Automatic Fire Extinguishers
 

In my redue of the boat I plan on adding halon fire extinguishers into the engine bay. I want Halon as it is the cleanest if there ever is a fire. I have been checking around and I know that you can still get Halon fire extinguishers but also noticed a new "Halon Alternative" fire extinguisher by Fireboy and a few others. Anyone know anything about how well this stuff works?

Jon

Jon- unfortunately not as well as Halon. You can still buy the real thing both 1211 and 1311. It is being recycled, just like Freon R-12 is. It just costs considerably more than it used to.
I would only trust Halon myself- we are still using it exclusively on the jets, but we are also still using a lot of R12 too- so far we have been exempt in having to change it out.
Check with your local fire extinguishing gurus- they can hook you up with hand-helds, and can probably recharge/recertify an engine compt. auto setup for you as well. Maybe you can find one used or as a takeout from a damaged boat?

Ya I have been looking for them but so far no luck

Jon

So you do not think that they other stuff is ok for a boat? Can it be any worse then a ABC extinguisher?

Jon

It's OK, and completely USCG approved. It just isn't as aggressive an extinguishing agent. The big reason for all of this was EPA- environmentally friendly.
I would encourage you to buy a larger unit than you would have if it were Halon. I still carry a hand-held Halon in the truck and boat, and encourage anyone else to do the same, even though they cost more. They just plain work better, and the cleanup is a helluva lot less.
Jim

So with the new stuff you still have clean up?

Jon

Jon , You had me worried with this post....With the luck you've been having all you need would be a fire!! Glad it was a tech question!!!:D

Why not Co2?

Yeah, C02 I was thinking the same thing. No extinguisher clean up just fire debris.

I used to carry a 5lb Co2 extinguisher. The plan was to always use it so I wouldn't have to clean up a mess (and gaud, do the dry chem extinguishers make a mess). The problem was that it wasn't CG approved. Now I have 2 (don't ask me why I need 2) 2.5lb cheapie throw away dry chem extinguishers. My new plan is to throw these into the fire, get on the radio, and jump overboard. :rolleyes: