Date:         Mon, 23 May 2005 21:53:40 -0400
Reply-To:     Don in North Carolina <Don_Dixon@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don in North Carolina <Don_Dixon@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      Re: Fire extinguisher
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              reply-type=original

A note on Purple K extinguishers - we used them in the Navy quite a bit, but
there are some things to remember:

1) They will knock down flames very quickly, but they do not cool a fire - a
reflash is VERY common with these!
2) They are corrosive to many metals (they do a number to the alloy used in
the air-cooled blocks, not sure about the wasserboxer), and will pretty much
destroy anything electrical (corrodes the connections).
3) They need to be shaken regularly or the powder will clump and the
extinguisher won't work.

I've been considering adding an installed AFFF system, as is currently used
in the Navy and in race cars.  I've seen AFFF used in an oil fire - fire
goes out right NOW, no reflash.

Don in Reidsville, NC
1986 Kawasaki Concours
1988 Vanagon GL (Sylvia)
"I reject your reality and substitute my own." - Adam Savage
----- Original Message -----
From: "jimt" <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Mon 23 May 2005 21:20
Subject: Re: Fire extinguisher


In addition to the old type BC powder that used to be recommended for
kitchen stuff there is a newer product called purple-K.  Many extinguishers
using it have purple labels as well as a "K" marking in addition to BC.
Donšt see them very often though as the price tag is almost double the cost
of the standard BC extinguishers.  Best solution for a kitchen fire is still
as you stated...put the lid on it kill the source flame and stand back.
jimt

On 5/23/05 6:29 PM, "Stan Wilder" <wilden1-1@SBCGLOBAL.NET> wrote:

> As for kitchen fires the rule is; never move a burning pan, skillet or
> whatever. Always cover it and get the hell away.
> That fire extinguisher or water of anytime on a grease fire just feeds it
> oxygen and makes it grow.
>
> Stan Wilder
> Engine Ceramics
> 214-352-4931