Cobra Fire in San Antonio

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by patrickt

... and just how often have you had to charge a fire extinguisher?

Well, only after I use it on my car or someone else's!
As far as I know, extinguishers of all types need to be checked and recharged on a regular basis. At least in a commercial environment that is mandatory.
I do have one (of many) in the garage that has a tag that says last inspection was in 1996 and it still shows full charge. Always wonder about that one....

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Bernica

... a tag that says last inspection was in 1996 and it still shows full charge. Always wonder about that one....

Easy way to tell: Just go out in the street with it and fire it off and see if stuff comes out of it. If it does, then you know it was charged before you did that.

[Bernica]

I remember when they mandated replacing Halon systems and we had to do it on a few of our projects. One guy we used picked up a nice Government contract and sold all the recovered Halon to them for use in military applications, such as in fighter jets where it was still allowed. He made a fortune and probably living on an island somewhere now.

[jwd]

Originally Posted by Bernica

As far as I know, extinguishers of all types need to be checked and recharged on a regular basis. At least in a commercial environment that is mandatory.
I do have one (of many) in the garage that has a tag that says last inspection was in 1996 and it still shows full charge. Always wonder about that one....

If you're talking about a dry chemical extinguisher, every year you should turn it upside down and tap the bottom with a rubber mallet until you can feel the powder break loose. In storage, the powder tends to cake up at the bottom so when you try to use it, the only thing that comes out is the nitrogen propellant.
Also, lightly tap the gauge with your finger to make sure the needle isn't stuck. If it still reads charged, you're good to go.

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by jwd

If you're talking about a dry chemical extinguisher, every year you should turn it upside down and tap the bottom with a rubber mallet until you can feel the powder break loose. In storage, the powder tends to cake up at the bottom so when you try to use it, the only thing that comes out is the nitrogen propellant.
Also, lightly tap the gauge with your finger to make sure the needle isn't stuck. If it still reads charged, you're good to go.

Good to know and thanks!

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Bernica

Good to know and thanks!

... uhhh, it's not like the extinguisher in a Cobra gets shaken up or anything just by driving around.

[ct clint]

You may be surprised that car may end up back on the road better then ever. It's now very reasonable to buy. And body's are around we may have a new member with a project.

[Bernica]

I wouldn't be surprised if it shows up here with an owner looking for lots of advice on how to put it back together once the insurance check has cleared and it is declared a "salvage vehicle"...