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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Fire extinguisher recommendations?
Posted by: mountainroads Dec 13 2018, 10:08 AM
This topic has probably come up before, I honestly tried the search function with several options, but couldn't find anything??
The in-cabin fire extinguisher that came with the car is up for renewal. I'm a cheap bastard at heart, but this doesn't seem like the right time to cheap out and forego a replacement, even if it's for something I hope I'll never have to use. Especially since even the "good" ones I saw were all sub-$100 (?)
I like the idea of keeping handy in the cabin instead of one of the trunks. Realize that comes with some space and mounting considerations. FWIW: My existing unit was mounted parallel to the tunnel and ahead of the shifter (no center console box). What does this esteemed knowledge base use and where/how do you mount? Thanks in advance for recommendations.
- MR
PS: Hope I'm not opening another religious debate, similar to "What's the best engine oil?" 
Posted by: VaccaRabite Dec 13 2018, 10:23 AM
The best fire extinguisher is the one you don't need to use for it to be effective.
Look into tech like FireCut.
Cabin fire extinguishers are to make the driver feel better and maybe brain someone in an accident. They don't do much to actually put out a fire.
Zach
Posted by: Pursang Dec 13 2018, 10:33 AM
The cost difference between good and bad extinguishers is insignificant if it is your car that's burning. First thing to do if you suspect you have a fire is to turn your ignition OFF. As for effective extinguishers, halon is best.
Posted by: oakdalecurtis Dec 13 2018, 12:14 PM
Here's my fire solution(s). I have a BlazeCut system installed under the lid. I do not use a rain tray since I NEVER drive in the wet. I painted the BlazeCut tube black so that it does not show through the engine cover. You might also notice the engine deck lid steel cable restraint on the left side so that when I pop the lid, the hinges aren't slammed and worked until breakage ensues.
And just in case I have a cabin fire, I have a Kidde extinguisher inside my custom built center console box..... 
Posted by: Ansbacher Dec 13 2018, 03:21 PM
The best fire extinguisher is the one you don't need to use for it to be effective.
Look into tech like FireCut.
Cabin fire extinguishers are to make the driver feel better and maybe brain someone in an accident. They don't do much to actually put out a fire.
Zach
Not sure I understand your logic, Zach. A cabin fire extinguisher saved my 924S years ago from an interior electrical fire in the rear hatch area. Put the fire right out, how about that, and I think that's why they call it a "fire extinguisher".
Ansbacher
Posted by: 11tenths Dec 13 2018, 03:40 PM
Here's my fire solution(s). I have a BlazeCut system installed under the lid. I do not use a rain tray since I NEVER drive in the wet. I painted the BlazeCut tube black so that it does not show through the engine cover. You might also notice the engine deck lid steel cable restraint on the left side so that when I pop the lid, the hinges aren't slammed and worked until breakage ensues.
And just in case I have a cabin fire, I have a Kidde extinguisher inside my custom built center console box.....
Kinda ironic you have a Crane "FireBall" right under your Blaze-Cut.
Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Dec 13 2018, 04:26 PM
https://extinguishstick.com/
Have you ever seen these? They are pretty cool in action. I have watched a few people use them on auto fires.
Posted by: oakdalecurtis Dec 13 2018, 04:28 PM
Here's my fire solution(s). I have a BlazeCut system installed under the lid. I do not use a rain tray since I NEVER drive in the wet. I painted the BlazeCut tube black so that it does not show through the engine cover. You might also notice the engine deck lid steel cable restraint on the left side so that when I pop the lid, the hinges aren't slammed and worked until breakage ensues.
And just in case I have a cabin fire, I have a Kidde extinguisher inside my custom built center console box.....
Kinda ironic you have a Crane "FireBall" right under your Blaze-Cut.
Don’t you believe in ying and yang??
Posted by: stownsen914 Dec 13 2018, 05:46 PM
Same idea as https://elementfire.com/products/element-e50 ...
I haven't seen one in person, but there has been talk of them over on the Pelican forum. Tiny, they go for 50 seconds, and leave no residue. Seems like a good option.
https://extinguishstick.com/
Have you ever seen these? They are pretty cool in action. I have watched a few people use them on auto fires.
As for the comment about cabin fire extinguishers not being of value ... I put out a small engine fire on my racecar this past summer with a handheld due to an intake backfire. Large fires start as small ones ... I carry a handheld in all my older cars.
Posted by: Larmo63 Dec 13 2018, 06:56 PM
I have the larger Industrial size Element in my car, 100 seconds of effective use.
It's still pretty small, sits behind the seat and won't kill you in a car accident.
Posted by: Coondog Dec 13 2018, 07:40 PM
Buy a Purple K extinguisher. You can find them on Amazon.
Trust me, fighting fires is my job. All those little cabin fire extinguishers works about as good as pissing in the wind..... 
Posted by: Big Len Dec 13 2018, 07:47 PM
Based on Coondog's recommendation, that's what I bought. I keep it behind my seat.
Posted by: 914_7T3 May 9 2020, 12:56 PM
Buy a Purple K extinguisher. You can find them on Amazon.
Trust me, fighting fires is my job. All those little cabin fire extinguishers works about as good as pissing in the wind.....
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=19195
Is a 2.5lb unit sufficient?
Posted by: ndfrigi May 9 2020, 01:18 PM
Buy a Purple K extinguisher. You can find them on Amazon.
Trust me, fighting fires is my job. All those little cabin fire extinguishers works about as good as pissing in the wind.....
@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=19195
Is a 2.5lb unit sufficient?
Sir Greg @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=19195 ,
this is from your car and do u still have the same size on your car now? Like Jeffrey is asking, is 2.5lbs enough or is there any smaller that will fit under the 914 passenger seat?
Posted by: 914Toy May 9 2020, 02:18 PM
Buy a Purple K extinguisher. You can find them on Amazon.
Trust me, fighting fires is my job. All those little cabin fire extinguishers works about as good as pissing in the wind.....
Greg, How about this PEMALL HALON 1211 PA-H 2.5. It is a liquified gas type extinguisher?
Posted by: Coondog May 9 2020, 02:28 PM
Here is my current set up Purple K 20 B-C. Halotron 2.5 B-C
Going by pounds is not accurate. The number for a B or C fire extinguisher tells you how many square feet it will put out. For a A the number means gallons equivalent to water.
2A 10BC Two gallons of water for a type A fire. 10 BC 10 square feet. It’s the B C rating that’s important to us due to fuel fires. Purple K is the best for fuel and metal fires. The halotron for electrical fires. Amazon sells both. 
Posted by: Coondog May 9 2020, 02:32 PM
Buy a Purple K extinguisher. You can find them on Amazon.
Trust me, fighting fires is my job. All those little cabin fire extinguishers works about as good as pissing in the wind.....
Greg, How about this PEMALL HALON 1211 PA-H 2.5. It is a liquified gas type extinguisher?
Great for electrical fires not so much for gasoline. Get a a Purple K and put both in your car. Gasoline travels under the engine tins so while your trying to put out the upper engine fire it’s still running underneath the car. This is why I don’t like those stick fire extinguishers as it doesn’t allow you to get close enough to put out fire under the tins.
Posted by: 914Toy May 9 2020, 08:19 PM
Buy a Purple K extinguisher. You can find them on Amazon.
Trust me, fighting fires is my job. All those little cabin fire extinguishers works about as good as pissing in the wind.....
Greg, How about this PEMALL HALON 1211 PA-H 2.5. It is a liquified gas type extinguisher?
Great for electrical fires not so much for gasoline. Get a a Purple K and put both in your car. Gasoline travels under the engine tins so while your trying to put out the upper engine fire it’s still running underneath the car. This is why I don’t like those stick fire extinguishers as it doesn’t allow you to get close enough to put out fire under the tins.
On it, thanks.
Posted by: bkrantz May 9 2020, 08:29 PM
For many years I was an SCCA corner worker, and I also owned and drove my own race cars. What I learned from both practice fires and real racing incidents is that once a fire gets established (burning oil, rubber, breached fuel tank or cell) it is beyond anything hand-held. Standard dry-chem can knock down flames, but hot parts can re-ignite the fire. And dry-chem is caustic, and can corrode aluminum, wiring, plastics, etc. Halon is most effective in closed spaces since it displaces oxygen. I works best if pre-plumbed into the engine compartment or fuel storage area, but maybe not so well if you have to open a lid for access.
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