and this type is apparently effective on A,B, & C fires and doesn't affect painted surfaces, fabrics and other materials.

SuperDave

Halon was what we used in our stock car's fireout system. It was recommended by our sanctioning body. Was supposed to be harmless to the occupants and the car. Never used it.. Thank goodness.

Frankvintagefullflowcom

I take mine to bed with me. No chance of anything heating up there.
F

tigermoth

The last halon produced was in 1994. It is known to deplete the ozone layer. The only halon available now is recycled halon. The total supply will continue to diminish as recyclable halon sources are used up. Regards, Tom
http://www.h3rcleanagents.com/support_faq_2.htm

Kdancy

Have any of you used "Cold Fire" extinguisher?
http://www.amazon.com/Coldfire-Fire-Extinguisher-Cold-fire/dp/B004XJ78R2
http://www.coldfire.biz/

[Deleted User]

I read the mostly favorable reviews on the "Cold Fire" extinguisher in a can. However, I also read about a similar product by "First Alert" called Tundra which is also a canned extinguisher. One of the reviews for Tundra was by a person who had a bad experience with it whereby he sprayed the Tundra extinguisher on a fire in his home and only got about 3 seconds of spray before it quit (fortunately he also called the fire department before fighting the fire himself and they ended up putting out the fire). Maybe this Tundra extinguisher was beyond its experation date.

Another person pointed out on Amazon that a fire extinguisher lacking a pressure gauge could loose its pressure over time without you knowing it until it's potentially too late.

Thanks for all the comments here regarding fire extinguishers. Guess halon ones are out of the question despite the AACA endorsement since, as tigermoth (I wonder if he owns a real bi-plane Tiger Moth?) noted, that the halon supply is limited and won't be replenished.

tigermoth

Yes, a 1939. Regards, Tom

[Deleted User]

Tom,

Neat! What a beautiful aircraft! Have you ever flown your plane to the Tiger Moth meet in, I believe, Bartlesville, OK? I flew in a 1940 Australian built De Havilland Tiger Moth in Puerto Rico around eight years ago. My only flight in an open cockpit aircraft. Wonderful flying experience.

Wish I could say the same about my Classic Car I.D. in which I'd own a Lockheed 1049 Super "G" Constellation!

Dan

Glowplug

Having to deal with airborne fires is a very daunting activity. While flying as military crew we used Halon hand held and I will say unequivocally that extinguisher worked better and with less danger to crew and equipment. I am an advocate of this solution. Even with diminished supply that should not keep one from selecting it over dry or foam charged extinguishers. The goal is put out the fire quickly with out hurting people. If you use it find another. Pay the piper to get the best.

tigermoth

hello dan, i never did go to the Bartlesville, Ok. fly-in. i usually run up to oshkosh each year. i purchased the tiger in australia, had it shipped to los angeles area, reassembled her and flew her to illinois. i am much more active with the tiger in the summer months.
i did notice your i.d. here on the forum and recognized the connie numbers. regards, tom