In accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, the absence of a fire extinguisher in the car directly entails a fine. The amounts for such violations, although small, but the mere existence of a simple fire protection system is, first of all, a security issue that is outside of monetary terms. The problem in solving this issue is only that a car fire extinguisher is on the market in a huge assortment. A wide range of types and varieties of this tool when choosing can confuse even an experienced motorist.
Basic requirements for fire extinguishers in a car
Fire in vehicles usually occurs unnoticed. Often signs of fire are detected a few minutes after the onset of smoldering. Accordingly, the driver can only rely on himself, and a manual fire extinguisher should become the main assistant in the fight against fire. Depending on the type of vehicle, the rules require the use of the following fire extinguishers:
- For cars - a two-liter manual.
- For trucks - one five-liter manual powder or carbon dioxide.
- For fuel trucks - two five-liter powder.
In each case, the mass of the fire extinguisher should be no more than 2 kg. There are also special requirements for operating time. In particular, the suitability of an automobile fire extinguisher should be at least 1.5 years. Rechargeable models can be used up to 5 years. Inspection of structures with rejection of cylinders and manometers is carried out once a year.
Powder Extinguishers
One of the most common types of fire extinguishers for a car, which is a universal fire extinguisher. The advantages of powder fire extinguishers include the ability to extinguish all categories of fires and a wide operating range from - 60 to 50 ° C. In addition, it is one of the most affordable automobile fire extinguishers at a price of an average of 300-500 rubles. But, there are also disadvantages to powder models. The fact is that their active mixtures do not cool the target fire extinguishing zone. In other words, the flame breaks down, but the smoldering process can not only continue, but in the shortest possible time give a relapse in the form of a new ignition. In this sense, gas and water emulsion products are more effective.
Also, when using powder fire extinguishers, it is important to take into account the following nuance: during the spraying process, a dust cloud forms, which makes the surrounding environment invisible. Therefore, you need to act promptly, not forgetting about the location of the fires. In this class, two types of fire extinguishers can be distinguished - injection and gas generating. They differ slightly from each other in the mechanics of action.
Fire extinguishers
Optimized powder extinguisher variation with state-of-the-art monitoring and control equipment. During the maintenance process, the active substance should be periodically pumped into the container, where it will be under high pressure. The average shelf life of an injection fire extinguisher is 2 years, after which it requires a recharge.
The handling of the structure is simplified by a locking device. In the same part is a pressure indicator that allows you to track operating parameters. As for the extinguishing efficiency, the injection models are good for their speed. Powder recoil begins immediately after pressing the lever on the housing. Exposure to fire and smoldering foci has the same disadvantages as all powder products. In turn, the indicator allows you to instantly determine the health status of the fire extinguisher. It is in terms of ergonomics and comfort of use that is the most attractive solution.
Gas generating fire extinguishers
This version has a more complex mechanism for the formation of an active mixture. The design provides a special device that creates the conditions for a chemical reaction between several elements of the balloon filler. But the physical mechanics of the action is quite simple. At the moment of operation, a special capsule is punctured, after which the components of the filler are mixed, increasing pressure. Next, the displacement of the active substance begins. An automobile fire extinguisher on a gas-generating device is quite suitable for inspection, but, again, it is necessary to evaluate the features of its practical use. So, in comparison with injection models, this design will require 5-7 seconds to prepare a fire extinguishing mixture and build up pressure.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
This type of fire extinguisher is characterized by the fact that it does not support combustion and effectively copes with the flame from fuels and lubricants. This is especially important if the sources of fire are the surfaces of the engine compartment. Also, automotive carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are safe for on-board wiring and electrical equipment, even if it is energized. On the other hand, for humans, this tool to combat fire is not so safe. Due to the low temperature of the ejected jet (about 80 ° C), it should be used with extreme caution, as there is a risk of frostbite on contact with the active mixture.
The average working pressure in the cylinder is 1.4-2 MPa, which ensures a spray radius of up to 2 m. It is important to take into account the short duration of action of such models. The user will have about 10 seconds of the active working phase, during which it is necessary to cope with sources of ignition. As for the cost, a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher with a first-aid kit and a warning sign in a set costs 1200-1500 rubles.
High pressure fire extinguishers
A model that is also more suitable for short-term point elimination of local sources of ignition. A feature of such fire extinguishers is a small container of compressed air built into the body. By activating the trigger, the user punctures a hole in this container, after which there is a sharp release of an air stream, pushing the extinguishing mixture. This design works well as a means of instant suppression of fire, but also has the disadvantage of the same delay. The service life of an automobile fire extinguisher with a high-pressure cylinder is also 2 years, and the trigger mechanism with a manometer should be separately checked.
Features of self-contained fire extinguishers
These are relatively recently emerged gas fire extinguishing flasks with a sealed design that eliminate fires deliberately in the engine compartment without the participation of the car owner. The device is completely autonomous and independent - there are no all kinds of bindings to the mechanics and electrical wiring of the machine. But it is important to keep in mind that an automobile fire extinguisher of this type is an auxiliary tool. The meaning of its use is only in practical use, since it does not correspond to regulatory parameters, at least due to the small capacity of about 600 ml. Nevertheless, for those who care about the effectiveness of fire extinguishers, this option is quite suitable. At a time when the temperature in the engine compartment rises sharply, a safety thermal lock is activated on the neck of the device. Further, as a result of microexplosion, the active mixture is instantly released and distributed, covering the entire source of ignition in a small engine compartment.
Structural execution - what to consider?
The emphasis in this part is on the means of indication, valves and the material of manufacture of the housing. The presence of a manometer and a high-quality locking mechanism with gaskets is a prerequisite for the effective and safe operation of a fire extinguisher. It is advisable to evaluate the operability of the device with levers and latches when buying, as well as verify the accuracy of the pressure meter readings. As for the material of construction, the preference is given to stainless steel. In this case, the price of an automobile fire extinguisher can exceed 1000 rubles, but, compared with “ordinary” alloys, stainless steel resists not only corrosion processes, but also protects the active mixture from the negative effects of oxides and alkalis.
Fire Prevention
Fire protection begins with the prevention of fire risks. Among the most common causes of transport fires, experts distinguish the following:
- Flimsy battery lock. Strong vibration or a sharp jolt during movement may well lead to a disturbance in the contacts, followed by a short to metal body. At a minimum, the risk of ignition is ensured, and the use of an automobile fire extinguisher will be possible only after a complete and safe stop of transport, which will take time.
- The use of combustible car chemicals for cleaning the body. Especially in the summertime it is impossible to cover open surfaces with alcohol or oily substances.
- Use of open flames in the cabin. In winter, for the purpose of heating, many practice lighting blowtorches, which is also unacceptable.
- Wiring failure. Even minor faults in insulation or improperly connected contacts can lead to a short circuit, followed by spark and ignition.
What else should be in the car?
Mandatory components of the car kit - a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and a warning sign about an emergency stop. As for the first-aid kit, today fully equipped cases are available for medical care in accordance with GOST. The shelf life of the first-aid kit is at least 4.5 years. The emergency stop sign is also standardized by GOST - it is an equilateral triangle with an edge length of 50 cm and the presence of a reflective coating.
Conclusion
Providing the machine with protective equipment and assistance in critical situations should not be formal. Both a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher in case of fire with an emergency stop sign will provide the necessary assistance in emergency situations. Moreover, experienced motorists are not advised to be limited only by regulatory means and always provide alternative options like the same self-contained fire extinguisher. For the price, expanded equipment will also cost not very expensive - a comprehensive set of modern medical care and fire protection can cost 2000-3000 rubles, but it will last for several years of operation.