Car fire extinguisher: features of choice, types and characteristics

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

In accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, the absence of a fire extinguisher in the car directly entails a fine. Although the amounts for such violations are small, the presence of the simplest fire protection system in itself is, first of all, a security issue that is beyond monetary terms. The problem in resolving this issue lies only in the fact that a car fire extinguisher is presented on the market in a huge assortment. A wide range of types and varieties of this tool when choosing can confuse even an experienced car enthusiast.

Basic requirements for fire extinguishers in the car

Vehicle fires tend to go unnoticed. Often, signs of a fire are detected a few minutes after the start of smoldering. Accordingly, the driver can only rely on himself, and a hand-held fire extinguisher should become the main assistant in the fight against fire. Depending on the type of vehicle, the regulations require the use of the following fire extinguishers:

• For passenger cars -two-liter manual.
• For trucks, one five liter manual powder or carbon dioxide.
• For fuel trucks - two five-liter powder.

In each case, the weight of the fire extinguisher must be no more than 2 kg. There are also special requirements for operating time. In particular, the service life of a car fire extinguisher should be at least 1.5 years. Rechargeable models can be used for up to 5 years. Inspection of designs with rejection of cylinders and pressure gauges is carried out once a year.

Powder extinguishers

One of the most common types of fire extinguishers for the car, which is a universal fire fighting agent. The advantages of powder fire extinguishers include the ability to extinguish all categories of fires and a wide operating range from -60 to 50 ° C. In addition, this is one of the most affordable car fire extinguishers at a price - an average of 300-500 rubles. But, there are also disadvantages to powder models. The fact is that their active mixtures do not cool the target fire extinguishing zone. In other words, the flame is knocked down, but the smoldering process can not only continue, but in the shortest possible time give a relapse in the form of a new ignition. In this sense, gas and water-based products are more effective.

Also, when using powder fire extinguishers, it is important to take into account the following nuance: in the process of spraying, a cloud of dust is formed, which makes the environment invisible. Therefore, you need to act quickly, not forgetting the locationhotbeds of fire. In this class, two types of fire extinguishers can be distinguished - injection and gas generating. They differ slightly from each other in the mechanics of action.

Pump fire extinguishers

Optimized variation of the powder fire extinguisher with modern controls and controls. During maintenance, the active substance should be periodically pumped into a cylinder, where it will be under high pressure. The average shelf life of a tank-type car fire extinguisher is 2 years, after which it needs to be recharged.

Handling of the structure is simplified by the locking device. In the same part there is a pressure indicator that allows you to monitor operating parameters. As for the effectiveness of extinguishing, the download models are good for their speed. The recoil of the powder begins immediately after pressing the lever on the body. The impact on fire and smoldering centers has the same disadvantages as all powder products. In turn, the indicator allows you to instantly determine the operability of the state of the fire extinguisher. It is in terms of ergonomics and comfort of use that this is the most attractive solution.

Gas generating fire extinguishers

This version has a more complex active mixture formation mechanism. The design provides for a special device that creates conditions for a chemical reaction between several elements of the balloon filler. But the physical mechanics of the action is quite simple. At the moment of operation, a special capsule is punctured, after whichfiller components are mixed, increasing the pressure. Next, the displacement of the active substance begins. For technical inspection, a car fire extinguisher on a gas-generating device is quite suitable, but, again, it is necessary to evaluate the features of its practical use. So, in comparison with pumping models, this design will require 5-7 seconds to prepare the fire extinguishing mixture and build up pressure.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers

This type of fire extinguisher is characterized by the fact that it does not support combustion and effectively copes with the flame from fuels and lubricants. This is especially important if the surfaces of the engine compartment are the sources of fire. Also, car carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are safe for on-board wiring and electrical equipment, even if it is energized. On the other hand, for a person, this fire fighting tool is not so safe. Due to the low temperature of the ejected jet (about -80 °C), it should be used with extreme caution, as there is a risk of frostbite on the body when in contact with the active mixture.

The average operating pressure in the cylinder is 1.4-2 MPa, which provides a spray radius of up to 2 m. It is important to take into account the short duration of such models. The user will have at his disposal about 10 seconds of the active working phase, during which it is necessary to cope with ignition sources. As for the cost, a carbon dioxide car fire extinguisher with a first aid kit and an emergency sign in the set costs 1200-1500 rubles.

Fire extinguishershigh pressure

A model that is also more suitable for short-term spot elimination of local ignition sources. A feature of such fire extinguishers is a small cylinder of compressed air built into the body. By activating the trigger, the user pierces a hole in this container, after which there is a sharp ejection of an air jet that pushes the fire extinguishing mixture. This design works well as a means of instant fire suppression, but it also has the disadvantage of the same delay. The service life of a car fire extinguisher with a high pressure cylinder is also 2 years, and the trigger mechanism with a pressure gauge must be checked separately.

Features of autonomous fire extinguishers

The device is completely autonomous and independent - there are no bindings to the mechanics and electrical wiring of the machine. But it is important to keep in mind that this type of car fire extinguisher is an auxiliary tool. The meaning of its use lies only in practical use, since it does not meet the regulatory parameters, if only due to a small capacity of about 600 ml. Nevertheless, for those who care about the effectiveness of fire extinguishers, this option is quite suitable. When the temperature in the engine compartment rises sharply,the safety-thermal lock on the neck of the device is activated. Further, as a result of a microexplosion, the active mixture is instantly released and distributed, covering the entire source of ignition in a small engine compartment.

Structural performance - what to consider?

The focus in this part is on the means of indication, valves and material of the body. The presence of a pressure gauge and a high-quality locking mechanism with seals is a prerequisite for the efficient and safe operation of a fire extinguisher. It is advisable, even when buying, to evaluate the performance of the device with levers and latches, as well as to check the correctness of the readings of the pressure meter. As for the construction material, stainless steel is preferred. In this case, the price of a car fire extinguisher can exceed 1000 rubles, but, compared to "ordinary" alloys, stainless steel not only resists corrosion processes, but also protects the active mixture from the negative effects of oxides and alkalis.

Prevention of traffic fires

Fire protection starts with the prevention of fire risks. Among the most common causes of transport fires, experts identify the following:

• Flimsy fixation of the battery. Strong vibration or a sharp jolt during movement may well lead to a breakdown in contacts, followed by a short circuit to a metal body. At a minimum, the risk of ignition is ensured, and the use of a car fire extinguisher will only be possibleafter the traffic has come to a complete and safe stop, which will take time.
• The use of combustible chemicals for cleaning the body. Especially in the summer, do not cover exposed surfaces with alcohol or oily substances.
• Use of open fire sources in the cabin. In winter, for the purpose of heating, many people practice blowtorch ignition, which is also unacceptable.
• Electrical wiring fault. Even small faults in the insulation or incorrectly connected contacts can lead to a short circuit, followed by a spark and ignition.

What else should be in the car?

Mandatory components of the car kit - a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a sign warning of an emergency stop. As for the first-aid kit, today fully equipped cases are available for providing medical care in accordance with GOST. The shelf life of the first-aid kit is at least 4.5 years. The warning triangle is also standardized by GOST - it is an equilateral triangle with a rib length of 50 cm and a reflective coating.

Conclusion

Providing a car with protective equipment and assistance in critical situations should not be formal. A car first aid kit and a fire extinguisher in case of a fire with an emergency stop sign will provide the necessary assistance in emergency moments. Moreover, experienced motorists are not advised to limit themselves to regulatory means and always provide for alternative options like the same autonomousfire extinguisher. In terms of price, advanced equipment will also not be very expensive - a comprehensive set of modern medical care and fire protection equipment can cost 2000-3000 rubles, but it will last for several years of operation.