Do fires extinguishers need to be shaken to prevent settling?

[buickanddeere]

There are two (that I'm aware of) situations where you don't want to use a water extinguisher - electrical fires and flammable liquids fires.

That thar be why the soap was added . It makes the suds that float on top of the gasoline . As for
Electrical , I wouldn’t hesitate to hit 600V with a AFFF 2-1/2 gallon from 10 feet away . The foam is a lousy conductor .

 

[buickanddeere]

Four.



Three.

Everybody forgets about Class D - Metals. Not much of a problem in most homes, but it can be in a shop that does metal working and has aluminum or other metal scraps and dust.

Add Class K if you deal with kitchens and cooking oils.

. Magnesium and Zirconium will also burn.

 

[buickanddeere]

I would guess to cut surface tension and help the water stick to material better, both burned and unburned. But that's a guess.

You and 4570man are correct .

 

[buickanddeere]

Is a cupful necessary? I put a big squirt, maybe <2 oz. in mine. I don't know what the Goldilocks amount is. Should I be trying to make lots of foam or is soft water and a little foam good enough?

Some is good and more is better. Soap is cheap .

 

[Oh Lordy HepMe HepME]

#30

Common Myths | Amerex Fire

amerex-fire.com

 

[Larry Caldwell]

I have always made a habit of turning ours upside down every fall and giving the bottom a few smacks with a rubber mallet to be sure the dry chemical powder inside the devices does not get caked.

Ditto. I smack the bottom and sides with a rubber mallet, and give it a good shake to fluff the dry chemical.

Generally, the ones with metal valves can be serviced, but it's cheaper to buy a new one. The plastic valve units are disposable.

 

[Oh Lordy HepMe HepME]

Amerex link above says don't do that, see #30. Calls it a Myth if one takes time to read it.
People get set in their ways..lol

 

[Doofy]

I did school maintenance for 30 years and making sure the extinguisher powder was loose was part of our monthly visual inspection. We also had to remove the hose to make sure it was clear and check the gauge for proper pressure. If the extinguisher was powered by a CO2 cartridge, it had to be removed and weighed for the proper charge.

Having eyes and hands on your extinguishers can't hurt.

 

[Oh Lordy HepMe HepME]

Prior to WWII it was correct to shake, it seems somebody forgot to tell us to stop..lol
Best advice I read is right here-
" Ask anyone who advocates shaking to produce a manufacturer’s document that recommends it.”
More on it here..

WPV-CERT - Fire Extinguisher Myth

 

[Doofy]

Prior to WWII it was correct to shake, it seems somebody forgot to tell us to stop..lol
Best advice I read is right here-
" Ask anyone who advocates shaking to produce a manufacturer’s document that recommends it.”
More on it here..

WPV-CERT - Fire Extinguisher Myth

If it's on the internet, it must be true.