Fire Fighting in an Enclosed Environment

In almost all factories and companies, there are certain enclosed areas where only machines work. This includes warehouses for agricultural machineries, construction and mining equipment, rooms of boat engines and computer and telecoms cabinets. Some factory spaces even contain a number of machineries which are hard to supervise individually. Often times when machinery catches fire, it will be too late for an operative to discover and tackle it.

For many unsupervised situations, the only answer in fire safety is automatic fire extinguishers. This type of extinguishers has the features of typical portable fire extinguishers but only automatically discharges in the event of fire. Instead of the squeeze grip handle, a heat-sensitive glass bulb is replaced. The bulb contains a liquid which expands when heated (normally at 68 to 79 degrees centigrade). Upon the bursting of the bulb, the head will act like any sprinkler head releasing and dispersing the extinguishant in the local area.

"Jl Industries Fire Extinguisher Cabinets"

If a fire occurred in a boat engine compartment for example, the extinguisher will likely have done its purpose and extinguished the fire before the boat user would even know there was a fire.

WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE TYPES?

There are only two types of available extinguishers for this type of devices: multi-purpose powder and FE36 gas. The multi-purpose powder extinguisher content is more popular for two simple reasons:

- Versatility with any type of fire;

- It is cheaper compared to the more advance gaseous counterpart.

However, the after-fire damage from powder may not be recovered when residue remain on the machineries making it impossible for material salvaging. This type of device is practical if the damage is immaterial as the alternative is disastrous. It is only suitable for Class A, B, and C fires.

For more valuable electrical, computer and telecoms equipment, the FE36 gas is a clean agent which leaves no mess at all. Being a gas, the head can also be mounted almost horizontally for further and deeper penetration of the agent into a compartment. This type is also particularly suited to protect machinery and where there is a risk of fire such as in boat or vehicle engine compartments. It is suitable for Class B and C fires.

IS THE FE36 GAS SAFE ON THE OZONE?

The past filling of halon 1211 (BCF) or halon 1301 in green extinguishers or the ordinary combustibles more popular with Class A fires have been proven to create adverse effects into our Ozone. Contrary to this environmental damage, the FE36 gas has been designed to have a Zero Ozone Depletion effect and is quite safe to use anywhere.

Machinery, electronics and engines catching fire are all too common situations happening everyday in industries all over the world. Not only the material damage but also the cost of downtime can be huge and often is never recovered. These are the main reasons why having such a great tool for extinguishing fires is important. An automatic fire extinguisher can sweep your industrial worries and could even save your life one day.

Fire Fighting in an Enclosed Environment

Having specialized in the automatic fire extinguishers trade for over 20 years, Brian now works tirelessly to promote affordable fire safety for home and for business.