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Do you have a fire extinguisher in the immediate area of your radio equipment and have you familiarized yourself on the proper way to use it?
Posted: Oct 13, 2008 (1295 votes, 39 comments) by KA5JRX

Survey Results

Yes, within 10 feet & I know how to use it...	35% (451)
Yes, but it is in another room & I know how to use it...	37% (480)
Yes, I have one in the house but have never read the directions or used one...	3% (37)
No fire extinguisher here...	25% (327)

Survey Comments

Fire extinguishers...
I have one dry chem in the basement, one dry chem in the kitchen on the main floor, and three in the garage (one dry chem, one FFFP and one H2O w/6% Fireade 2000). I now realize- no joking- I need one or two CO2 extinguishers for my electronics workshop (currently in more than one room). Excellent advice KA5JRX. 73 N7LTH Posted by N7LTH on November 11, 2008
Fire Extinguisher
Got 2 of them in the shack and know how to use them Posted by K0VET on October 27, 2008
FIRE EXTINGUISH
ONE IN EACH ROOM TWO BY THE FIRE AND STOVE Posted by KC0YEF on October 26, 2008
Fire Extinguishers
I am the one that requested this subject to be admitted here as a survey question. I like the many responses it got. Fire Captain K6JPA knows the importance of a working extinguisher as well as when and where to try to use one. Always store your fire extinguishers in an area that is leading towards an exit in case you have to abandon the idea of first aid firefighting and get the heck out. K3SKE made an excellent point about regular inspections of the extinguishers. KB3LAZ said that he has had the need to use one. N3EG, after many years of experience has never seen flames from an electrical equipment fire. That may be a terriably misinterpreted statement or just very lucky that an electrical fire did not spread and involve adjacent combustibles. WA8MEA had a DC adapter overheat that got so hot it glowed like a molten lava bed. That situation is a good example of a possible fire situation in your shack that did not involve any electrical equipment other than the adapter and battery. I have to say that I like the comments about which particular type of extinguisher would be the most effective yet the most damaging to things not on fire. Halon 1211 was the absolute best fire extinguishing agent I ever saw and used. That stuff would put out just about anything that burns other than metals. But Halon is dangerous to our environment and it was also discovered to be deadly to humans. Therefore it is history and not available. CO2 is also most effective on electrical fires and does not mess up the entire shack or home. I agree with all the comments about ABC Dry Chemical extinguishers being the cause of monster messes that have to be cleaned up. But those things sure can put out a fire. It's purpose is to put out a fire not clean your house. I believe that any time someone has to discharge any type of fire extinguisher inside your home, place of business or your shack, you should always call your local fire department. Let the firefighters come take a look and make sure all is safe. And when you do that and if you have a big mess from dry chemical, I bet they will be happy to help clean up a mess and limit damage caused. Thanks for the responses. Be safe. DE KA5JRX, Fire Chief, retired. Posted by KA5JRX on October 25, 2008
K6JPA
As part of my job (Fire Captain), I frequently teach fire extinguisher safety. Although both are nice to have, if I was to have just one near my radio equipment, I personally would go for the CO2. It's a Class B and C rated extinguisher (flammable liquid and energized electrical) and won't make a mess like dry chems. Odds are you don't need the A rating (ordinary combustible) in the shack, unless you smoke and toss the butts in the trash. If you do decide to use a dry-chem for the shack, you should periodically remove it from it's mount and shake it really well. I do mine at home about every 6 months. Technically, they are supposed to be serviced annually, but if you keep the powder agitated, they go a lot longer than a year. The problem with dry chem is that the extinguisher will show pressure on the gauge, but the powder will cake at the bottom of the extinguisher (think "big pancake") if it is not allowed to agitate periodically, and may fail when discharged. Always remember... if you choose to use one to extinguish a fire, you want to be between the item on fire and the exit door, so that you can make a quick exit should the fire become too large. Extinguishers do sometimes fail. You never want to be trapped between the exit and something burning. Posted by K6JPA on October 23, 2008
fire extinguisher
I haven't read a single posting to this survey question where anyone who has one or more in the home acknowledge that the device has been inspected & re-charged, inspection tag is not out dated and as the owner they have inspected it, initialed and dated the tag. Just like a working smoke alarm, having them in a home helps reduce home owners insurance costs. For the record all of mine (ABC dry chemical) are in compliance. Posted by K3SKE on October 22, 2008
If you've needed one
Yes, it does make a difference if you've HAD TO use one--a big difference. You may end up putting them all over, and that feeling you had that prompted you to do that isn't anything to be laughed at. The best thing would be to put extinguishers near where you spend the most time or where it would be very easy to grab if needed, but it is easy to go off the deep end and put up what others would consider to be too many. Only you can be the judge of what you consider 'safe' in your home. Posted by K1CJS on October 22, 2008
KB3LAZ
Unfortunately I have been in the situation where I had to use a fire extinguisher. It was not related to my radio equipment but I now have one in the kitchen and my radio room just in case one part of the house is compromised. 73 de kb3laz Posted by KB3LAZ on October 21, 2008
Over with
Well there plankeye--don't be confused. Mr. Perry and I have exchanged e-mails and have straightened everything out. You see, reasonable people can do that. He is an allright guy and we just had a difference of opinion. See--nothing for you to worry about. Posted by K1CJS on October 21, 2008
Okay Chris........ :-)
Okay Chris you win. Nothing to flare up about. I feel gulity for having so much fun laughing at the both of us. It's only the internet, and ham radio is just a hobby....so lighten up there Captain! The least I can do is not say anything else that may offend you. Have a fig leaf, and an olive branch. Thank you and take care Chris, Terry-AE5EH Posted by KE5NUC on October 21, 2008

No, Terry--I've got a better one. "A vitriolic idiot on e-Ham" Too bad I have many better things to do than write an article on AE5EH, someone who obviously has a lot of growing up to do--but never will. Now, calm down and don't flare up--we would all miss out on your juvenile antics. Once more, we would probably have to empty the fire extinguishers we adults are discussing--at you. Oh yes--have a nice day!! Posted by K1CJS on October 20, 2008
Subject for your new article?
"Footnote for K1CJS And by the way, those flammable cleaners are great for removing electrical tape residue. Posted by N3EG on October 20, 2008" Foot note for Princess indeed! Princess! That would be a great subject for you to do an article on. You know what they say, write about something you know. I think we've figured out electronics, radio, and antennas are not your strong point. But since you've hinted about electric tape residue, that might be a good starter for you. You have my support Princess. Go for it! Terry-AE5EH Posted by AE5EH on October 20, 2008
Footnote for K1CJS
And by the way, those flammable cleaners are great for removing electrical tape residue. Posted by N3EG on October 20, 2008
Equipment fires
I've never had flames come from electronic equipment in 33 years as a ham and 29 years as a technician, other than intentionally setting damaged speakers on fire as a kid. The only equipment I've had go up in smoke in my house was those environmentally friendly (yeah, right!) CFL bulb driver circuits. One of the biggest fire hazards is that cleaner/degreaser spray (aka "TV tuner spray") which when sprayed into contacts and switched when powered up WILL be ignited with an arc. Posted by N3EG on October 20, 2008
.........
yawn.... Posted by K1CJS on October 19, 2008
Tell us something good Princess. We're waiting.
RE: e-Ham Survey Questions Reply by AE5EH on October 19, 2008 Mail this to a friend! "RE: e-Ham Survey Questions Reply by K1CJS on October 19, 2008 Mail this to a friend! Except for one or two of the last dozen surveys, they're next to useless, and are just meant to keep the respondents coming back. The only thing worse than drivel is--more drivel." K1CJS-Princess, "The King of Drivel", has spoken again. Princess, read all of your worthless posts, and get a clue. Why don't you get some equipment, get a little radio hands on experience, and enjoy the hobby. You obviously have little, to no knowledge of it. It does show in your posts. Either that is the case, or you are even more clueless than you appear. You post, and post, and post, and say nothing. In virtually most of your posts, you are either stating the obvious, or just stating something that is plain wrong. Your posts have little, to no technical merit whatsoever as far as radio, antenna systems, electronics, or anything else easily recognizable and substantial to radio, commercial, amateur, or otherwise. Do you have any electronics experience at all? Do you even know the basics? You fancy yourself as some sort of "helper". What type of helper would you be? What is the point, and technical merit of all these empty posts you litter the site with? You've stated you don't spend much time here because eham is such a terrible place. But yet, you spend a lot of time here saying "nothing". You say one thing and do another. Why is that Princess? Why do you do that? What's your point? At least tell us that, and maybe you won't get poked at as much. Make a contribution with a good solid technical article, (or at least solid technical information in your posts) backed up with solid and acceptable technical data, and be willing to provide solid answers to those wishing to debate. That would be a good start for you Princess. And maybe then you will begin to receive the respect and recognition you crave. Or, perhaps I should say the attention, acceptance, and adulation of your peers as that of some unfortunate, pathetic, neglected child, that you desperately, desperately "grasp for in straws" by those numerous, numerous mindless posts you post. Amateur radio is still a technical avocation, right Princess? Show us something. Show us something good Princess. We're waiting. Can you do it? Terry-AE5EH Posted by AE5EH on October 19, 2008
Another.....
>>Are we running out of topics? Fire extinguishers!? Isn't this just common sense to have one or two in the home?<< Seems to be the case--and now someone in the elmers column suggests changing the survey every week. Pretty soon we'll be discussing removing electrical tape residue! ;-) Posted by K1CJS on October 19, 2008
Halon
I hate to pour water on the subject of halon, but I think it was taken off the marker because it is a flurocarbon and damaged the atmosphere. Seriously, if dry chem extinguishers are used on electronic equipment, you may expect them to be FUBAR from then on. I'm told sodium or potassium bicarbonate [usual content of powder extinguishers] seriously corrodes electronic parts and circuit boards. Better to use CO2 which is readily available. Posted by KJ4DLG on October 18, 2008
You're kidding right?
Are we running out of topics? Fire extinguishers!? Isn't this just common sense to have one or two in the home? Posted by N7BUI on October 18, 2008
Fire Extinguisher
Yes I do. Follow the Tim the Tool Man instructions! I have a big one in the shack, and a bigger one in the kitchen. Just remember to check them. They do have a life cycle. The powder ones need to be shaken from time to time to keep the powder from setting up on the bottom! "73" Steven W4KG Posted by W4KG on October 18, 2008
1979
Back in 1979 I thought a fire Extinguisher was a COP. Please delete this. PLANKEYE Posted by PLANKEYE on October 17, 2008
Ouch! Why?
>>I swear this question MUST have come up because of an incident that happened to me last week. I use marine deep cycle batteries for my qrp gear and receivers. I had a DC adapter connected to one of the batteries. Luckily I was here in the shack when it happened. I started smelling burning plastic, and then noticed smoke bellowing out from underneath the workbench. My DC adapter was in total meltdown and glowing like a molten lava bed! I had a heck of a time getting it unplugged from the battery. Stunk up the house for days.<< Two questions, Bill, Why wasn't the adapter fused, and isn't haveing the batteries inside rather dangerous seeing as how they're wet batteries--or are they? Posted by K1CJS on October 17, 2008
C.P.A.S.E.L..
Call fire dept. Pull safty pin Aim at the BASE of the fire not the flames, be as close to flame base as safely possible. Sweep from side to side Exit area because whatever you sprayed is dangerous to your health. Let fire dept. check for hot spots to prevent a rekindle. 73 Ed Posted by WB3ERE on October 17, 2008
WHICH ONE
The survey is about HAVING one. If you don't have one, you either get burned up, or you run. That is simple logic. Good gracious, everyone should HAVE one. My question is WHICH ONE to use SAFELY in an enclosed space such as the home and Shack? THAT WORKS GOOD!! Some have already posted regarding this. Let's hear some more, without regard to saving your gear. Gear can be replaced, you or your family cannot. PLANKEYE Posted by PLANKEYE on October 16, 2008
No dry chemical
We had a fire a few years ago and I hit it with a dry chemical. What a mess! It cost my insurance company a fortune - not to repair fire damage - but to clean up the powder. Insurance covered it but I had to live through the repairs. Never again! I would never want to use one again. Get Halon or CO2. It will put out the fire and not leave residue melted to the hot areas and blown all throughout your house. Posted by K4IA on October 15, 2008
No dry chemical
We had a fire a few years ago and I hit it with a dry chemical. What a mess! It cost my insurance company a fortune - not to repair fire damage - but to clean up the powder. Insurance covered it but I had to live through the repairs. Never again! I would never want to use one again. Get Halon or CO2. It will put out the fire and not leave residue melted to the hot areas and blown all throughout your house. Posted by K4IA on October 15, 2008
Fire Extinguisher
Back in 1979 when I got my ticket, this would be a stupid question. But now days I'm positive it's a good one. We also carried an extinguisher in our car trunks in 1979. Posted by K4SFC on October 15, 2008
This is KARMA!
I swear this question MUST have come up because of an incident that happened to me last week. I use marine deep cycle batteries for my qrp gear and receivers. I had a DC adapter connected to one of the batteries. Luckily I was here in the shack when it happened. I started smelling burning plastic, and then noticed smoke bellowing out from underneath the workbench. My DC adapter was in total meltdown and glowing like a molten lava bed! I had a heck of a time getting it unplugged from the battery. Stunk up the house for days. I ditched the marine battery concept. Don't really need them. I have plenty of power supplies and will keep the marine batteries on the shelf in the garage for emergencies. I have a fire extinguisher upstairs by the wood stove. However, after this experience, I'd better get one for down here too! 73, Bill - WA8MEA Posted by WA8MEA on October 15, 2008
Fire Extinguisher
"You don't want to use Halon unless you have SCBA. You might as well breath methyl-ethyl-killya. CO2 is best for a ham shack. -KR4WM" YES CO2 would be best for the electronics vs Dry Chemical. Dry Chemical is such a fine powder that makes it impossible to clean out but the it's actually corrosive to certain materials. My concern is along with KR4WM, which he is correct somewhat about the need of a SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) is if your shack is in a small room like mine in the garage or other area and even with a CO2 you could put yourself in danger. CO2 DISPLACES the oxygen in the area and when it removes the O2 the fire dies out.. now if you dicharge a CO2 in a small room (DISPLACING the oxygen) you may not realize it but you are removing the oxygen that you need. Just a note to not discharge a fire extinguisher without knowing a little more about it. 73 John KO4XJ retired firefighter On the job 22 years Posted by KO4XJ on October 15, 2008
Fire Extinguisher
Garden hose and good insurance. :-) Posted by N9ABG on October 15, 2008
Fire Extinguisher
Garden hose and good insurance. :-) Posted by N9ABG on October 15, 2008
PASS
Pull (pin) Aim Sweep from Side to side Posted by KG9E on October 14, 2008
Halon not safe to breath
You don't want to use Halon unless you have SCBA. You might as well breath methyl-ethyl-killya. CO2 is best for a ham shack. -KR4WM Posted by KR4WM on October 14, 2008
Fire Ext.
Non powder types in electronic areas. Halon and CO2. Geo>K0FF Posted by K0FF on October 14, 2008
Safety is one thing.....
.....but being obcessed with it is another. Yes, there is a chance that something may happen that will require use of an extinguisher in the shack, but that is true of many other places in the house as well. If you wanted an extinguisher at every area that there was a risk of danger you would need one in the kitchen, in the entertainment area, (plenty of electrical connections there too) in the basement near the furnace, another near the workshop, one in the living area, (wood stove or fireplace) one on the patio, (grill and firepit there) and the list would just keep growing. I've one extinguisher near the first to second floor stairway and one in the basement. Any more, in my opinion, is overkill. Posted by K1CJS on October 14, 2008
Useless After Expiration Date
No fire extinguisher, but I it would be wise to have one in the kitchen at least. Like smoke detectors most and my guess 90% + would never replace them by date due so when they need it 5 years after expiration date it is useless. Posted by KA5ROW on October 13, 2008
fire extinguishers
I keep one in the same room as the radios are in, and keep it clean and fully charged. Almost to the point of buying a new one every year . Posted by AI4EP on October 13, 2008
Fire EXT
Yes, I keep a 10# Carbon Dioxide close by. I would NEVER discharge a dry chem on my equipment. You would NEVER get it clean again. It's worth it to save the mess. Halon is even better if you can find it anymore. Posted by AD5TD on October 13, 2008
Fire Extinguisher
I have a 5lb dry chemical fire extinguisher located in our kitchen. This is about a 25ft walking distance from the shack. This type of unit is suitable on paper/wood, chemical, and electrical fires. It was purchased for whole-house protection and kept in the kitchen, a higher fire risk area. The only bad thing about this type of extinguisher is it leaves a real mess after using it. So far, I've been lucky. Those of us who do alot of home projects may want to consider having one near by. I can still remember like it happened yesterday, about 45 years ago unknowingly dropping a soldering iron on the floor. It didn't start a fire but burnt a hole in the carpet. Boy, were my Mom & Dad mad. 73 Ken KK4BH Posted by KK4BH on October 13, 2008

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