I misspoke before, 5 lb is recommended. I have a 5 lb BC.
Here is a really good post from jeepforum
"Ok well I service and install all types of Fire Extinguishers and Suppression systems. Basically a 2.5 lb ABC extinguisher is useless and do not pass any minimum Fire Codes. It's nice cause its small but thats about it. Minimum 5lb ABC but I would recommend a 10lb if you have the room. Any make sure there is a hose with the extinguisher cause these things don't work upside down or side ways. With a hose you can stick it in, point it up kind of thing. If you got an engine fire you don't want open the hood anyways right away. You want to just get the hose in there and fire the extinguisher off.
BC Fire Extinguishers are more effective on Flammable Liquids than ABC extingsuihers
Purple K Extinguishers are more effective than BC extinguishers
Halon is expensive and is to be taken out of service when inspected and can't be recharged so don't bother. This includes 1211, and 1301. The military are the only ones aloud to use this stuff.
There are Halon replacement clean agents out there. But these are more for Computer and Electronic equipment. These are not effective on fires outside and in low temperature. It takes the oxygen out of the air. Lots of that outside. And $$$$
If ABC powdered extinguishers are fired in an engine and it gets into the intake it will pretty much destroy your engine. There is metal in the powder than adheres to any hot surface. Not good for engines
BC powder is pretty much baking soda with additives in it to prevent caking
Look for the Rating on the fire extinguisher. It's more important than size.
Example a 2.5 ABC rating is 1A10BC. A 5lb ABC is 4A40BC
This means the 5lb is 3 times more effective at fighting Wood fires, 40 times more effective fighting Flammable liquids.
Oh and Don't buy a cheap plastic handled, plastic valve Extinguisher. Your rig is worth a lot of money. Get one worth with a Metal handle and internals. Amerex and Flag and Sentry are all quality Extinuishers.
Don't worry about the Powder packing or caking. Powders back in the 70's-80's did this. The new powders are siliconized(spelling?). Basically silicone is added to prevent this. Turning of an extinguisher and hammering on it is actually bad for the extinguisher and it can clog the syphon tube.
If you fire even a small amount of powder out of the extinguisher it needs to be recharged. It won't reseal.
Oh and Look at the date on the Extinguisher. It should be stamped on the bottom or on the Decal somewhere. Extinguishers should be recharged every 6 years no matter what.
As for suppression systems, I wouldn't bother. The off-road systems would be the only thing I would put on a Jeep. Any there's not enough room for a 25-30lb cylinder and you would have to get it serviced every year to make sure everything is proper. Halotron or Clean agent system would be useless in the winter if your in a cold climate."
Fire!
Reply W/Quote
