03-01-2022, 11:13 PM
Thank you for all the kind words, all. It's the least I could and, as usual, wished I could do more.
As to Halon, it's been banned by the EPA for decades, now. "Supposedly", you can find some legacy extinguishers or (my guess) some gray market refilling. Not worth it, IMO. I'd look for a readily available replacement. Yes, that "clean agent" will be more expensive. They ARE, however, intended for tighter/smaller areas and, thus, can be smaller. I like having one near the Kitchen (home and road) so that...if I need to hit something quickly, I'll have NO mess to clean up.
Auto-extinguishers are great for remote areas, like the Gen. We have one on our 2015. I love the idea of having engine compartments and, especially, sealed compartments protected. In my "perfect"...and bankrupt...world, I'd install one in the Electric bay as well as the Engine.
I'm kinda shocked at that "Element" stick/flare type extinguisher. I've not seen nor heard about. My first thought was it's from Europe; they tend to do some wild and innovative stuff over there that takes a long time to reach the US. I'd like to look into it a bit further. I'm glad it's non-toxic, but being a firefighter, I'd hate to have it be a one-time full discharge. In my entire career and beyond, I have NEVER dumped an extinguisher all at once. The best method, for any extinguisher is to hit the base quickly, and evaluate the effect. IF you're on the right spot, you may be done, and have a ton of extinguisher left for another area or, worse, re-igntion...which happens a LOT. So, having a "one and done" extinguisher wouldn't be my first choice.
I'm NOT a fan of the Proteng fire-weenies, as I call them, at this stage. I have YET to see a REAL-WORLD demo in an OPEN engine compartment with a HUGE Diesel engine on fire. Every demo I've seen has been small, confined, and VERY localized in terms of having those thing mounted right over the fire source. Not entirely possible. I see they're now making them almost as long as you want. But, frankly, last time I heard of their price, I said "no way, I'd rather install a tried and proven auto-extinguisher system WITH muiltiple heads."
For an open compartment, like an engine, nothing beats FAST attack with LOTS of agent. Period.
However, people have been led astray by sales pitches as to the efficacy of a system in which you have NOT accounted for cutting off the supply of fuel (diesel pump) AND energy (battery).
For smoke detectors, really just the First Alerts are just fine and stupid cheap. I have NEST detectors that I've used on coaches, but are now in my home. They're fantastic for remote monitoring and can be tied into ALEXA for even further benefits; even calling the fire department or alarm company when an alarm is heard!
I need to stop here, it's late, and I'm rambling on a roll. As you can tell, I have many thoughts and opinions, and I just don't want people to get the wrong info.
Thank you, again, for the support. Feel free to contact me for any more help.
Steve
As to Halon, it's been banned by the EPA for decades, now. "Supposedly", you can find some legacy extinguishers or (my guess) some gray market refilling. Not worth it, IMO. I'd look for a readily available replacement. Yes, that "clean agent" will be more expensive. They ARE, however, intended for tighter/smaller areas and, thus, can be smaller. I like having one near the Kitchen (home and road) so that...if I need to hit something quickly, I'll have NO mess to clean up.
Auto-extinguishers are great for remote areas, like the Gen. We have one on our 2015. I love the idea of having engine compartments and, especially, sealed compartments protected. In my "perfect"...and bankrupt...world, I'd install one in the Electric bay as well as the Engine.
I'm kinda shocked at that "Element" stick/flare type extinguisher. I've not seen nor heard about. My first thought was it's from Europe; they tend to do some wild and innovative stuff over there that takes a long time to reach the US. I'd like to look into it a bit further. I'm glad it's non-toxic, but being a firefighter, I'd hate to have it be a one-time full discharge. In my entire career and beyond, I have NEVER dumped an extinguisher all at once. The best method, for any extinguisher is to hit the base quickly, and evaluate the effect. IF you're on the right spot, you may be done, and have a ton of extinguisher left for another area or, worse, re-igntion...which happens a LOT. So, having a "one and done" extinguisher wouldn't be my first choice.
I'm NOT a fan of the Proteng fire-weenies, as I call them, at this stage. I have YET to see a REAL-WORLD demo in an OPEN engine compartment with a HUGE Diesel engine on fire. Every demo I've seen has been small, confined, and VERY localized in terms of having those thing mounted right over the fire source. Not entirely possible. I see they're now making them almost as long as you want. But, frankly, last time I heard of their price, I said "no way, I'd rather install a tried and proven auto-extinguisher system WITH muiltiple heads."
For an open compartment, like an engine, nothing beats FAST attack with LOTS of agent. Period.
However, people have been led astray by sales pitches as to the efficacy of a system in which you have NOT accounted for cutting off the supply of fuel (diesel pump) AND energy (battery).
For smoke detectors, really just the First Alerts are just fine and stupid cheap. I have NEST detectors that I've used on coaches, but are now in my home. They're fantastic for remote monitoring and can be tied into ALEXA for even further benefits; even calling the fire department or alarm company when an alarm is heard!
I need to stop here, it's late, and I'm rambling on a roll. As you can tell, I have many thoughts and opinions, and I just don't want people to get the wrong info.
Thank you, again, for the support. Feel free to contact me for any more help.
Steve
Steve & Janice Vance
2015 Newell #1524
Glendora, CA