Some Kidde Fire Extinguishers Recalled

[DMC-81]

Hi there,

Last year there were a few threads on DeLorean fires, and how to prevent/mitigate this event. This prompted me to get a fire extinguisher. I bought a silver model from Kidde (FA5-1), and recently I got a recall notice. Apparently there are a few models recalled, so I wanted to alert the community in case you didn't receive the recall notice. The links are below. If you go to the Kidde link (last one), you can answer a few questions and determine if your model is affected. I filled out the required information and Kidde is sending me a replacement - no charge.

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/kidde-recalls-fire-extinguishers-with-plastic-handles-due-to-failure-to-discharge-and

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2015/kidde-recalls-disposable-plastic-fire-extinguishers

https://inmarmarketaction.com/kidde/

[NJP548]

Dana,

This was exactly my situation. I heard about all the car fires and decided to get a fire extinguisher for my DeLorean. It looks like we actually got the same one. I just processed the recall claim after I got the email from Amazon. Also, the two fire extinguishers I purchased for my apartment were recalled as well. I have mixed feelings about using these new Kidde extinguishers once I get them. I may reach out to Amazon to see if I can return them for another brand. It looks like there was already a death attributed to this recall. A car fire no less.

Thanks.

-Nick Pitello

[Bitsyncmaster]

I'm guessing it's the plastic parts for the pull pin and handle that are failing when they age. Mine was also on the recall list but then they sent me an email showing the types not on the recall. I replied that mine was recalled so not sure if they will replace it now.

[DMC-81]

I'm guessing it's the plastic parts for the pull pin and handle that are failing when they age. Mine was also on the recall list but then they sent me an email showing the types not on the recall. I replied that mine was recalled so not sure if they will replace it now.

Hi Dave,

Did you fill out the claim form? It uses your model and serial number to confirm that it is indeed recalled, and then gives you a confirmation number for the replacement.


Dana,

This was exactly my situation. I heard about all the car fires and decided to get a fire extinguisher for my DeLorean. It looks like we actually got the same one. I just processed the recall claim after I got the email from Amazon. Also, the two fire extinguishers I purchased for my apartment were recalled as well. I have mixed feelings about using these new Kidde extinguishers once I get them. I may reach out to Amazon to see if I can return them for another brand. It looks like there was already a death attributed to this recall. A car fire no less.

Thanks.

-Nick Pitello

Yeah. I know what you mean. Kidde is a big brand though. I'll see if the replacement has a sturdier handle.

[NJP548]

I'm guessing it's the plastic parts for the pull pin and handle that are failing when they age. Mine was also on the recall list but then they sent me an email showing the types not on the recall. I replied that mine was recalled so not sure if they will replace it now.

That's most likely the reason. One of the recalls involved extinguishers that were made as far back as 1973.

-Nick

[NJP548]

Hi Dave,

Did you fill out the claim form? It uses your model and serial number to confirm that it is indeed recalled, and then gives you a confirmation number for the replacement.



Yeah. I know what you mean. Kidde is a big brand though. I'll see if the replacement has a sturdier handle.

Yeah, I'll see how the replacements are before deciding. I agree they are a big brand and should have a trusted product. I just don't like that this recall involved someone that passed away.

-Nick

[Bitsyncmaster]

Yes I filled out the claim and they said they would send me a new one. But about 4 or 5 days ago they sent me an email showing that "horizontal pull ring and curved plastic handle" were not on the recall list. I'm guessing they are finding this recall is costing them to much money and now they are trying to limit their cost. The email just had a click button so not even sure it did anything.

[NJP548]

Yes I filled out the claim and they said they would send me a new one. But about 4 or 5 days ago they sent me an email showing that "horizontal pull ring and curved plastic handle" were not on the recall list. I'm guessing they are finding this recall is costing them to much money and now they are trying to limit their cost. The email just had a click button so not even sure it did anything.

I got the same email. It just took you to a PDF showing the different fire extinguishers. I know for a fact all three of mine are on the recall. I'll see what they end up shipping me.

-Nick

[Michael]

If anything this lit a fire under me(no pun intended) to get extinguishers in my car and work van and home. I went to check the extinguisher I keep in my DeLorean only to discover it was 10 years old. I went to almost every car parts store and hone store but apparently this massive recall affected the units on the shelves too. Wal-Mart had them and they were extremely well priced(cheaper than I was expecting).

Got a 5lb unit for the kitchen, a 2.5lb unit for my work van, and a small 2lb unit for the DeLorean. I am going to mount this one because I am not quite as apprehensive about screwing a few tiny screws to hold it in place...I'm never selling the car and It's so far from stock that it won't matter.

The 2.5 unit was 17.00 and the 2lb was a mere 14.00. I feel stupid for not doing this sooner.

Also I tested the 10 year extinguisher. Worked perfect but if you ever do really need it, just know the small automotive sizes only have around 5 to 8 seconds of ability in them.

[SS Spoiler]

I ask my tire extinguisher serviceman if he every
worked with halon units. He said they are now illegal,
but he had a few. "I can't sell you one but I can give
you one". I now have a five pounder in my car...

[DMC-81]

I got the replacement fire extinguisher yesterday. Here are a couple photos for comparison.

The original FA5-1 fire extinguisher is on the left, and the replacement FA5B unit is on the right:

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=54809&d=1512335829

The replacement unit has an aluminum cylinder, a metal valve, pin, and handle which features a metal rivet on the hinge point. This looks like a sturdier higher quality version. It is also noticeably heavier.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=54810&d=1512335994

Although I'm disappointed that the replacement unit wasn't silver in color, I feel a lot better with this version.

[DMC-Ron]

I ask my tire extinguisher serviceman if he every
worked with halon units. He said they are now illegal,
but he had a few. "I can't sell you one but I can give
you one". I now have a five pounder in my car...

The following information is from a U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication titled, Questions and Answers on Halons and Their Substitutes. (Reference 2)

1. It is legal to continue to use your existing halon system and to purchase recycled halon to recharge your system.
2. There are currently no laws prohibiting halon emissions, however, discharge testing is strongly discouraged.
Recycled halon can be purchased from many halon and fire protection equipment distributors or directly from owners who are decommissioning their halon systems. The Halon Recycling Corporation (HRC) may be able to provide information on such sellers. HRC phone numbers are: 800-258-1283 and 202-223-6166.

On the other hand, replacement Halotron 1 fire extinguishers are now readily available:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CMUMW5C/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IOOVOY3FLST1D&colid=IBWSVQ2ZHQ6L&psc=0

Halotron 1 is the replacement gas for Halon (one of several manufacturer's brand names). It has about ½ the efficiency to Halon. For example, a 2.5LBS Halon bottle has a UL rating of 5; where as, a 2.5LBS Halotron 1 has a UL rating of 2. The good news is Halotron 1 does a great job on liquid and electrical fires, does not damage electronics, and leaves no residue. Other manufactures use different names, such as Halguard:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TPOTM8/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I385V7AG6MR1UL&colid=IBWSVQ2ZHQ6L&psc=0

[Michael]

The following information is from a U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication titled, Questions and Answers on Halons and Their Substitutes. (Reference 2)

1. It is legal to continue to use your existing halon system and to purchase recycled halon to recharge your system.
2. There are currently no laws prohibiting halon emissions, however, discharge testing is strongly discouraged.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lelgIgnhf0U

[Bitsyncmaster]

Just got my replacement today. Looks the same but metal handle, pull pin and nozzle.

[WHO1DMC]

Halon is like R12 no longer in production. Do to the EPA.


DAVE B.

[Mark D]

Still waiting on my replacement Kidde dry chem extinguisher, it's been about 2 weeks since I filled out the form online.

After the rash of DeLorean fires a few years back I bought a halotron extinguisher to avoid all the potential mess and electrical related aftermath issues of using a dry chem extinguisher on an engine fire. It was a little pricey but I went with the chrome extinguisher and hit it with a scotch brite pad for a brushed finish.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/htr-hg100c/overview/

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=54906&d=1513786071