Monthly Archives: March 2011
Common Myth #31
Description You bet they do. In Common Myth #30 we discussed gas tubes; how they work and why they are needed. It is imperative that these tubes be removed every time a hydrostatic test is performed. All internal parts in a pressure vessel are to be removed when conducting a hydrostatic test (NFPA 10 5-5.1.2) [...]
Common Myth #30
Description You bet they do. Amerex recently issued a Tech Tip (#27) that talked about gas tubes on cartridge operated type wheeled units. Gas tubes are an important component in all cartridge-operated extinguishers, whether it is a hand portable or a wheeled unit. The gas tube consists of a metal tube with holes in it [...]
Common Myth #29
Description We don’t think so. We hear it all the time, “A 5 lb.’er is a 5 lb.’er” and, “I can buy that same size extinguisher for 12 cents less somewhere else.” You get the feeling that extinguishers are going to be traded on the futures market for mass selling to distribution points – just [...]
Common Myth #28
Description Not True! Anywhere greater agent flow is needed (see “Myth” #9), greater range, vertical reach or where there is limited manpower, a wheeled unit is the best solution. Places with High Rack Storage of either combustibles or flammable liquids require more reach than a hand portable can provide. Facilities that have bulk storage of [...]
Common Myth #27
Description Not True! Foam extinguishers have capabilities that cannot be found in any other fire extinguisher; therefore they have a place anywhere flammable liquids are located and spills could occur. Prevent Ignition Foam extinguishers can be applied to a spill to prevent ignition. Dry Chemical, water, CO2, Halon 1211 and Halon substitutes only work if [...]
Common Myth #26
Description NO! We often receive requests to alter an extinguisher from its original design. This cannot be done. Every extinguisher with a Listing, Rating, or Approval from an independent test lab, Government or Agency has undergone extensive design and testing. To alter any part of the extinguisher voids all of the design work, the testing [...]
Common Myth #25
Description It depends on the ANSI/UL ratings and their age? In 1978, UL required a hose and nozzle assembly on all new extinguishers with a rating equal to or greater than 2A or 20B. Who decided on and sanctioned this change? UL and FEMA. They did cooperative fire tests using only novice fire fighters. The [...]
Common Myth #24
Description Not at all. Covered under Class B fires are a variety of fuels and situations. If you look in NFPA 10, Class B fires are divided into several categories. Pressurized Flammable Liquids Pressurized Flammable Gases Three Dimensional Class B Fires Water Soluble Flammable Liquid Fires (Polar solvents) Flammable Liquid Fires of Appreciable Depth Class [...]
Common Myth #23
Description You just received a call from a good customer to recharge fire extinguishers. Or, on the way to or from another job, your technician stops in unannounced at a good customer to see “What’s up?” and finds extinguishers needing recharge. What now? Do you recharge them and leave glad for both the money and [...]
Common Myth #22
Description This is absolutely not true. Sprinklers and fixed systems are important elements in any good fire protection plan and practice, but they should not take the place of hand portable extinguishers. Sprinklers may control a large fire and keep it from spreading to other parts of the building, but they lack the speed, versatility [...]
