Kidde Fire Extinguisher Recall

[gnihcraes]

Well, I received that email that said "Are you sure you have a extinguisher that is part of the recall?" and I said yes. That's all it wanted to know. But I figured something was wrong with everything I had entered into their website.

Yep, ended up with 6 ext. via fedex the other day. I went around and confirmed again - I only really have 2 that qualify for the recall. Whoops. Their method of confirming all this is a bit wonky in my opinion. O'well. Replaced my two and will send them all back.

[beast556]

I got my replacement unit's. Another thank you to the OP for posting this.

[Mtneer]

However, at the risk of sounding obtuse, I don't understand why we should not buy extinguishers at big box stores, such as Home Depot or Walmart and should be concerned about "non distributor channels".

Most fire extinguishers sold at big box stores have cheap plastic parts (hence the recall) and are not rechargeable. If you spend a little more and get the Kidde Pro versions 110 or 210 (twice as much chem), you get metal parts and can refill them (send in or at a fire station).

All ABC extinguishers are pretty much useless if you're dealing with a grass or brush fire. They only last 10 to 15 seconds and have a maximum range of 15 feet (ie. you're way too close). If you want better protection, get a 2.5 gallon water can (I have 4 of them). New ones run about $150 but you can get them refurbished off Ebay for about $80 each.

Water cans have a range about 50 feet and last about 45 seconds. You can improve performance by adding 1/3 cup Dawn soap to the water. By placing your thumb over the nozzle, you create a mist that is very effective at cooling down a fire at closer range. Nice thing about water cans is you can, and should, practice with them; then just refill at home and pressurize again with an air compressor to about 100 psi.

Even better, you can convert them to CAFS (compressed air foam system) by drilling a 1/16" hole all the way through the uptake tube about 2" down from the top; then cut the nozzle off the hose (optional; less range but dryer foam). After modification, put in 1.5 gal of water, 1.5 cup of Dawn, and 1 cup of glycerine. This will create abut 6 gallons of foam that will last over a minute and is very effective at putting out wood fire.

Another option is to add Cold Fire suppressant to a water can (about $20). That makes it good for wood (Class A) and also liquid (Class B).

[kidicarus13]

Well, I received that email that said "Are you sure you have a extinguisher that is part of the recall?" and I said yes. .

Answered YES snd received mine about 2 weeks later.

[vossman]

7 weeks now and nothing. I talked to them 2 weeks ago and they said they’d ship that week.

[Brass]

Mtneer - thanks for a great post! I had no idea that water cans are user rechargeable and that I can use them to make foam. The added range of the water can is really great. Thanks a lot for the info!!!

[encorehunter]

ABC extinguishers are very useful around the house for more than just grass and brush. Class A fires are your ordinary combustibles, wood, papers and such. Class B fires are your flammable liquids, which these extinguishers work very well for. We use a 35 gallon drum cut in half, filled with some diesel and gasoline for our extinguisher demonstrations. We can have 5-10 people put the fire out with a 5lb extinguisher before we need to change extinguishers. Properly used, they are very effective. Class C fires are your electrical fires. Turn the powere off and it turns it to a Class A fire.

The ABC extinguishers work on all of these fires. If you use the water extinguisher on a type B or live type C fire, you may make the situation much worse. Extinguishers should be checked annually by a certified technician. I know here in Trinidad, the fire dept does not inspect them. There are companies that do in the phone book. Any ABC extinguisher is better than none. Turning them upside down to loosen the powder is a good idea. I also use a rubber mallet to the bottom of mine if the powder is stuck. I wouldn't hit it too hard.
For businesses, you may be able to call your local fire dept and ask about an extinguisher demo. We do them often, the businessential provides the extinguishers and we set up everything else. Practice with one will make a person much more comfortable with it. If you feel the fire is too big, just get out. It is only items, and almost all can be replaced. A person can't.

[iego]

Submitted mine today. Thanks for the post!

-John