Best extinguisher type?

neilda · 08 June 2009, 10:24

Have had a quick search and can't find too much on this subject....

I have a powder extinguisher, but assume this would knacker the engine - is C02 the best all round?

I would imagine an engine fire would be the most 'typical' danger, although the new Webber barbecue I've had fitted presents a small risk I guess.

I might have made the last bit up.

PeterM · 08 June 2009, 11:30

Maybe one of each to be sure ? While powder may not be too good for things - nor is catching fire !

I 'think' CO2 may not be great in a big open space with hot things that coudl re-ignite when the C02 is blown away .

I have BBQ on my boat too! Great burgers last week - I knew the bow locker hatch wouldn't melt ! I did end up jumping over the side - but only to clean the hull.

bazza · 08 June 2009, 12:03

Spraying CO2 on a red hot metal could be dangerous. I would stick with the dry powder if the engine is on fire I doubt it would be much use afterwards anyway.

neilda · 08 June 2009, 12:38

Cool. I'll stick with powder.

We're trying to find brackets for the rotary spit on the bow.

codprawn · 08 June 2009, 12:47

I hate powder with a passion. The very best was Halon but it's been banned cos of the ozone layer..........

I carry 2L foam extinguishers now. Ok you can't use them on electrics but 12v doesn't count.

CO2 would be great if you can get it inside the cowl. It has been discussed on here before about making an opening port etc.

Pete7 · 08 June 2009, 12:51

As Codders says AFFF foam is the dog danglies, especially on petrol or oil fires

Taking of fires, you don't have one of those ribs which have the petrol fuel line and the battery cables rapped around each other hidden under the deck by chance do you?

Pete

Poly · 08 June 2009, 13:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazza

Spraying CO2 on a red hot metal could be dangerous.

?

neilda · 08 June 2009, 13:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete7

Taking of fires, you don't have one of those ribs which have the petrol fuel line and the battery cables wrapped around each other hidden under the deck by chance do you?

Pete

No idea.

You're going to tell me I have?

PeterM · 08 June 2009, 13:37

Both my boats have the tank ( and vent) , batteries , main starting cables, old newspaper and cigarette lighter all stored together to make ' getting there' that much more important.

A good point though - they do both run under the floor , very close & one does have battery & tank under the console , but hey they were both made this way so it MUST be safe right ?

And as I have extingushers on both I'll be fine right ?

codprawn · 08 June 2009, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

?

He is correct - but it depends on the metal. Usually magnesium which is contained in certain aircraft alloys. The oxygen from Water and CO2 can add to the fire.

bazza · 08 June 2009, 13:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

?

Spraying CO2 onto red hot metal causes it to cool extremly rapidly this it will contract and can splinter sending sharrs of metal splitting off.

All comes from my RAF days with aircraft coming in with brake fires... funny what you remember from years ago.

codprawn · 08 June 2009, 18:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazza

Spraying CO2 onto red hot metal causes it to cool extremly rapidly this it will contract and can splinter sending sharrs of metal splitting off.

All comes from my RAF days with aircraft coming in with brake fires... funny what you remember from years ago.

That is also true but the main worry with aircraft fires is that the CO2 can break down in contact with a magnesium alloy fire to produce oxygen which isn't a very good idea!!!

Poly · 08 June 2009, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by bazza

Spraying CO2 onto red hot metal causes it to cool extremly rapidly this it will contract and can splinter sending sharrs of metal splitting off.

All comes from my RAF days with aircraft coming in with brake fires... funny what you remember from years ago.

Bazza - I am sure you are right - but its not a risk I have ever heard anyone mention about boat or car engine fires in the past so either its a risk we don't appreciate, or there is a subtle difference - like the temperature difference not being high enough. Certainly with boat engines its hard enough to get the CO2 where you need it - never mind get enough close enough to the "nozzle" that you would be getting much very cold.

Codprawn - you never cease to amaze me. I'm perfectly aware that Mg reacts with CO2 if it is hot enough, but since there is not much magnesium on my boat (given it doesn't really like water!) that isn't a major concern.

codprawn · 08 June 2009, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Bazza - I am sure you are right - but its not a risk I have ever heard anyone mention about boat or car engine fires in the past so either its a risk we don't appreciate, or there is a subtle difference - like the temperature difference not being high enough. Certainly with boat engines its hard enough to get the CO2 where you need it - never mind get enough close enough to the "nozzle" that you would be getting much very cold.

Codprawn - you never cease to amaze me. I'm perfectly aware that Mg reacts with CO2 if it is hot enough, but since there is not much magnesium on my boat (given it doesn't really like water!) that isn't a major concern.

Check your anodes!!!

Seriously though you posted a ? So I assumed you were asking why!!!

Poly · 08 June 2009, 19:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

Check your anodes!!!

eh - not likely to be on fire - and mine are zinc!

Quote:

Seriously though you posted a ? So I assumed you were asking why!!!

I was - but an explanation about reactive metal fires was irrelevant

codprawn · 08 June 2009, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

eh - not likely to be on fire - and mine are zinc!
I was - but an explanation about reactive metal fires was irrelevant

Haven't you heard of the sudden rise in spontaneous combustion of anodes? Seems to be happening a lot - especially in North Wales boat yards...........

Poly · 08 June 2009, 20:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

Haven't you heard of the sudden rise in spontaneous combustion of anodes? Seems to be happening a lot - especially in North Wales boat yards...........

another ?

BrAinZ · 08 June 2009, 20:25

Halfords do a great line in Fire Extinguishers that may be suitable Neil, and probably cheaper than your average boat supplier

How about this one.... ?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165536

codprawn · 08 June 2009, 22:02

Yes but that is still powder.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2Ltr-FOAM-AFFF...3%3A1|294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fire-Extinguis...3%3A1|294%3A50

These 2L foam ones are under £30.

Also Tesco sell a very useful looking all aluminium mini foam fire extinguishers for chip pan fires etc. It is a sealant type foam that forms a chemical skin - could be very useful for a boat fire and they only cost £9.95 - I bought 4 of them.

http://www.fireangel.co.uk/Other/Products/FE-909.aspx

and some tech info

http://www.fireangeldirect.co.uk/pag...E-909&jssCart=

chewy · 08 June 2009, 22:29

Why would you have to create a port to fire a CO2 extinguisher into, whats wrong with the air intake.

As I said in another thread the Atlantics have one CO2 extinguisher. We are trained in the event of an engine fire to isolate the fuel, then fire the CO2 into the air intake till the engine stops, it only takes a few seconds.
This causes no damage to the engine.