Kidde Fire Extinguisher Recall Do you have one in your RV?

Thanks for the tip. 3 in my boat and 2 in my RV have been recalled. The web site is pretty easy to follow. Added all 5 in about 10 minutes. We see what happens now..

Padlin wrote:
I wonder if this settling issue might be an internet myth. A friend wrote to Kidde about this, whoever responded stated there is no need to shake or rap on them. Not much of an answer, but that was their response.

Mine is/was 4 years old, I've never touched it. Replaced it this summer with a bigger one so we fired off the old one just to see if it'd work. Worked fine although it only lasted 10 seconds. Makes a heck of a mess too.

No, it's NOT a myth..:R

The "powder" in a dry chemical extinguisher will "pack down" if it is left stationary for an extended period of time. Usually this doesn't happen - but simple inverting with a tap will prevent same.
It's also essential that the powder remains "dry".
(And obviously - check the gauge to verify the extinguisher remains charged!)

When extinguishers are serviced, the powder is replaced and the extinguisher recharged. it's usually req'd annually for occupancies where the extinguisher/s are required.

Since the above service doesn't apply to your "personal" extinguisher/s, the invert and tap is a good idea.

The "adult size" (poor descriptive term!) extinguisher should have at least a 2A 10 BC rating which is usually a 10 lb extinguisher.

BTW - Although they may "meet code" where *required*, extinguishers with plastic nozzles and handles have *not* been the choice of fire folks -OR- service companies for years!!

Many extinguisher service companies will *not* service them for the same reason as the recall. Plastic components are just not reliable for repeated maintenance and service, and have caused injury to the folks doing the service when being re-pressurized.

Consequently, often small business owners who only need one 2A 10 BC extinguisher will simply visit the local big box store and buy a new one every year (costs less than paying the service company for annual service and/or a quality extinguisher with metal components).

It's not difficult -or overly expensive- to find/purchase dry chem (dry powder) extinguishers with metal components...:W



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rockhillmanor wrote:
Also ALL those tiny fire extinguishers that come with the RV settle and when it comes time to use them they don't work.

I was at a rally where the Fire Department put on an educational seminar and said that numerous RV fires that were a total loss could have been prevented "IF" those fire extinguishers worked or a residential size extinguisher had been on board.

They said almost all the fire extinguishers in new RV's have already settled before being bought by the consumer.

Their recommendation was to routinely shake these fire extinguishers regularly to keep them from settling.

OR

Better yet buy an adult size extinguisher to replace the small ones that come from the RV factory which in actuality are not big enough to put even a small fire.

I tried mine at that Fire Department seminar and sure enough it didn't work. :(

Went out the next day and bought 2 big residential size extinguishers. One sits up front by the kitchen and the other in the back bedroom.

That Fire Department RV seminar was a REAL eye opener for me.

when I was on fire dept and we used little extinguishers we grabbed them and gave them a tap on the bumper or whatever was close to give the powder to break up so the powder would flow

The one in my new RV was on the recall, as were the two in my house. Replacements are on the way.

Related, I replaced my house and garage extinguishers due to age a couple of years ago and the old extinguishers worked just fine when I discharged them.

I checked mine today and all 3 were recalled (house, garage and RV)!

I don't know about settling, but I do know all the fire extinguishers we have on construction sites need to be recertified every year.

Mine in the camper reads not good, I'll take a free replacement.

I have been telling people for the 30+ years as a firefighter that it is good practice to turn them over occasionally and tap with a mallet. I think in an rv there is much more movement and bouncing around so might not be as critical but can't hurt.
As far as size, it has be usable by anyone in the rv, so make sure it is not too heavy or placed in an awkward spot or you might as well not have it.
Most fire departments will offer extinguisher practice, great time to try one out!

I seriously doubt the Fire department that put on the demonstration would be called an internet myth.:R

I wonder if this settling issue might be an internet myth. A friend wrote to Kidde about this, whoever responded stated there is no need to shake or rap on them. Not much of an answer, but that was their response.

Mine is/was 4 years old, I've never touched it. Replaced it this summer with a bigger one so we fired off the old one just to see if it'd work. Worked fine although it only lasted 10 seconds. Makes a heck of a mess too.

pigman1 wrote:
Two out of 3 of my Kidde's needed replacement. On the way!

The only thing necessary to keep those extinguishers by the door is a monthly check. Invert and shake or hit with a rubber hammer a few times, check the gauge for proper pressure, make sure the pin is in and can easy be pulled. (A zip tie should NOT be used) Make sure the nozzle is clear, not blocked by mud daubers or such.

My extinguisher saved me after an oil check rag fell down on the exhaust pipe. 3' flames inside and outside the rear cap and I hit it with the "USELESS EXTINGUISHER". Fire out and it didn't even scorch the paint. Got the extinguisher filled that evening. Got smarter IMMEDIATELY!! No more rags back there.

X2