Our expectations & reasoning behind this.
We have replaced our old dry powder fire extinguishers with the recently available “Fire Safety Stick” Fire extinguishers. There are currently two types of these available: the (FSS50), a 50-second version and the (FSS100), a 100-second version (sold by run time, not weight). We have opted for the FSS100 version as, although the larger of the two, they are still an enormous saving in weight & size, over our old fire extinguishers. A big bonus for items we hope to never use. Both options appear to offer a significant improvement in efficacy over the pressurised alternatives, but with the caveat that there’s no permanent barrier, so hot or smouldering surfaces may reignite (particularly wood), and therefore will need to be doused down.
New, Fire Safety Stick FSS100 (x2). (on left)
Old, 1kg dry powder. (photo to follow ASAP).
Old, 2kg dry powder. (on right).
Sorry, the van’s not here, so we don’t have a photo of the 1 kg extinguisher at present. We will post one ASAP
We hope to have the old dry powder units serviced (refilled if necessary), after which they will likely be stored & (hopefully not) used in the house or garage.
New, Fire Safety Stick (x2).
Fire Safety Stick
Actual weight 0.35 Kg (x2 = 0.7 Kg)
Run time: 100 seconds in a continuous discharge. (x2).
Service not required.
Shelf life, 15 years plus.
Physical size, please see the photo above for comparison.
FSS50 & FSS100 size comparison.
Old, 1kg dry powder.
Photo to follow ASAP.
1kg dry powder.
Actual weight 2.0 Kg approx.
Service every 5 years.
Shelf life, 10 to 12 years.
Run time (when new): 8 to 12 seconds, in triggered bursts.
Physical size, please see the photo above for comparison (when posted).
Old, 2kg dry powder.
2kg dry powder.
Actual weight 3.65 Kg
Run time (when new): 15 to 20 seconds in triggered bursts.
Service, every 5 years.
Shelf life, 10 to 12 years.
Physical size, please see the photo above for comparison.
We bought this type because it seemed less prone to damage, as it didn’t have a handle sticking out like most of the alternatives.
More info and photos, and a full write-up to follow soon.
In-use reviews. (Hopefully only ever for demonstration purposes)
Fire Safety Stick operation & info
Link to manufacturer’s site ( https://firesafetystick.com ).
Pros.
(FSS100) Over 10 times the runtime compared to the 1 Kg dry powder alternatives.
(FSS100) Over 5 times the runtime compared to the 2 Kg dry powder alternatives.
Significantly lighter and more compact (easier to store).
3 times the unserviced shelf life of dry powder alternatives. (and possibly more).
No servicing required.
No clogging or deterioration in run time with age.
Non-toxic in use & no toxic residue after use.
Less prone to accidental damage or discharge.
Posable, easier to operate.
Cons.
Continuous run, no on/off trigger. (but a far longer run time).
No permanent barrier, so hot or smouldering surfaces may reignite. (particularly wood).
Initially, more expensive.
Not a familiar item. (for most people).
Not approved for lithium batteries. (neither are any of the viable alternative options).
Our conclusions.
The “pros and cons” clearly point to it being a very good product. If we ever get the chance to test it for real, or in a practice situation, we will report back.
It is nice that they are sold by run time, something not well-advertised by the pressurised alternatives.
We also intend to get a water spray bottle to damp down hot or smouldering surfaces to prevent the chances of reignition. This is under research, as it needs to be a high flow rate, not mist. We will post here when we find a suitable one. (Water pistols may be an option. See Games for the grand-kids in toys, nice to have items that have more than one use 🙂 )
Re: Lithium batteries. The use of a fire blanket may be a possibility, but we don’t think it would be any more effective, and could possibly be less in the van; more research is needed, but we got one anyway. (actually 2, one @ 1×1.8m & 1 @ 1x1m, not certain which to put in the van yet).
Other related or affected items.
Engine bay, fire suppressant system. (needs fitting ASAP, see safety equipment).
CO2 smoke detectors. (old, working, but needs replacing, see safety equipment).
Fire blanket. (see safety equipment).
Water spray bottle. (Need ASAP, see safety equipment).
Categorie link pages:-
The Beasts travels.
Trip planning & logistics.
Our essentials list.
Reviews.
Permanently fitted or available.
General use & Camping.
For use with the van.
Safety equipment.
Fire extinguishers.
Thanks for reading.
.