As with any other type of safety equipment, operating a fire extinguisher at home requires proper maintenance and storage to ensure it works in the event of an emergency. Continue reading this article, and you will learn how to install fire extinguishers on your property and regularly test them. If left neglected and stored without the correct precautions, a home fire extinguisher only has a shelf life of about five years. Check out this article for more information about keeping safety equipment in your home functional.
This article covers many different aspects of operating fire extinguishers at home, and we've listed them all below:
Types of Fire Extinguishers
- Class A extinguishers extinguish fires in wood, cloth, paper, and other similar materials.
- Class B fire extinguishers are required for fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, paints, and oils.
- A Class C extinguisher is used for electrical fires involving wiring, circuits, and machinery.
- Portable fire extinguishers are designed to be mounted to a wall or a solid surface within an unlocked cabinet.
How to Install a Fire Extinguisher at Home?
Fire extinguishers are designed to be mounted on a wall or stand, but you might wonder how to install a fire extinguisher at home. Luckily, it's a straightforward process, and we've outlined the key steps below.
Step 1: The first step in installing a fire extinguisher is determining the best place to mount the fire extinguisher on your property. Find a location that is easily accessible and is not obstructed by equipment, coats, or other objects. Look for a place near a door so you can escape in case of an emergency. The most common areas to mount your fire extinguisher include the kitchen and garage.
Step 2: Purchase a fire extinguisher. Now that you have determined where to place your fire extinguisher, you can purchase the correct type and size. Note that the size of the fire extinguisher is determined by the size of the fire it can put out. You must also adhere to any local regulations when purchasing a fire extinguisher.
Step 3: Prepare the wall or surface for installation. The next step in installing a fire extinguisher at home is to prepare the surface where you'll be mounting it. You should also check the wall studs to ensure they're sturdy enough to support the weight of the fire extinguisher.
Step 4: Install fire extinguishers weighing less than 40 pounds such that the top handle is no more than 5 feet above the floor. Install larger extinguishers so the top handle is no more than 3.5 feet above the floor. Allow at least 4 inches between the extinguisher's bottom and the floor.
Installing A Bracket and Hose For Your Fire Extinguisher
After you've purchased your fire extinguisher, you can install a bracket and hose to the bottom. This will allow you to easily connect and disconnect the fire extinguisher. This hose will also allow you to extend the reach of the fire extinguisher. Ensure the length of your hose is sufficient to reach the origin of any fire. You can also purchase a wall bracket that will enable you to mount your fire extinguisher on any wall.
Most fire extinguishers are designed to be hung horizontally or vertically. If you plan to mount your fire extinguisher vertically, check the instructions first to see if there are any special precautions you must take.
The brackets used vary depending on the extinguisher's size, type, and shape. Wall hooks and metal brackets are two popular types of mounting. If screws aren't included with the hooks or brackets, use the screws recommended by the manufacturer.
How to Test a Fire Extinguisher at Home
To ensure that your fire extinguisher is ready to go when you need it, it's a good idea to test it regularly. This will also help you gauge the remaining pressure in the cylinder, which is essential information to have in an emergency. You should follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when trying your fire extinguisher.
You can generally follow a few steps to test a fire extinguisher at home.
- Check the pressure. The first step in testing a fire extinguisher at home is to check the pressure in the cylinder. There will be a gauge on the front of the fire extinguisher that will indicate the pressure level.
- Next, pour a small amount of water on the fire to simulate extinguishing the blaze. Start running the water away from yourself and others to avoid injury. Let it sit for a few minutes.
- After pouring water on the fire, let it sit for a few minutes to simulate letting the chemical cocktail settle.
Operating a Fire Extinguisher: What to Know
When operating a fire extinguisher, be sure to follow all the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Contact your local fire department for advice if you're unsure about what to do.
- Positioning: Before approaching a fire, position yourself correctly. You should stand on the opposite side of the fire, keeping a safe distance away — generally at least fifteen feet away.
- Aiming: Take care to direct the extinguisher's nozzle at the fire's foundation when the time comes to employ it. A fire will spread out, so it's essential to focus on the source.
- Pushing down: Most fire extinguishers are pressurized with an external lever. When you are ready to use it, be sure to push down the lever.
- Effectiveness: You shouldn't expect a fire extinguisher to put out a raging fire. It should be used for small fires such as grease or electrical fires.
How To Charge Your Fire Extinguisher
If your fire extinguisher has gotten low on pressure, you can recharge it by following this process:
- Find the gauge on the front of the fire extinguisher that measures the current pressure level.
- Place the fire extinguisher on the floor, and then identify the tiny valve on the top of the extinguisher.
- Open the valve and close it when you've added enough air pressure.
- Test the pressure level again, and repeat the process if necessary.
Keeping Your Fire Extinguisher in Great Condition
If you want your fire extinguisher to be in optimal condition, you must take care of it. Below are a few tips for keeping your fire extinguisher in great shape:
- Store the fire extinguisher in a dry, cool place away from extreme temperatures.
- Avoid dropping or striking the fire extinguisher.
- Clean the nozzle of the fire extinguisher after every use.
- Replace the fire extinguisher once every five years.
- Store the fire extinguisher upright to avoid being exposed to too much pressure.
- Ensure that the fire extinguisher can be quickly retrieved in an emergency.
Storage and Care of Your Fire Extinguisher
After you've taken care of a fire extinguisher for a few years, you'll likely need to replace it. The best way to ensure you're using a functioning fire extinguisher is to replace it every five years. Once it's past its prime, a fire extinguisher will lose pressure, rendering it useless in an emergency.
When ready to replace the fire extinguisher, follow these steps: Make sure the current fire extinguisher is on a bracket or mount. If it isn't, install it now. Find a new fire extinguisher that matches the size of the old one. Repeat the same process of installation as mentioned above.
Conclusion
Now you have learned all the steps to install a fire extinguisher at home and care for it properly, you should have no problem responding in the event of a small fire. Regularly check the pressure in your fire extinguisher and test it to ensure it's ready to go. Continue reading Hoe.com for more updates on home security and how to upgrade the safety of your home.
