Refer Fire Extinguisher??

[gmctoyman]

Yep I have one.

But after MANY years of owning Motorhomes and boats, and stuff, I've never been presented a example of an actual "save" by one of these. Anyone else ?

[Dtank]

gmctoyman wrote:
Tiny percentage of owners, probably. But also probably a pretty good cross section.

Just ONE example of these little halon extinguishers saving an RV ???

Hmmmmmm - in 30 year of putting the wet stuff on the red stuff, been to:
commercial fires, house fires, fireworks stand fire, mobile home fires, vehicle fires of all types (including RVs), gasoline tanker fires, haz-mat fires, etc.

As you may be aware.....restaurants are required by most jurisdictions to have automatic extinguishing systems in the vent hoods over the cooking areas - as well as over the cooking surfaces.

*Never* in 30 years did I ever respond to a fire at a restaurant in one of the protected areas.

Doesn't mean there aren't any - or fires don't occur there.
Lots more restaurants than RVs, LOL!

Statistics for most/all of the above are available (including the cooking & hood systems for restaurants) - and usually documentation of cause and origin of fires are required by law.
Your state may have this info, maybe not....and the extent/accessibility may vary.

Unfortunately RV (and Mobile Home) "saves" are few and far between - if a fire progresses beyond the incipient stage.
(It's kind of like the aforementioned fireworks stand fire!)

So chances of hearing from someone whose RV *survived* with the help of (or due to) the fridge compt extinguishers may be *VERY* unlikely.

But, you got 'em, be happy.....maybe YOUR RV will be *THE* one!..:C

.

[portscanner]

I too, am interested in this information, but I expect the quantity that has both installed an automatic extinguisher in the refer AND had it activated will be very small.

The reason why is due to someone who is so diligent in installing an extinguisher will probably also be diligent in other important simpler tasks such as:
- keeping the area behind the refrigerator clean from spider webs, dust and other debris that is combustible.
- making sure the recalls are implemented
- inspecting the refrigerator for possible failing components

[gmctoyman]

Tiny percentage of owners, probably. But also probably a pretty good cross section.

Just ONE example of these little halon extinguishers saving an RV ???

[Fizz]

The RV owners in this forum are a tiny percentage of all the owners in N. America.
Just because it hasen't been reported here doesn' tmean it never happens.

[D_E_Bishop]

I think it may be a ounce of prevention sort of thing, like during overhaul of the submarine I was on we had to verify that al hull valves and backup hull valves were capable of experiencing pressure that was 110% in excess of the pressure of our test depth.

Don't know why you installed the automatic fire suppression system but you're glad you have it.

[jffnkrn]

I have never had to use one on an RV but have used them under the hood of a vehicle. they do work and will be effective if the fire is small enough and eliminated at a super early stage. Preparation is critical and placement and maintenance of your fire extinguisher is also critical. know how to use it as well. Practice fire extinguisher safety. I keep a 5 lb extinguisher at the front door location. And of course get out and get away! Good Luck & Be Safe ! ! !

[Chris_Bryant]

gmctoyman wrote:
How can you have "piece of mind" if no one can prove that even ONE has ever worked ? I have them also, but would it be just as effective to paint the door blue ?

What do you think would not work about them? Do you think they are just empty boxes which will do nothing in case of a fire? Do you think they will simply not put out a fire? The technology is not exactly cutting edge here- they are basic systems which have been tested and listed by the appropriate agencies. They've been around for ages now in many applications. I see no reason they should not operate as intended in this application.

[gmctoyman]

How can you have "piece of mind" if no one can prove that even ONE has ever worked ? I have them also, but would it be just as effective to paint the door blue ?

[royl]

Mine is in there for peace of mind. I hope I am not the first to report that it worked. I also hope you are not the one that didn't have one and needed it.

[gmctoyman]

A lot of rattling around, and useless jaw flapping, but still NO....ZERO....actual use reports !

[CavemanCharlie]

BulldawgFan wrote:
This may be common sense or general knowledge, but if not, a little tip...

A couple or few times a year take your fire extinguisher and shake it, knock the stuff loose, it tends to accumulate and settle. You want it to work if you ever do have to pull the pin.

X2

[onemilmhz]

I saved my porch the other day after the DW set some thick cut bacon on fire on the grill! :E

[PA12DRVR]

One dark winters day so many years ago.....my buddy and I were hand propping an airplane and someone (the buddy) got a bit carried away on the priming. A backfire started gas in the exhaust tube on fire. A quick squirt from the handy extinguisher in the truck solved the problem.


Does that count?

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

Trying to put out a serious fire in an RV is tantamount to having 1000 lbs of gun powder catch on fire and trying to put it out with a 1 lb dry chem fire extinguisher!