What fire extinguisher

[Overdriven]

The smallest co2 being made now is 5lb, they stopped making 2.5lb as they are useless. IMO 10lb is the minimum co2 size, as they can make a decent stream so you don't have to be too close, 5-10ft away would still be the max distance depending on wind, type of fire, where it is, etc. CO2 is great for real car engine fire or any fire that can't be attacked directly and is a corner not easily reached. But they are also expensive, about $225 for a 10lb, which isn't the most portable thing in the world. Get a decent 5lb ABC (don't cheap out with a 2.5) stick it in the trunk, under the sink, in the garage, etc and be done with it.

I find it funny when computer geeks want a Halatron fire extinguisher (halon replacement) for their computer rooms. They are more expensive than CO2 and you still have to be there to use it, if you're not, it's just a nice decoration. I always tell them, get an automatic fire ext ($2k and up) or don't waste your money on anything more than ABC. The computer is going to be toast anyway if it caught fire and you didn't get to it real quick. Just take a look at that mugen mrx4 fire. They got to it in time, but didn't have an ext, all it took was another min to destroy the rest of the car.

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by Overdriven

...I find it funny when computer geeks want a Halatron fire extinguisher (halon replacement) for their computer rooms. They are more expensive than CO2 and you still have to be there to use it, if you're not, it's just a nice decoration. I always tell them, get an automatic fire ext ($2k and up) or don't waste your money on anything more than ABC. The computer is going to be toast anyway if it caught fire and you didn't get to it real quick. Just take a look at that mugen mrx4 fire. They got to it in time, but didn't have an ext, all it took was another min to destroy the rest of the car.

At the company where I used to work (Operations Manager), we used an FM200 system, but it was a 24/7/365 computer operations setup, so someone was there all the time. Where I work now, they use something else, can't remember the name. All I remember is the guy said that if it went off while you were in the room, you could still function (albeit not well) if you breathed a little in. Anyway, this operations is not 24/7/365, so you are right, it is useless unless automated. But now I think about it, I'm not sure it isn't; many operations centers have a pretty sophisticated fire alarm system, so it would make sense to have the extinguishing system hooked to it.

To answer the original question of what extinguisher to use: I say none. Just bring along someone you don't like and throw them on the fire.

[fastbaja5b]

I just have a Fire Blanket here, never had to use it yet, even with me cooking!