Fire extinguishers: Halon vs DuPont FE36

[Ridge K.]

Re: Fire extinguishers: Halon vs DuPont FE36

Did some searching and came up with the attached information compiled from several different sites about Halon vs FE36. Hope this answers some of the questions. Maybe Ridge Kayser or others can provide more info. Gary....

First let me say, I cannot comment on Halotron, or FE36, as I have no first hand experience with either.




Now back to Halon:
Halon 1301 is the superior type, that is completely in a gaseous form. Every single automatic discharge system I have ever seen protecting everything from airline owned jet aircraft, to an advanced computer system costing hundreds of millions of dollars (American Airlines Sabre), is protected by Halon 1301.


But in your shop of garage, I recommend a co2 extinguisher. I have mentioned before, that one can commonly find used co2 extinguishers for sale at local businesses that service fire extinguishers. Check your local telephone book yellow pages. Store this extinguisher between you, and where you might imagine a garage fire could start up. Another words, keep it close to the door you will be entering the garage with, not stuck in the back corner of the garage or shop.
A third choice for the garage or shop, would be a pressurized water extinguisher. This is the roughly three foot high type, that are commonly seen inside school buildings. Once again, these can be purchased used from extinguisher service companies who have taken them in on trades. You should be able to buy a moderate sized co2, or pressurized water for $25 to $50 tops, in good used condition. (in order to store pressurized water, the shop or garage must be heated, or in a non-freezing climate).

[Ridge K.]

Re: Fire extinguishers: Halon vs DuPont FE36

Basic technique for fire extinguisher use. These tips learned from first hand experience in thousands of fire situations, and may vary slightly from published guides, put forth by expert organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which I was a member of, at one time.
I have taken into consideration the estimated, average overall IQ of visitors to this technical discussion board., who also share an interest in the preservation of vintage Corvettes.

Step #1: if the fire has spread from the vehicle that is stored inside a shop or garage, into the structure of that shop or garage, CALL the FIRE DEPARTMENT, first.

Step #2:

Step#3:

Step #4: if gasoline, or say, the paint thinner you are using is involved, still maintain that calm determination, but be more aggressive, and make sure you have a clear path of exitNEVER gets mad because you called them, and they were not needed. They only get mad, if you failed to make the call, and they were needed. Several of us have had the heartbreaking task of removing the body of a lifeless child, because an adult at the scene failed to remain calm, and call the proper emergency help. If in doubt, make the call. In 99% of cases, there is no charge to the taxpayer.

Step#5: read the manufacturers (extinguisher) directions, and follow them, along with the above field-tested tips.

As a p.s
Hope these are helpful. As always, contact me if I may be of service.
Ridge.

[Gary C.]

Re: Fire extinguishers: Halon vs DuPont FE36

Gentlemen, back in the day before retirement the mini computer rooms in telephone offices, the data centers and the underground command posts we staffed were all Halon equipped. Also, in those environments were enough oxygen masks for maximum staff on duty. So, as others have said in a closed environment becareful. Best, Gary....

[Jeff A.]

Re: Fire extinguishers: Halon vs DuPont FE36

To all, and especially Ridge, a hearty thanks for taking the time to respond to my initial posting. Ridge, I was aware of your background from prior posts and deeply appreciate your insight (I was hoping you'd chime in)! As I noted earlier, Halon will be my primary weapon, but I'll be packing a dry extinguisher as a backup.
Jeff
PS, I'm paranoid about fires. My '66 was caught in a shop fire a couple of years ago and got pretty well toasted. It occurred after-hours, and although the shop was equipped with extinguishers, there was no one around to use them. I'm hoping to get her back on the road (better than new) in a couple of months.

[Dick W.]

Re: Fire extinguishers: Halon vs DuPont FE36

While I will still use my dry chemicals, a note to Ridge's post. While you see Halon in computer rooms, quite a few high dollar facilities will use Halon in a pre-action system. The Halon is the first line of defense, an automatic sprinkler system is the backup. When the Halon is activated the system will also allow a dry sprinkler system to fill with water. The water will not discharge until the heat reaches a predetermined point, at which time the link on sprinkler heads will melt, allowing water to be discharged. Better to have wet computers or what ever that to have a building on the ground when the FD arrives.

[Ridge K.]

Re: Fire extinguishers: Halon vs DuPont FE36

While I will still use my dry chemicals, a note to Ridge's post. While you see Halon in computer rooms, quite a few high dollar facilities will use Halon in a pre-action system. The Halon is the first line of defense, an automatic sprinkler system is the backup. When the Halon is activated the system will also allow a dry sprinkler system to fill with water. The water will not discharge until the heat reaches a predetermined point, at which time the link on sprinkler heads will melt, allowing water to be discharged. Better to have wet computers or what ever that to have a building on the ground when the FD arrives.

Once again, this has been an extremely thought provoking, and positive thread.
Ridge.

[Tom R.]

Re: Fire extinguishers: Halon vs DuPont FE36

Halon 1301 is the superior type, that is completely in a gaseous form. Every single automatic discharge system I have ever seen protecting everything from airline owned jet aircraft, to an advanced computer system costing hundreds of millions of dollars (American Airlines Sabre), is protected by Halon 1301.

Ridge

If you're in need of an article for the Restorer...this would make a great topic. And between this post and the next, you have the makings of a comprehensive article for Corvette owners who wish to maximize garage safety.

[Terry M.]

Re: Fire extinguishers: Halon vs DuPont FE36

An excellent idea Tom. With Ridge's background and a few photos of extinguishers, Vinnie should be real happy.

[Ridge K.]

Re: Fire extinguishers: Halon vs DuPont FE36

Ridge

If you're in need of an article for the Restorer...this would make a great topic. And between this post and the next, you have the makings of a comprehensive article for Corvette owners who wish to maximize garage safety.

Tom, and Terry, I'll see what I can put together.
Thanks for your support.
Saving just one car, would be worth every single post, thought, or printed story. Ridge.

[Dick W.]

Re: Fire extinguishers: Halon vs DuPont FE36

Once again, this has been an extremely thought provoking, and positive thread.
Ridge.

Ridge, I am a strong proponent the residential sprinkler systems. I used the National Fire Administrations demonstration trailer for quite a few presentations about 30 years ago. I have done one of my own houses with the system at a cost of about $2.50 a square foot for new construction. Probably retrofitting an existing storage building or garage with a sprinkler system would run in the $8.00 sq.ft. range, if done to code. Water volume would be one limitation for most hobbyist shops. If one wants a basic system, not to code, to do his garage, you could retrofit using Pex tubing, residential heads, and a residential alarm valve. This would give minimal protection. Remember fires do not start large, they all start small and grow large.

[Thomas N.]

Re: Fire extinguishers: Halon vs DuPont FE36

Another possible solution for a shop is something that Griot's Garage handles. It is a ceiling mounted unmanned extinguisher that has a thermal fuse and opens up its contents. It is dry powder. No plumbing required. http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...rrivals&page=1
I imagine there are other companies that have these or some flavor of it. Maybe even in something other than dry powder. I am not supporting this item, just thought it would be good to let others know what is out there.