Released At: 2011-01-05 Document located on CPS product page.
Common Myths
Common Myth #1
“Stored-Pressure Extinguishers compact the dry chemical.” Description NO! In fact, a case can be made that points to cartridge-operated extinguishers being more susceptible to both packing and caking. Consider these points: Stored-pressure fire extinguishers have pressure being exerted in ALL directions within the vessel, not just from the top. This actually helps to keep [...]
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Common Myth #2
Description Depends. A wise instructor at the Texas A & M Fire School has said “UL ratings have never put out a fire, fire extinguishers in the hands of capable operators put out fires.” UL Class B fire tests are run on only one type of fire, fuel in depth. The larger the pan fire, [...]
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Common Myth #3
Description Yes, they can. While stainless steel is LESS SUSCEPTIBLE to corrosion, and is far superior for construction of water and foam extinguishers, that does not take away the possibility of corrosion. Quality of water supplies used to refill water and foam extinguishers varies greatly throughout North America and the rest of the world. The [...]
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Common Myth #4
Description No, it isn’t. Consider these points: -If the extinguisher has been cleaned, it won’t blend in with the background and is easier to find in an emergency. -Periodic cleaning helps to remove dirt and moisture trapped in the dirt that can lead to corrosion, thus extending the life of the extinguisher. -Cleaning makes it [...]
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Common Myth #5
Description Yes and No. Amerex is one of the few manufacturers that makes foam fire extinguishers. We are the only one that makes several hand portable foam extinguishers and a foam wheeled unit. All flammable liquid fires are not alike; neither are all foams. The right foam must be used the right way in order [...]
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Common Myth #6
Description This really isn’t a good idea. In Common Myth #2 we discussed briefly UL ratings and different flow rates. Just as different extinguishers made today have different flow rates and discharge times, extinguishers made 20 to 40 years ago had different flow rates and nozzle discharge patterns. It has not been unusual for us [...]
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Common Myth #7
Description No way! Used chemical that is unfit to put into extinguishers that go “on-line” will not work well in training situations even using the best chemical recovery systems. Certainly this chemical should NEVER be used for product demonstrations. Different grinds of chemical, loss of “fines” and mixing of different chemical bases (such as ABC [...]
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Common Myth #8
Description It does. Even if you plan on replacing the “O” ring, you must be careful how it is removed. “O” rings require periodic inspection and/or replacement in order to maintain optimum extinguisher performance. Care must be used when conducting this essential maintenance. Using a sharp object to remove any seal may not only damage [...]
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Common Myth #9
Description You can’t if you are using dry chemical extinguishers but you can if you are using foam extinguishers. This is allowed in NFPA 10 Section 3-3.2 exceptions 1 and 2. Dry chemical extinguishers have no “securement” capabilities. When using a dry chemical extinguisher on flammable liquids, the operator(s) will either put out all of [...]
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