Last updated on November 15th, 2022 at 02:05 pm
It is of utmost significance to keep an automotive fire extinguisher handy in your car because the urgent need for its use may arise when you least expect it. Placing a fire extinguisher in your automobile, home, or office can help preserve your life and the lives of others.
There are different types of fire extinguishers available in the market that comes with various specifications. We have taken the time to gather facts and to bring the best car fire extinguisher. This review gives details on the different types of fire extinguishers and some of my best automotive fire extinguisher you can get on on Amazon.
Different Types of Fire Extinguishers
There are different types of fire extinguishers depending on the types of fire. We also have different types of fire. They include:
- Class A: freely burning, combustible solid materials such as wood or paper
- Class B: flammable liquid or gas
- Class C: energized electrical fire (energized electrical source serves as the igniter of a class A or B fire – it ceases to be a class C fire if electrical source is eliminated)
- Class D: metallic fire (titanium, zirconium, magnesium, sodium)
- Class K: cooking fires – animal or vegetable oils or fats
Let’s look at six (6) fire extinguisher types.
1. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher
The wet chemical extinguisher is specifically used for class K fires involving cooking media like animal and vegetable fats or oils.
These extinguishers contain a solution composed of potassium that effectively launches a two-pronged assault on fires.
The liquid mist helps to cool the fire and a thick soap-like substance develops a seal on the surface of the liquid as a result of the chemical reaction of the solution with the cooking medium.
The wet chemical extinguisher is best used in a kitchen setting and is ideal for K fires. This extinguisher is effective for Class A fires where a matter like paper or wood catches fire.
2. ABC Powder Fire Extinguisher
An ABC powder fire extinguisher works by spraying a very fine chemical powder made up of mostly mono ammonium phosphate. This acts as a blanket on the fire thereby quenching it. These fire extinguishers are efficient for stopping class A, B, and C fires since it is not electrical conductor and since it can successfully break the chain reaction in a liquid or gas fire.
3. Water Mist Fire Extinguisher
The water mist extinguisher features an innovative technology that is effective in quenching most classes of fire. It works by releasing microscopic water molecules that act as fire suppression. Since excess water is dispersed in such a tiny fog-like outline, it decreases the level of oxygen in the air, thereby helping to extinguish the fire.
Also, the water particles from the fire extinguisher are drawn to the fire, thereby plummeting the temperature.
The water mist fire extinguisher use has been de-ionized. This makes it feasible for use on electrical fires since the de-ionized water will not act as a conductor. A water mist extinguisher can effectively be used on classes A, B, C, and K fires.
4. Foam Fire Extinguisher
These fire extinguisher types are best for class A fires and the flammable liquids of class B. It would be inappropriate for it to be used on gaseous flames.
This extinguisher forms a type of foam that swells when it hits the air and covers the fire. This layer hinders the vapors from rising off the liquid to nourish the fire. The foam also has a cooling effect on the fire. Foam extinguishers are some of the best for liquid fires, such as gasoline fires, but can also be used on Class A fires involving solid combustibles like wood.
5. Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher
This extinguisher is a form of gaseous fire suppression that is stored in liquid form but changes to gas when sprayed. It is safe to be used around humans, and it is eco-friendly as it leaves no residue.
This extinguisher is composed of Halon and quenches fire by dropping the oxygen levels and obstructing the chain reaction. It is perfect to be used for rooms or offices filled with electrical and computer equipment. They are mostly used for class B and C fires.
6. Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher
This is the cleanest type of extinguisher to use as it leaves no residue and quenches carbon dioxide (CO2). It is just right for use on class B fires that entail combustible liquids.
7 Best Car Fire Extinguisher 2022 (Best automotive fire extinguisher)
1. First Alert 1038789 Standard Home Fire Extinguisher
First Alert is a distinguished brand when it comes to fire extinguishers. The Standard Home Fire Extinguisher model produced by First Alert is lightweight, making it effortless to cart around. This fire extinguisher is graded 1-A: 10-B:C, according to standard regulations and checks. The metal valve and trigger are all constructed with building material.
This brand makes use of Mono-ammonium phosphate as its main extinguishing agent. It can be used to quench fires from electrical equipment, gas, paper, trash, gasoline, oil, and wood.
Additionally, this model comes with a safety-pin device to guarantee that there is no unnecessary leaking that can drain the fire suppression.
Pros
- Fire extinguisher use is simple
- The frame resists corrosion
- It is waterproof
- Effective on all fires
- Minimum leakage
Cons
- The mounting strap isn’t big enough
- Locking pin may fall if not fixed properly
2. Amerex 240, 2.5 Gallon Water Class A Fire Extinguisher
The Amerex is a huge and well-built fire extinguisher that weighs 7 pounds, making it the strongest product on the market. The pressure, fire suppression, and discharge time of this fire extinguisher is iconic. The Amerex is ideal for use on heavy-duty work, but not necessarily constructed strictly for factory workers. You can equally use it in your home, especially if the nature of your work exposes you to the risk of a fire outbreak.
Amerex comes with a distinguishing discharge time of 55 seconds, which is equivalent to the cooling effect of a 45ft stream of water. It can also be used to quench different types of fire, including forest fire; that is how strong this extinguisher is.
Pros
- Unique discharge time
- Effortless to fill and recharge
- Comes with a good solution manual
- Comes with a wall bracket
Cons
- Doesn’t have a mounting bracket
- Container lacks padding which may lead to damage at some point in the delivery
- Does not include a mounting bracket
3. Kidde 21005779 Pro 210 Fire Extinguisher
The Kidde weighs about 7 pounds and is ideal to use in your office or work environment. This product is graded at 2-A:10-B:C, and is effective at quenching all fires. It comes with an operating PSI of 100, and a discharge time of 12-15 seconds. You can stand at a protected zone of 10 feet from the fire before using this fire suppression.
This fire extinguisher, which is quite trouble-free to use, has a gauge that can indicate the level of operating pressure along with a charging device.
Pros
- It has light-weight, making it easy for children to operate in case of fire outbreak
- It comes with a rechargeable device
- It comes with a mounting bracket
- Host sturdy valve system
- Instructions are printed visibly
Cons
Heavy to carry for children
Requires frequent checkups
Best Fire Extinguisher For Classic Car
4. Fire Gone 2NBFG2704 White/Red Fire Suppressant Canisters
Fire Gone extinguishers come in a pack of two canisters which are very easy to use as a fire suppression for small household flames. It has a lightweight of 2.75 pounds with a capacity of 16 ounces.
These fire suppression canisters are readily handy as their small size means easy storage in a cupboard. It is produced with an extinguishing agent that is very effective against different types of fire, including fires produced by fabric, wood, grease, or electrical parts.
Pros
- It is biodegradable and simple to clean up
- Fire extinguisher use is easy
- Can be stored inside kitchen cabinets and in vehicles
- Comes in two fire suppression canisters
- Easy to carry around
Downside
- Can’t be used to put out heavy and big fires
- Not suitable for industrial usage
5. 10lb ABC Dry Chemical Class A:B:C Fire Extinguisher
This fire extinguisher is the typical model used in public places and industrial sites. It’s straightforward to operate and carry around due to its light weight.
This model is fine-tuned with an extinguishing agent that can deal with different types of fire.
This product comes with a high discharge time (20 seconds), making it essential to be used in a work environment. Also, this extinguisher is produced using a metal which also includes a wall bracket.
Pros
- Stored pressure design
- Functional temperature range
- All metal valve construction
Downside
The shipping process may lead to the minor problems with a minor extinguisher frame
6. FIAFESA5 by First Alert
This is another fire extinguisher produced by the First Alert brand which is ideal for people who are always on the go. This smaller model weighs 2.2 pounds, making it effortless to store and move from one place to another. This fire extinguisher is best for people who want to always store it in their cars.
This extinguisher is also the ideal model to use and teach kids how to operate it during fire hazards.
This fire extinguisher comes with a mounting bracket for easy placement on the wall and features a large and easy-to-read pressure gauge, which makes things easier for greenhorns. This model is rated 5-B:C, making it ideal for automobile-related accidents. Furthermore, its size also allows for its easy travel and storage.
Pros
- Used for flammable liquid and electrical equipment
- It is easy to move around
- It is light and durable, making it ideal for traveling
- It features a stabilizing device, that makes it effortless to use in a moving vehicle
Downside
- It cannot be used for heavy-duty work
- It has no pressure gauge that can point to pressure level
#7. H3R Performance HG100C HalGuard Chrome Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher
This is one of the best fire extinguishers available on the market. The mode of use and operation is quite easy. It is lightweight (3.4 pounds), and portable, making it easy for you to carry around.
This fire extinguisher comes with a mounting bracket, so you can fix it anywhere you want to. It is also constructed with high quality and full metal. It uses halotron as its major extinguishing agent. It has an ideal pressure delivery with a range of 6 to 8 feet.
The product concentrates on extinguishing fires in spots that are difficult to access. This is performed by the directed expulsion of liquefied gas, which is twice as effective as the standard-issue used.
Pros
- Utilizes liquefied gas to reach hard-to-reach places
- Comes with a good and elaborative manual guide
- Easy to use and recharge
Downside
- The pin falls out if wrongly inserted
- The label is pretty big and hard to get off
Conclusion on Best Fire Extinguisher for Classic Car
It’s better to be safe than sorry. We hope the above list can help you better understand what you might be looking for. If you have any recommendations or feedback, you can get in touch with us via our email!
So, we have discussed the different types of fires, types of fire extinguishers, and the best fire extinguishers currently on market. It is left for you to ensure you get the appropriate extinguishers for your home, vehicles, and office premises. It may require getting different extinguishers in different areas of your offices or homes.
It is important to teach your kids and employees how to properly use the fire extinguisher in case of a fire eruption to prevent it from being used wrongly.
Also, ensure that your fire extinguisher is properly maintained to prevent it from malfunctioning during a fire outbreak.
Better to be safe than sorry because prevention is better than cure!
Hi dear, my name is Jeffery Ekweghi, and I am a certified mechanic and autobody parts technician. I created this site to share my expertise and experience with car lovers looking to resolve their car-related issues. I am certified in private cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. I have worked as a mechanic since 2015 and have experience in vehicle brands like Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, TATA, BMW, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Kia, TVs, and Others; however, I primarily specialize in Toyota vehicles.
