Car fire extinguisher - choosing the most reliable and effective

Requirements for automobile fire extinguishers

The list of requirements was developed jointly by the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Rospozhnadzor; it can be found on the product itself. It includes the following items:

• Compliance with established GOST standards
  : R51057-2001;
• NPB 155-2002.

Current requirements in JSC

A fire extinguisher is not a device whose development does not require compliance with various standards and requirements. Since we are talking about fire safety, there is nothing strange in the fact that structures such as the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Rospozharnadzor are developing these requirements. This year, all relevant documentation has remained unchanged. We list the basic requirements for automobile fire extinguishers:

• compliance with GOST R510572001 and NBP 1552002. OT must be certified in accordance with the requirements of GOSTR, which must be recorded in the SSPB register;
• volume requirements: for passenger cars no more than 2 liters, for trucks – 5 or more liters;
• The weight of a car fire extinguisher in working (fully charged) condition should be 2 kg. for a passenger car and 5 for a truck;
• The shelf life requirements are also quite stringent, since over time the pressure in the OT chamber gradually drops, which also leads to a deterioration in the fire-fighting properties of the working mixture. The expiration date of the fire extinguisher is applied directly to the container by the manufacturer, and information about refills is applied by the organization that carried out this procedure. It is important not to let the device expire;
• A car fire extinguisher must be labeled indicating the working mixture used and instructions describing how to use the device.

Checking the vehicle's compliance with expiration dates falls on the shoulders of the car owner, but for safety reasons, as part of annual maintenance, service center specialists must carry out this procedure, which includes the following measures:

• the presence of a protective coating on the device and its integrity;
• the tightness of the hose and/or pipes, the absence of cracks and other defects;
• sprayer performance;
• the presence of an intact filling;
• technical condition of the pressure gauge and its readings;
• pressure level in the container, weight of the fire extinguisher.

If any of the described malfunctions are present, measures will be taken to eliminate them, and if this is not possible, the device must be disposed of. If everything is normal, a corresponding entry is made in the OT passport.

Types of automobile fire extinguishers

The differences between all types of fire extinguishers depend on the characteristics of their contents. Let's study each type in more detail.

Powder (OP)

These fire extinguishers contain a powder mixture that is sprayed onto the ignited surface as a dense foam composition that allows you to cut off oxygen to the fire and prevent further spread of the flame.
Powder fire extinguishers are divided into two types: the first is a gas-filled cylinder with a pressure gauge. In the second, gas is formed through a chemical reaction, which requires additional time to complete. Therefore, when choosing, it is better to stick to the first option.

The following notes may appear:

• “G” - equipped with a gas-generating cartridge;
• “B” - a cylinder with gas under pressure;
• "Z" - downloadable.

The advantages of this fire extinguisher include its versatility, which consists in the possibility of using it to eliminate different categories of fire.
In addition, it prevents re-ignition and is much lighter in weight than other devices. Disadvantages include the difficulty of removing surface contamination and a long response delay. In addition, during storage the extinguishing ability is lost, so you should carefully monitor their expiration date.

Carbon dioxide (CO)

The action of these fire extinguishers, like powder ones, is to cut off oxygen to the fire, but instead of powder, carbon dioxide is released under high pressure.
The gas is stored in compressed form, so there are no delays when starting the device. The fire is eliminated through a very strong flow, knocking down the flame and cooling the surface.

The advantage of this type of fire extinguisher is that with their help you can put out even hard-to-reach fires. Also, after using them, there will be no traces or stains left, which means you won’t have to spend a lot of time cleaning the interior later.

However, there is a possibility of poisoning by the contents of the device, as well as getting burns from the device, which are undoubted disadvantages. Also, due to the powerful flow of gas, there is a recoil that can knock the fire extinguisher out of your hands.

And although a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher has better qualities, it is quite heavy compared to other types of fire extinguishers, and its price is several times higher than that of a powder one.

Types and classification

It's important to explore your options. The number of types of devices is huge.

The rating models are:

1. Carbon dioxide.
2. Freon.
3. Air-foam.
4. Chemical.
5. Air emulsion.
6. Powder.

According to the principle of influence

The main task of the device is to extinguish the fire. Which fire extinguisher is best for a car? Let's talk about this in more detail.

Carbon dioxide

Used to extinguish fires of substances that cannot burn without access to oxygen. This includes transport, premises, equipment under voltage up to 1000 V.

The color of the carbon dioxide cylinder is red, the shape is cone.

Freon

Correct use of gas devices allows you to save equipment, household items, and human life. The reason for their rare use is the negative impact on the environment and human health.

They are effective in extinguishing vehicles, equipment, and valuables. They can extinguish class B and C fires.

More often, installations are registered in museums, laboratories, and documentary archives.

Foam/chemical

They are used to extinguish fires of flammable liquids and solid materials over an area of ​​more than 1 sq.m. The working pressure of the mechanism is 1.4 MPa. The internal part is protected from corrosion by epoxy enamel.

The body contains instructions and a label in accordance with existing rules and regulations.

Air foam

They represent a mechanism whose design and charge form an effective means of extinguishing fire.

They are used to extinguish solid, smoldering materials of organic origin (paper, wood).

Air emulsion

Air emulsion fire extinguishers.
Air emulsion fire extinguishers. They represent a device with a charge of water, surface-active impurities in an amount of at least 1%, which, when passing through a special nozzle, form a fire extinguishing material.

Used to localize fires of liquids and solids.

Powder

This type includes cylinders that use fine dust as a fire extinguishing material. They are used to extinguish class A, B, C fires. They also eliminate fires of energized equipment.

Water

They represent a red conical cylinder with an aqueous solution and fire extinguishing additives pumped inside. Used to extinguish class A and B fires. Simple and easy to use.

By charge mass

Devices are divided into:

1. Up to 20 kg – portable. Their movement is carried out without additional equipment.
2. From 20 to 400 kg – mobile. Equipped with a special trolley.

By body volume

The capacity of fire extinguishers is varied.

They are:

1. More than 10 liters - mobile or stationary models used in an automatic fire extinguishing system.
2. 5-10 l – fire extinguishers used for industrial purposes.
3. Up to 5 liters - small-sized devices for manual use.

How to choose a fire extinguisher for a car?

When choosing a fire extinguisher, do not forget that both the safety of property and your or someone else’s life may depend on your decision, so when choosing a model, first of all you need to pay attention to the quality and serviceability of the device.
Listen to the following recommendations for choosing a device:

• Buy the device in a specialized store, from people who understand this issue. It is mandatory to have documents and certificates for the goods being sold.
• Study all the nuances associated with the models presented on the counter.
• Choose a fire extinguisher that matches the size of your car in terms of parameters and dimensions.
• Make sure that the device is completely intact, without dents, scratches or other defects.
• Check the expiration date of the fire extinguisher.
• Check the presence and integrity of the seals.
• Please read the instructions carefully.
• Check if the pressure indicator is in the green zone.

Price

In 2021, the price of portable models of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers varies from 650 to 1850 rubles. Powder devices are somewhat cheaper - from 500 to 1200 rubles.

Best kit: first aid kit, fire extinguisher, emergency sign

with the concept of a car kit or “motorist kit” . If you buy a new car at a dealership, you will be offered an additional purchase right away. But not all motorists have an exact idea of ​​what this set should contain, what it is needed for, and what kind of first aid kit should be in a car in 2021 - 2021 .

Minimum car kit:

Without these items, no self-respecting motorist will drive. Nowadays, purchasing such a set will not be difficult. They are sold in almost any automobile store.

Rating of quality car kits:

• FEST Auto. Price – 1290 rub. Ingredients: PVC gloves, tow rope with hooks, warning triangle, fire extinguisher, first aid kit.
• FEST Miss Auto . The set for the fair sex is made in feminine pink colors. Price – 1390 rub . Ingredients: gloves, raincoat, rope with hooks, warning triangle, fire extinguisher, travel first aid kit.
• Zipower 132ss. The set consists of 23 essential items on the road. Price – 1990 rub . Ingredients: flashlight, pliers, screwdrivers, utility knife, pump, electrical tape, pressure gauge, cable ties, tow rope, road sign, cigarette lighter wires, first aid kit, fire extinguisher.

Fire extinguisher for truck

For trucks, as a rule, powder devices are chosen, paying primarily attention to resistance to vibration (which should be indicated in the fire extinguisher’s passport).
The weight of a powder fire extinguisher in cargo transport should not be less than 5 kg. It is better to have several fire extinguishers. If one of the fire extinguishers is located outside the cabin, it must be protected from precipitation, sun and dirt.

The device in trucks is usually checked at least once a year. In this case, the service life can be up to 10 years (provided that recharging is carried out every 5 years).

In addition, powder fire extinguishers for trucks are equipped with pressure gauges to monitor pressure. It is necessary to monitor the pressure gauge value so that it is always in the green zone.

Is a fire extinguisher required in a car by law?

A fire extinguisher is required to undergo maintenance. Device parameters, types and characteristics are specified in GOST, NPB.

What volume of fire extinguisher should be

Manual and automatic units of greater mass are allowed, but not below the prescribed parameters. The device must be intended by the manufacturer for motor vehicles (ATS).

How many fire extinguishers should there be?

The number of extinguishing devices for vehicle registration and maintenance is regulated by SP 9.13130.2009 (Appendix B, clauses B1 - B2) and the “Fire Safety Rules” (clause 212). The parameter depends on the weight, purpose, and capacity of the machine.

In a car

Passenger cars are equipped with at least 1 product with a charge weight of 2 kg and 2 liters. Required capabilities: extinguishes model fires from 0.7A and 21B.

In a truck

For cargo vehicles you will need:

• for vehicles up to 3.5 t - one (2 kg, 2 l, from 0.7A and 21V);
• trucks for transporting people or weighing from 3.5 to 7.5 tons, combines, tractors - two similar;
• Vehicles from 7.5 tons, transporting dangerous goods (trucks, fuel tankers, tank trucks) - two from 2A and 70B.

In the bus

For buses weighing from 3.5 - 7.5 tons, you will need 2 similar fire extinguishers with a charge weight of 2 kg, 2 liters.

Shelf life of a car fire extinguisher

All containers are subject to a mandatory full check with a change of charge every 5 years, even if all indicators are normal. The manufacturer may also provide for increased frequency of maintenance.

Charge updates are carried out more frequently if specified by the manufacturer. For example, powder-type automobile fire extinguishers of some models are prescribed to be refilled once every 4 or 1.5 years, and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers - once every 2 years.

Passing the technical inspection includes inspecting the fire extinguishing device, filters, all components, and checking the mass of the charge by weighing.

A full recharge will be required after use or if the charge weight deviates from 5%. The container may be declared unusable ahead of schedule. They don’t restore it – they replace it with a new one.

The release date is indicated on the case by the manufacturer (a piece of paper is torn off opposite the number):

• Arabic numerals – year of manufacture;
• Roman - month.

Expiration and inspection dates are entered by the manufacturer and specialized organizations into technical documents and stickers on the case.

The cost of refilling an OP is almost equal to the price of a new product - as a rule, it is better to buy a new one if its service life has passed.

Fine for not having a fire extinguisher

The list of malfunctions and violations leading to a ban on the operation of a vehicle (clause 7.7 of Chapter 7 of the Traffic Regulations) includes the absence of a car fire extinguisher. If there are compelling reasons, the traffic police inspector inspects the car.

The fine for an expired fire extinguisher or its absence is provided for in Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offenses – 500 rubles. Fixed size. The inspector has the right to limit himself to a warning.

This is interesting: Portable powder fire extinguisher OPU-2: performance characteristics and description

What is the fine if there is no fire extinguisher?

Not having a fire extinguisher is considered an offense, which is provided for in Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
The fine in this case is 500 rubles. The same amount is paid if the fire extinguisher has expired. The fine must be paid within 60 days from the date of issuance of the resolution on its appointment (Part 1 of Article 32.2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). And despite the fact that if you do not have a fire extinguisher, you should not use the vehicle, traffic police officers are prohibited from:

• Disqualify you from driving a car.
• Detain the car and send it to the impound lot, since this violation is not on the list of grounds for detention (Article 27.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

Penalties provided for by the legislation of the Russian Federation

Traffic police officers impose fines in two cases:

1. when driving without a fire extinguisher ;
2. when there is an expired fire extinguisher in the car .

The fine is imposed in accordance with Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. It states a fixed amount of 500 rubles . Additionally, it is indicated that the traffic police officer has the right not to issue a fine, but to issue a warning . Both drivers themselves and inspectors often forget about this.

The traffic rules state that if a malfunction occurs with a fire extinguisher during a trip, the driver is obliged to go to the store to buy a new one . If you are stopped by a traffic police officer with a faulty fire extinguisher, then provide him with this information.

A fine issued legally should not exceed 500 rubles. And you have the right to request a warning.

Where to store and how to use?

It is worth remembering that storing a fire extinguisher in the trunk is incorrect.
The Code of Rules (SP 9.13130.2009) states that the storage location for this device is the cabin, next to the driver’s seat. In addition, the fire extinguisher should be securely mounted on brackets so that it does not lie around the cabin. B.7 In buses and trucks, one fire extinguisher must be located in the cab, the other in the passenger compartment or body. B.9 On all vehicles, the location of the fire extinguisher is the cabin, in the immediate vicinity of the driver or in a place easily accessible to him. It is prohibited to store fire extinguishers in places that are difficult to access (trunk, body, etc.).

If a fire occurs, you must follow the following instructions:

• Break the seal.
• Pull the pin.
• Point the nozzle at the location of the fire.
• Press down on the lever.

Keep in mind that there may be a slight delay when the fire extinguisher fires, but the first salvo is released under maximum pressure and does an excellent job of reducing the flames.
It takes approximately 9 seconds to release the first charge. Also be prepared for the fact that in most cases a fire occurs in the engine compartment or, even worse, the wiring under the upholstery may catch fire. Such a fire is called hidden, and it is extremely difficult to eliminate it.

Be careful, because when you open the hood, you give access to oxygen, which can cause the fire to flare up even stronger. You need to stand on the side of the hood and open it with a stick or pry bar. It is also advisable to have gloves at the ready so as not to frostbite your hands (when the carbon dioxide substance comes out, it is very cold, so do not hold the nozzle with your hand while the fire extinguisher is operating).

Checking fire extinguishers

The inspection takes place every quarter at a convenient inspection point. During such checks, the presence of a fire extinguisher and its location are confirmed. And the annual inspection already includes a full examination of the device, during which the traffic police officer checks:

• hose flexibility;
• pressure gauge and pressure indicator;
• protective covering;
• filling;
• presence of a mark;
• spray;
• intraballoon pressure;
• weight is measured.

The last step during verification is a special mark in the device’s passport, after which it is entered into the accounting journal. A device that fails the test is either disposed of or recharged.

If you are stopped by a traffic police inspector, then according to paragraph 2.1.1 of the traffic rules, all that he will ask you to show is a car registration certificate, a driver’s license, etc. - there is no fire extinguisher on this list.

The driver should remember that this paragraph relates to checking the technical condition of the car, which requires special justification (clause 110 of the Administrative Regulations of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, approved by Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs dated August 23, 2017 No. 664).

Do not forget that a fire extinguisher is necessary not only to successfully pass the test, but to be able to get by with only minor losses in the event of a possible fire, not to mention saving lives. Therefore, it is necessary to take full responsibility when choosing a fire extinguisher for your vehicle.