Friday, November 9, 2012

Test Your Fire Extinguishers

A Fire Extinguishers is required on your boat by the Coast Guard. The type should be a ABC rated extinguisher that will work on all types of fires. They are relatively cheap and will last for a number of years.

Most ABC extinguishers spray out a dust the kills the flame. After use they are not rechargeable. Most dry Chemical extinguishers have a small gauge that shows if it is good. The test gauge needle on these gauges often get stuck in one position from the dry particulate in them. At first glance the gauge reads that it good. To get a true reading, tap on the gauge. If the needle drops out of the good zone, replace the extinguisher.

Some cheap dry chemical extinguishers just have a test button you push in to check the unit. The button comes back out is the unit is OK.

An extinguisher should be checked at least once a year.   

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