A fire extinguisher, often referred to simply as an extinguisher is an active fire protection equipment used for extinguishing or controlling small fires. They are usually used in emergency situations. These devices are meant for use in minor situations only as opposed to out-of-control situations where fires have reached the ceiling. When in need of a high quality fire extinguisher Massachusetts is the best location to check out.
Typically, the firefighting agent in this device is stored in a cylindrical vessel. The agent is released when the operator operates the device. Some models do not feature the cylindrical container, but these kinds are very rare. Commercial and industrial buildings in many countries are needed to have extinguishers of some form to be installed in them.
It is a requirement for all extinguishers installed in buildings to be serviced and inspected every year by a service company in this industry. Some jurisdictions require the inspection and servicing to be done on a more regular basis. After servicing or inspection, the device must be marked by the servicer to indicate the kind or service performed. Some of the services that can be performed include inspection, replacement, and recharge.
Generally, there are two kinds of extinguishers in use currently. The two types are cartridge-operated and store-pressure models. In stored pressure gadgets, the firefighting agent and the expellant are stored within the same chamber. Propellants vary with the kind of agent used. Nitrogen is the main propellant used in dry chemical extinguishers. On the other hand, air is used in foam and water extinguishers. Stored pressure varieties are more common than cartridge-operated models.
In cartridge-operated extinguishers, expellant and extinguishing agents get stored in separate containers. The expellant is exposed to the agent by puncturing the cartridge. The use of cartridge-operated extinguishers is often limited to industrial applications where they are used more regularly than average. Their simpler and prompter use makes them better over the other model. It takes a comparatively shorter time to discharge and recharge the device than store pressure devices.
Compressed carbon dioxide is the propellant used in cartridge-operated models as opposed to nitrogen which is used in the other variety. In the US, the cartridge-operated model comes in various forms including foam, water, dry chemical, wetting agent, and dry powder. Another classification of extinguishers has two other types, that is wheeled and handheld extinguishers. Wheeled extinguishers are also known as cart-mounted extinguishers.
The models meant to be held in the hands are very light, with weights ranging from 0.5 to 14 kgs. This makes them easily portable. The wheeled models are much heavier, usually weighing in excess of 23 kgs. These models are installed at airport runways, marinas, heliports, construction sites, and docks among similar sites. Portability is improved by incorporating handles for pulling them.
Handheld models are usually installed in buildings at locations where they can be accessed with ease. Typically, they are installed against the walls in high-traffic areas. They are also installed in aircraft, watercraft, and motor vehicles as a requirement by the law. There is a height limit on the place the device can be installed.
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