Do You Replace/Exchange Fire Extinguishers

Dan Johnson · Dec 16, 2009

Joe...

the Kiddee ones I bought at a similar source all have gages on them to tell the state of charge. After about five years the needle is beginning to drop to the botton of the green scale on one of them. If yours don't have gages then consider replacing them with ones that do.

Two thoughts: one--contact a commercial fire extinguisher service company to find out what they charge to "recharge" them.

Second: They are reasonably priced at the home center boxed in pairs that it will probably be cheaper to replace the old small ones with new ones and take the old ones off the boat and place in strategic places at home (furnace area, laundry room, kitchen, etc) where you probably don't have an extinguisher now.

The Halon one in my engine compartment does have a service tag on it and I think gives a time frame in which it should be serviced. From commercial property management experience, I know that this will not be an inexpensive proposition to have it serviced when due.

Ron20324 · Dec 16, 2009

Mine are not mounted- so I can shake them and turn them every so often. The contents can solidify over time, rendering them useless inspite of what the guage says. One practice is, after shaking, hold the FE hrozontal. If you can balance it close to center, it MAY be okay. If the point of balance is way off center, the contents have probably solidified- replace it.

Every April my sailing club (SOS) has a "flare shoot" down in Mayo. We turn in old flares and fire extingushers to allow members hands-on experience using them. We start a fire in a pan to use for the FEs. Dan has a good point in keeping them at home, but don't bet the house that they work.

firehoser75 · Dec 16, 2009

Check the Regulations

If I am not mistaken, the Coast Guard can fine you if your extinguishers do not have a "proper" inspection tag that is less than one year old.
Aside from that, the powdered chemical (often monamonium phosphate) can harden on the bottom over time. If you then go to discharge it, only the gas "propellant" will come out, meaning it will not extinguish the fire.
When a fire service company "inspects" your extinguisher, they check the pressure on the guage, that the chemical has not hardened, they usually weigh the unit to ensure it has enough powder in it, and they check for the required 5 year hydrostatic (pressure) test. If it "passes" they then install a new tag. You can usually get this "service" done for about $10.
If you want to take a chance on the coast guard fine but want to be "reasonably" assured that your extinguisher will actually work when called upon, then regularly do the following:
1) Check the pressure guage to ensure that adequate pressure exists.
2) At least 3 times per year, shake the extinguisher vigorously to keep the powder from solidifying on the bottom.
3) Check the nozzle to ensure that nothing is blocking the opening (insect nest, etc.)

They are not that expensive, so I advise that they be replaced periodically (no longer than 10 years). Remember, they are actually classified as a dangerous good (due to being under pressure) and if not hydrostatically tested, you don't know if at some point one could fail causing great damage or injury. Replace sooner if they look suspect (rusty, etc.)
Hope this helps,
Tom

Benny · Dec 16, 2009

I have two Kidde B1 USCG approved, disposable extinguishers. They are not rechargable. As far as I know there is no USCG regulation requiring they be independently inspected. I usually keep them around three years and then replace them. I periodically inspect the pressure gauge and turn them. A single B2 unit can be used for boats 26' through <40' but I prefer two B1s for separate location and backup. To be USCG approved they must have a bracket at the time of purchase but there is no regulation requiring that the unit be mounted or the bracket preserved.

Patrick17430 · Dec 16, 2009

9 yrs is old

If your extinguishers are 9 yrs old they probably need to be replaced. Extinguishers are cheap compared to your boat being destroyed by fire. If you live to tell about it. Next time you see new ones , look at the warranty in the box and see how long they recommend you keep them.

Dan Johnson · Dec 16, 2009

Ron...

Good point about shaking and especially the balancing part afterward. I've shaken them, but not done the balancing act.

I do have new extinguishers in the house, not old ones off the boat. The old ones are out in the garage. They aren't rechargeable but are being held for a safety lecture at our club next spring like your club does.

BobM · Dec 17, 2009

Re: Ron...

Kidde's warranties seem to be 6, 10 or 12 years, depending on the model. I didn't see anything regarding shaking them as a part of routine maintenance, but it makes sense. They just recommend a pressure test.

higgs · Dec 17, 2009

One can tell by turning the extinguisher upside down. You can feel the powder shifting - it is a slight sensativion of movement. If you don't feel the powder mover, it is toast.

Scott B · Dec 17, 2009

From the USCG Auxillery site

The Code specifically states that the extinguishers must be labeled “Marine Type USCG Type --------, Size --------, Approval No. 162.028/-- ------.” Sec. [162.028-4]

This is very important. The reasoning for this requirement on all fire extinguishers used in the marine environment has to do with the safety tests and construction requirements built into the Code. Marine fire extinguishers have to pass tests related to corrosion, salt spray tests, bursting pressure, vibration tests among other requirements. Remember, most equipment on your boat needs to be better made, and made from different materials than those you’ll find in your home or car. The marine environment is very very tough and not very forgiving on equipment!

I would doubt that the ABC extinguishers from Home Depot would carry the USCG Marine Type label and therefore not be to regulations. The type of extinguishers required are either B-1 or B-2, which are either 5BC or 10BC type extinguishers. ABC are not listed as acceptable, but I have not found the reasoning for dropping the "A" designation.

Scott B · Dec 17, 2009

This is on a couple of sites, this one from Boatsafe

written by FS2 Gregory Berry, USCG Boothbay Harbor Maine

Carbon Dioxide is a class B, C, agent only. Because of the CO2 high pressure, it is not recommended for use on Class A, amber and ash based fires. Why? Because of the hazard of spreading the fire when blasting it with the high pressure gas.

Dry chemical extinguishers come in three varieties. Sodium Bicarbonate B, C (Alkaline); Potassium Bicarbonate, Purple "K", B, C (Alkaline); and Mono Ammonium Phosphate A, B, C (Acidic). The A, B, C dry chemical is not recommended for marine use for two reasons:
* It is corrosive
* The way in which this agent obtains it class A rating is its ability to melt, seep and encase. This necessitates dismantling of equipment to repair or rebuild.

Scott B · Dec 17, 2009

and a very interesting idea from USCG Aux....

First, if all possible, especially if you’re using dry chemical extinguishers, is to mount the fire extinguisher parallel to the deck, this way the chemical is constantly being shaken within the container and doesn’t pack down. Should the chemical pack down, the extinguisher won’t work properly.

Rick Webb · Dec 17, 2009

Home Depot (or Whatever Big Box store) Fire Extingushers

Most any fire extinguisher you buy at any of thos places will be coast Guard approved provided it is packaged with a bracket to mount it. It also does not matter what color it is white or red. I have only ever found one extinguisher made by a major manufacturer that was not Coast Guard approved .

There is no requirement for them to be mounted only that it be packaged together.

Mounting it is much prefered as it will always be where you expect it to be. If you toss it in a locker it is easy for it to get burried under other stuff you don't use for a number of years or moved to another location. A fire extingusher is not an item that you want to be hunting for when you need one.

firehoser75 · Dec 18, 2009

Free Advice (Worth every penny)

While I have not recently checked (so memory is not good) about the actual USCG requirements, I would not recommend only a BC type of fire extinguisher for a boat. Just so everyone understands what that means, Class B fires are flammable liquid based and Class C fires are electrical or electrically charged materials. Class A is ordinary combustibles (usually solids) such as wood, paper, even fibreglass. BC extinguishers (especially CO2) are not effective on Class A fires. (Purple K was actually used primarily as a Class D (flammable metal) extinguisher). Being as a fire on a boat away from the shore is a very dangerous situation and fire control and extinguishment while it is small is a high priority, I would not be more worried about any required cleanup that an ABC extinguisher may cause, before the fire is even out! Being able to easily clean up after is comparatively speaking a low priority.
I have spent over 31 years in the Fire service, and fire protection for my boat is not an area I would go cheap. The advice on mounting extinguishers so you know exactly where they are and so they are readily accessible when needed is excellent. One of mine is mounted horizontally under one of the companionway stairs, so it is clearly visible to everyone in the main cabin, near the galley, electrical panel, and engine. Also, ensure that you have at least one back up extinguisher on board (important).

If not annually, get them serviced periodically and replace them as needed (as discussed above in previous posts). It is inexpensive compared to the possible consequences if they fail to work as expected when needed. It is also a good idea to take a short course on using one if you have never actually discharged one on a real fire.
As I said in the title, free advice, hopefully useful,
Tom