We need to get a fire extinguisher for our caravan, we want to get one that does everything, ie A, B and C but they all seem to only be powder ones, I have read in a magazine that it is not advisable to use powder ones in confined spaces like caravans and boats, does anybody you know which type we should get?
Obviously you cannot use foam or water in a caravan due to electrics so surely dry powder is your only option. If I can remember from my fire-fighting course many, many years ago, dry powder is safe to use providing you do not stay in close confines and inhale during these conditions. If you have to use one of these, surely you would use it then quickly get out!!! This should not cause you problems.
You would obviously not stay in the same space for very long and therefore not inhale the powder. I think they are your safest option and you would just have to look at the individual situation, should it arise ( hopefully you wont have cause to use it)
I agree with Cockram - we bought a dry powder one for our tent (they are actually recommended for tents - so I don't see the difference with a caravan). We also bought a fire blanket - as most fires in a caravan or tent will be due to cooking equipment and it will be right on hand.
------------- Claire x
Jan 2013 - Skiing, Kühtai, Austria
May - Swiss Farm
Fforest Ffields
Aug - Saumur, France
Oct - Somewhere...
Jan '14 - Skiing, Les Houches
one little trick to use to help prevent the powder from clogging is to turn the extinuisher upside down or on its side and give it a good shake on a regular basis. This prevent the powder from settling at the bottom of the unit in a lump, also check the pressure gauge is in the grenn (if one is fitted).
For a small cost the better ones (usually the more expensive ones) can be serviced by reputable companies. In offices etc this usually occurs annually - not a bad idea for your camper, tent, caravn or motorhome, after all it's your investment that you're protecting.
I carry a powder in my car, taken into the tent whilst away, the only other semi option for all is CO2, but cant be used in confined spaces either, and not reccomended for liquid fires
altough co2 is used for anything that burns if you watch any films!!!
Dry Powder just makes a heck of a mess in a confined space and is an excellent laxative. Not poisonous,otherwise. It's only bicarbonate of soda with a bit of aluminium sulphate added to keep it flowing. Best all round extiguisher there is. Make sure it conforms to Safety Standards.
CO2 is OK in confined spaces for liquid fires or fires with electricity present. If the fire has been going for some time then the receptacle will be hot so re-ignition can occur. Not poisonous, just excludes the oxygen but you need a lot to do that. No good outsite cos it blows away. Don't use on wheel fires. The cold makes metal contract and splinter.
Water's OK for solid fires, wood,bedding etc. It's dodgy if electricity is present so disconnect from mains.
Best way is to make sure you take all fire prevention actions before you get a fire.
------------- "A lot of people mistake a short memory for a clear conscience."
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Topic: Which Fire Extinguisher?
