Fire extinguisher needed

[Minxy]

My existing powder extinguisher is out of date so I need to renew it. I'm aware that powder ones aren't ideal due to the mess they create (first hand experience of this!) and also that the powder can compact down due to the constant movement of the MH and go solid thus rendering the extinguisher useless, not something you want to find out when you need it!

I'm aware of the Fire Stick ones but they're not exactly cheap (yes I'm aware they have a 15 year warranty!), I would like to have 2 (one in cab and one in rear near cooker) and I'm not totally convinced that they are the most suitable for a MH plus the way that they are activated could be difficult for me with my hands.

I've read some of the threads and have done some on-line research and am drawn to this one:

Error 410 | Screwfix

Thousands of products at low trade prices | FREE next day delivery available | 30 day money back guarantee on all orders.

www.screwfix.com

I can buy a couple for a total of £39.98 or get a 3 pack for £52.97 including P&P which means I could have one in our house too:

StaySafe 5-in-1 Fire Extinguisher

Eliminate fires in seconds with the StaySafe 5-in-1 Fire Extinguisher StaySafe is a lightweight recyclable plastic aerosol fire extinguisher and a more practical and solution compared to traditional metal canister.

www.lifesafetechnologies.co.uk

Has anyone actually used one of these 'actively'? If so what did you think of it?

 

[ChrisL]

My existing powder extinguisher is out of date so I need to renew it. I'm aware that powder ones aren't ideal due to the mess they create (first hand experience of this!) and also that the powder can compact down due to the constant movement of the MH and go solid thus rendering the extinguisher useless, not something you want to find out when you need it!

I'm aware of the Fire Stick ones but they're not exactly cheap (yes I'm aware they have a 15 year warranty!), I would like to have 2 (one in cab and one in rear near cooker) and I'm not totally convinced that they are the most suitable for a MH plus the way that they are activated could be difficult for me with my hands.

I've read some of the threads and have done some on-line research and am drawn to this one:

Error 410 | Screwfix

Thousands of products at low trade prices | FREE next day delivery available | 30 day money back guarantee on all orders.

www.screwfix.com

I can buy a couple for a total of £39.98 or get a 3 pack for £52.97 including P&P which means I could have one in our house too:

StaySafe 5-in-1 Fire Extinguisher

Eliminate fires in seconds with the StaySafe 5-in-1 Fire Extinguisher StaySafe is a lightweight recyclable plastic aerosol fire extinguisher and a more practical and solution compared to traditional metal canister.

www.lifesafetechnologies.co.uk

Has anyone actually used one of these 'actively'? If so what did you think of it?

From a review from some one who appears to know a bit about fire extinguishers.


What do they mean when they say 5 in 1?
They can extinguish:
1. Paper/card (class A fire)
2. Textiles (again, a class A fire)
3. Petrol/Diesel (class B fire)
4. Cooking Oil (class F fire)
5. Electrical (no class for this)

So these are an ABF extinguisher that has passed the 1000V electrical test detailed in BS EN3. These are not new, we already have ABF extinguishers, they are called wet chemical extinguishers and are only provided in kitchens and mainly where fat fryers are present.
What you are looking at is something for the home kitchen only and only for the smallest of fires. These are only 0.2 litres in size, whereas the smallest wet chemical extinguisher that can be supplied under British Standards is 2 litres.
Buildings are provided with a minimum quantity of Class A extinguishers (water/foam/powder) to cover a given area, and where these class A extinguishers are provided they should have a minimum class A test rating of 13A per extinguisher (detailed on the front of the extinguisher). A 6 litre water spray extinguisher will give you a 13A rating (that relates to a 1.3m long test fire); these 0.2 litre aerosol type extinguishers have 1/30th of the fire fighting media so you can imagine how effective that would be! You will note they put on their website that the contents are 'BS EN3 tested and approved'; I’m sure they are but this will have been in a proper sized fire extinguisher. There are no test ratings available on their site or visible on the extinguisher. Further, plastic bodied extinguishers (like these) cannot be commissioned or maintained in accordance with British Standards. As these have no gauge, you have no idea whether they still have pressure in them either.
Whilst these extinguishers (and I use the term loosely) may have passed the 1000V electrical test, so have pretty much most water or foam extinguishers with a spray nozzle, however, we are not permitted under British Standards to provide water based extinguishers for any electrical risk. So this is why you see CO2 extinguishers alongside a water or foam extinguisher where there are nearby electrical risks.

 

[Two on Tour]

I'm aware of the Fire Stick ones but they're not exactly cheap (yes I'm aware they have a 15 year warranty!), I would like to have 2 (one in cab and one in rear near cooker) and I'm not totally convinced that they are the most suitable for a MH plus the way that they are activated could be difficult for me with my hands.

You say "the way that they are activated could be difficult for me with my hands", but are you aware that the StaySafe 5 in one operates like a can of spray paint in that you have to press the button on top of the can which you have to keep pressed to operate the extinguisher, release and it stops.

 

[Reallyretired]

I have a staysafe in the motorhome , after seeing that video I think I shall find room for a normal extinguisher instead.

 

[Riverbankannie]

After we discharged our powder one, yes it did make a mess, I agonised for a while but went for 2 replacement powder ones, one grabable from inside or outside rhe sliding door, and one grabable from the driver’s seat inside or outside. On top of those, I bought a fire safety stick, to be used in first instance, which is on back of passenger seat.
I also worried that it would be difficult with my hands so I have loosened the tight grip of the caps slightly.

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[Sandancers]

Aldi have the powder ones at £10 right now, can't remember the size, but it is the "right" size for us.

 

[PP Bear]

I have 4 powder ones and a fire blanket.

Located 1 at the front by the passengers seat, 1 in the electrical cupboard, one by the hab door along with the blanket, which is opposite the oven, and one at the rear above the fixed bed.

Thoughts are that wherever they might be needed, I’d have something in reach.

 

[PP Bear]

After we discharged our powder one, yes it did make a mess, I agonised for a while but went for 2 replacement powder ones, one grabable from inside or outside rhe sliding door, and one grabable from the driver’s seat inside or outside. On top of those, I bought a fire safety stick, to be used in first instance, which is on back of passenger seat.
I also worried that it would be difficult with my hands so I have loosened the tight grip of the caps slightly.

Hope they’ll never be needed, but if they did, I think you’ll have the strength of 10 to use them. Here’s to safe, happy travels

 

[Odd-no-more]

I got a fire safety stick, one reason is my old power extinguisher was 3 years out of date, in my head it was the "new one" so I thought I was safe. Fire safety sticks come in 2 sizes 50 seconds and 100 seconds, I decided that if the fire was still burning after 50 seconds I would grab what I could and get out.

 

[Odd-no-more]

I should also say my first line of defence is a fire blanket which should be effective on most small fires

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[Minxy]

Those who have powder ones, do you give them a good shake around by turning them on their sides and moving rapidly side to side? If not you may find the contents have settled into a solid lump which won't then work when needed, I think I was someone on this forum that first mentioned this.

 

[ontheroadagain]

A water mist fire extinguisher is a good option.
We have one of these.

1ltr+ Water Mist Fire Extinguisher - Ultrafire

This 1ltr+ Water Mist fire extinguisher is ideal for domestic kitchens & is designed to tackle a wide range of fires from solid materials to flammable liquids.

www.nationwidefireextinguishers.co.uk

 

[Minxy]

You say "the way that they are activated could be difficult for me with my hands", but are you aware that the StaySafe 5 in one operates like a can of spray paint in that you have to press the button on top of the can which you have to keep pressed to operate the extinguisher, release and it stops.

It's gripping the cap to remove it and then the striker to start it that concerns me, I realised the SS5 is an aerosol but I can press stuff okay usually. I'm still deciding and may stick with powder ones but just wanted to explore the options.

 

[Minxy]

I have a staysafe in the motorhome , after seeing that video I think I shall find room for a normal extinguisher instead.

Was it the length of time the extinguisher lasted for or it not putting out the match? It was an unfair test as those matches are specifically designed not to be extinguished and I suspect any extinguisher would have had the same outcome.

 

[TDub49]

I have a staysafe in the motorhome , after seeing that video I think I shall find room for a normal extinguisher instead.

. . . but I'll be buying some of those matches

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[Speve]

i have got the 100 fire stick what I like is they have a very long shelf life and you can set it going and leave it if you need to get out of the van

 

[Sandancers]

Just looked at our Aldi one. It's 1kg and has a life from Oct 2022 manufacture of five years. So for £10, not bad.

 

[Riverbankannie]

Those who have powder ones, do you give them a good shake around by turning them on their sides and moving rapidly side to side? If not you may find the contents have settled into a solid lump which won't then work when needed, I think I was someone on this forum that first mentioned this.

Thankfully ours worked first time even though it had never been out of its bracket, upright, in it’s 7 year life.

 

[Realist]

Not in one million years would I use a powder extinguisher in my caravan or my old Motorhome.

Always use mist type as they cover electrical as well as a range of other fires and you’ll not have a powder mess everywhere.

 

[Stealaway]

My existing powder extinguisher is out of date so I need to renew it. I'm aware that powder ones aren't ideal due to the mess they create (first hand experience of this!) and also that the powder can compact down due to the constant movement of the MH and go solid thus rendering the extinguisher useless, not something you want to find out when you need it!

I'm aware of the Fire Stick ones but they're not exactly cheap (yes I'm aware they have a 15 year warranty!), I would like to have 2 (one in cab and one in rear near cooker) and I'm not totally convinced that they are the most suitable for a MH plus the way that they are activated could be difficult for me with my hands.

I've read some of the threads and have done some on-line research and am drawn to this one:

Error 410 | Screwfix

Thousands of products at low trade prices | FREE next day delivery available | 30 day money back guarantee on all orders.

www.screwfix.com

I can buy a couple for a total of £39.98 or get a 3 pack for £52.97 including P&P which means I could have one in our house too:

StaySafe 5-in-1 Fire Extinguisher

Eliminate fires in seconds with the StaySafe 5-in-1 Fire Extinguisher StaySafe is a lightweight recyclable plastic aerosol fire extinguisher and a more practical and solution compared to traditional metal canister.

www.lifesafetechnologies.co.uk

Has anyone actually used one of these 'actively'? If so what did you think of it?

We paid a tenner for the one from Aldi last week --- not that we'll ever use it

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[Odd-no-more]

I think a fire blanket would be more use than an extinguisher for most fires, but in a space that is not accessible an extinguisher will work. In all the years working with a blowlamp in people's homes I had one or two small "fires" the only one I couldn't get with a damp rag was in an airing cupboard which had a void under the cylinder with 30 years of dirt and fluff, that was the only time I used the extinguisher and it made short work of the fire. I always had an extinguisher next to me for any "hot" work.
Years before one of my colleagues had a fire in a loft he grabbed a bucket and put the fire out with water from the cold tank, the fire was soon out but the water brought the ceiling down

 

[Minxy]

We paid a tenner for the one from Aldi last week --- not that we'll ever use it

Trust my you do NOT want to unless you really have to!

When our Rapido had the 'gas pipe 5ft blowtorch' incident turning the gas off obviously stopped the ignited gas but the cupboard itself had a bit of a fire/smouldering in it and the powder fire extinguisher performed brilliantly. Fortunately I'd put some insulation (fire proof) at the rear of the cupboard due to being draughty (fridge not sealed properly!) this prevented the fire getting behind the units otherwise I don't think we'd have had a MH left as I wouldn't have been able to access it easily to put it out. It made a hell of a mess but I certainly wouldn't ever moan about having one. If I'd only had the 'Firestick' type it would likely have run out before I was able to get into the rear of the cupboard to put out the fire, at least with a 'normal' type extinguisher you can let go of the lever and it stops, even if only for a brief moment, to allow you to get to where you need to be without wasting the contents.

 

[Stealaway]

When our Rapido had the 'gas pipe 5ft blowtorch' incident turning the gas off obviously stopped the ignited gas but the cupboard itself had a bit of a fire/smouldering in it and the powder fire extinguisher performed brilliantly.

'kin 'ell. You don't want that in a motorhome.

 

[Minxy]

'kin 'ell. You don't want that in a motorhome.

Indeed you do not ... full story here if you want to have a bit of a read when you've got nowt else to do!

IMPORTANT: FIRE RISK WARNING

Please read this - it could save your life quite literally! It has taken some time to write this piece as it has been a very upsetting experience so please do take the time to read it - it has been painful for me but I felt it was necessary to put a posting on the forum to try to ensure others do...

forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk

 

[Ingwe]

Indeed you do not ... full story here if you want to have a bit of a read when you've got nowt else to do!

IMPORTANT: FIRE RISK WARNING

Please read this - it could save your life quite literally! It has taken some time to write this piece as it has been a very upsetting experience so please do take the time to read it - it has been painful for me but I felt it was necessary to put a posting on the forum to try to ensure others do...

forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk

Blood chilling! Really pleased you, other half and pooches were all unharmed (at least physically). Fire and gas escapes are my nightmare in the van. Thanks for posting this.

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[Tonks]

i have got the 100 fire stick what I like is they have a very long shelf life and you can set it going and leave it if you need to get out of the van

Exactly why I bought mine.
I also have a fire blanket, and a powder extinguisher in the door of the cab. The latter was a gift!

 

[TheBig1]

Locally we had a van catch fire on a THS. The owner had bodged a link to a second battery and was desperately trying to disconnect it as the flames started raging. One of the stewards was there with a fire extinguisher within a minute, but the fire kept reigniting. He picked up the campers wire cutters and cut the cable. The fire was then easily extinguished

Proof that knowledge and a fire extinguisher will work. But also proof of how things go rapidly bad when people play with wiring without understanding why fuses are essential. He was lucky the batteries didn't explode and was cross about the mess caused by the extinguisher and his wire being chopped off. The steward gave him a few words of advice, but I think the camper's wife was the one that gave him the best rollocking. A bit of smoke damage and the powder to clean up was a very lucky result, as it was definitely going to destroy the whole van without the swift action of the steward.

 

[Minxy]

Just a question for those 'in the trade' as it were ... why do fire blankets have a use by date?

 

[bubble63]

Just a question for those 'in the trade' as it were ... why do fire blankets have a use by date?

Why would they expire, it’s just a fabric isn‘t it ?

 

[Minxy]

Why would they expire, it’s just a fabric isn‘t it ?

That's my thinking but it does say on some sites they should be replaced every X number of years, hence my question as to why.

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