Common Myths
- Myth: #01: Stored-Pressure Extinguishers compact the dry chemical.
- Myth: #02: Higher UL ratings will put out more fire.
- Myth: #03: Stainless steel extinguishers won't corrode.
- Myth: #04: It isn’t necessary to clean extinguishers as part of the annual maintenance.
- Myth: #05: I can use any foam extinguisher on any flammable liquid.
- Myth: #06: I can use our old extinguishers that have been removed from service for live fire training.
- Myth: #07: I buy “recycled” dry chemical for use in my recharging. It saves me a lot of money and I can claim that I am “green”.
- Myth: #08: It doesn’t matter how I remove an “O” ring.
- Myth: #09: I can used two 20B rated extinguishers to meet a 40B requirement.
- Myth: #10: I can make more money by servicing older fire extinguishers than I can by selling new ones.
- Myth: #11: Dry Chemical “smothers” the fire.
- Myth: #12: It’s OK to continue servicing old extinguishers as long as I can get parts that fit, or figure out how to make it work.
- Myth: #13: I provide my customers with what the code requires, nothing more, nothing less.
- Myth: #14: If a cylinder fails the visual inspection requirements, but passes the hydrotest, it’s OK.
- Myth: #15: I buy all of my “O” rings from an “O” ring supplier – they say they match perfectly and will work just fine.
- Myth: #16: The gauge is reading in barely in the green on the high/low side. The factory must have over/under pressurized the extinguisher.
- Myth: #17: I always recommend an ABC dry chemical since it will be safe to use on any fire they may have.
- Myth: #18: Cartridge-Operated extinguishers are easier to maintain.
- Myth: #19: You can’t discharge water and dry chemical simultaneously during a fire incident.
- Myth: #20: You cannot use dry chemical with foam.
- Myth: #21: The quickest method is the best method for cleaning valve seats.
- Myth: #22: Fire extinguishers are not needed if sprinklers are present.
- Myth: #23: Just recharge the extinguisher, don’t ask questions.
- Myth: #24: All Class B fires are the same.
- Myth: #26: I found this great water-based agent to put in your foam and water units.
- Myth: #27: Foam extinguishers aren’t very useful, a dry chemical extinguisher will be just as good.
- Myth: #28: Wheeled extinguishers are just for airports and refineries.
- Myth: #29: Extinguishers are just commodities and are always the same regardless of the manufacturer or construction.
- Myth: #30: You don’t have to check the gas tube in cartridge-operated extinguishers during the annual maintenance.
- Myth: #31: It isn’t necessary to remove gas tubes during hydrostatic testing.
- Myth: #32: I need a Class D extinguisher for Lithium-Ion batteries.
- Myth: #33: You need to turn the extinguisher upside down and hit it with a rubber mallet to fluff the chemical during annual maintenance.
