Your fire extinguisher is your first line of defense and what you want at your disposal when you find yourself in face to face with a fire in your home. For home, business, boat or car, never be without a quality inspected and serviced fire extinguisher to protect lives and property. Since 1963, Hillsborough Fire has been serving the Tampa area for all of their fire protection needs.
Fire Extinguisher Repair
Periodically check your home’s fire extinguishers to make sure your fire extinguisher is ready when you need it. Perform any required maintenance. This Fix-It Guide on fire extinguisher repair tells how a fire extinguisher(s) works, things that commonly go wrong, and how to recognize a fire extinguisher problem. It then gives simple step-by-step instructions for how to use a fire extinguisher. A Fix-It Tip explains the classes of fire extinguisher(s).
How Does a Fire Extinguisher Work?
Most households fire extinguisher have a gauge to indicate whether the unit is full and what to do if it is not {refill, discard}.
A fire extinguisher(s) is an apparatus, usually containing chemicals, for putting out a fire. It extinguishes a fire by removing oxygen so that combustion can no longer continue. The extinguisher(s) deliver a forceful spray of foam, powder, or water to cover the whole fire as quickly as possible, so its contents are pressurized. Some extinguisher(s) produce a jet of heavy gas carbon dioxide that stops burning.
What Can Go Wrong with a Fire Extinguisher?
Fire extinguisher(s) are relatively simple in function and operation, so little can go wrong with them. The #1 problem with them is that they eventually leak pressure so they cannot deliver the extinguishing ingredient to the fire(s) when needed. Make sure to check the charge meter every few months and replace the unit if it falls below the full range. Be sure to call Hillsborough Fire Equipment Sales and Services for our inspection services.
Repair Tip
Make sure to read and understand the instructions on your fire extinguisher(s) before you need it.
Know the different classes of fire extinguishers and what you need.
Class-A extinguisher(s) are made to fight blazes in wood, paper, rubber, and most plastics. Install one near fireplaces and in the living areas and bedrooms.
Class-B extinguishers contain dry chemicals that smother fires fueled by oil, solvents, grease, gasoline, kerosene, and other flammable liquids. Install them in kitchens, workshops, and garages.
Class-C extinguisher(s) also contain a dry chemical to smother fires in electrical equipment. Best use in workshop areas and around the electrical service panel.
Most household fire extinguishers are multipurpose class A- B -C. These are effective against all of the common fires in homes and so are most popular., call Hillsborough Fire Equipment Sales and Services to determine what class is best for you.
How Can I Identify a Fire Extinguisher Problem?
Pressurized fire extinguisher(s) include a pressure meter that indicates the state of the internal pressure, typically refill or full. If the meter does not indicate that it’s full, refill or replace following instructions on the unit. Call us today! You should check this pressure meter once a month.
Repair Fix-It Tip
Here are some tips on how to use the most common type of household fire extinguishers:
- Pull the pin near the top of the extinguisher.
- Approximately 6 feet away from the fire, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
- Press the trigger and move the spray from side to side to smother the entire fire.
- Continue spraying until the fire is entirely out. Use a second fire extinguisher if necessary.
- Don’t reuse without recharging the extinguisher following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Services We Offer
Fire Extinguisher Repair
Fire Extinguisher Refilling
Fire Extinguisher Inspection
