General Fire Extinguisher - Where have you mounted yours? [Archive] - DMCTalk Forum

jackb

03-01-2012, 11:51 AM

I cut a piece of wood to fit snugly on the parcel shelf, then hit it with spray adhesive and covered it in speakerbox cloth.
The bracket that holds the fire bottle is screwed onto the piece of wood, so the parcel shelf wood and carpet remain unmolested.
I trimmed the wood a tiny bit at a time until I could just squeeze it in there, so it is very secure and won't accidentally move, but is easily removed.

It does not need to be accessible while seated, because the very first step if God forbid there is ever a need to use it, is GTFO of the D. Then just pull the black lever on the outboard side of the seatback to let it go forward and the firebottle is right there.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c348/kaaooga3/dmc/DSCN1872.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c348/kaaooga3/dmc/DSCN1871.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c348/kaaooga3/dmc/DSCN1870.jpg

stevedmc

03-01-2012, 12:28 PM

Mine fits snugly and securely wedged between the passenger seat and footwell below the door. Easy to access and doesn't move around or get in the way.

What he said. I honestly don't understand all the fancy mounts people make when a fire extinguisher fits perfectly well in this spot. Plus it makes for a nice conversation piece when you have a new passenger.

Blackie

03-01-2012, 04:02 PM

Thanks for the replies guys.

Was going to mount it in the trunk, but figured with my luck, my car would be on fire, i'd go to pop the trunk and the cable would snap.

I was about to put mine in behind my drivers seat, but was not wanting to drill holes through my parcel shelf carpet (it is in very nice condition), and also drilling through the carpet into the removable panel would make removing the panel to get underneath painful, as the carpet would be screwed to the board. I guess i will just have to undo the mounting bracket if i want to get under there.

Still, i rarely go in that side, and i suppose the carpet is still available to buy.

Thanks all!

jawn101

03-01-2012, 04:04 PM

seventy4burban

03-01-2012, 04:06 PM

Hi Guys,

Looking to find out where people have their Fire Extinguisher mounted.

Pics or info appreciated!

Thanks!

Mine fits perfectly in the in the glove box.

jackb

03-01-2012, 06:35 PM

not wanting to drill holes through my parcel shelf carpet (it is in very nice condition), and also drilling through the carpet into the removable panel would make removing the panel to get underneath painful, as the carpet would be screwed to the boardThat's exactly why I did mine like I did.

Jimmyvonviggle

03-01-2012, 07:52 PM

The way these sometimes catch fire I drive with mine in my lap.

Dangermouse

03-01-2012, 11:10 PM

The way these sometimes catch fire I drive with mine in my lap.

Based on recent events, new Ferraris catch fire much more often than our D's

jawn101

03-01-2012, 11:12 PM

Based on recent events, new Ferraris catch fire much more often than our D's

Oh man... not to derail, but hasn't that been a real heartbreaker over the last 24 months? What is it with Ferraris?

Chris Burns

03-01-2012, 11:17 PM

Probably because it's more about prestige and image, than quality. I know a couple of people with older Ferraris (A 308 GTS and a 400i). They can be a pain sometimes, especially the 400i with it's V-12, but it's easier to live with than the newer ones.

jawn101

03-01-2012, 11:42 PM

...more about prestige and image, than quality.
...can be a pain sometimes

LOL, sounds familiar! :)

vwdmc16

03-02-2012, 12:53 AM

This is the proper mounting of an extinguisher: 5lb with METAL mounting bracket ( plastic ones are just trash) through bolted to underbody in between the seats which is easy to grab from either side. I then painted it with wrinkle black for that classy look with red DMC lettering in the middle. The best option would be a Halon gas over dry chemical.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c396/vwdmc16/dmc/photo1.jpg

stevedmc

03-02-2012, 01:45 PM

Based on recent events, new Ferraris catch fire much more often than our D's

Last I checked there were a few more Ferraris in existance than Deloreans. Simple math dictates there will be more Ferrari problems (including fires) than Delorean problems.

pezzonovante88

03-02-2012, 01:47 PM

Citizen

12-16-2012, 08:20 AM

I wanted to revive this thread because I’m starting to get serious about mounting my extinguisher inside the cabin. I very much like posts 6 and 17 because these mounts look very professional IMHO. But I wonder if they might interfere with the cargo net.

Anyone else want to chime in on mounting location? Problems? Suggestions? Of course, pictures are the most helpful.

Thanks in advance.

Thomas

...

Shep

12-16-2012, 11:43 PM

I wonder if they might interfere with the cargo net.The cargo nets seem to be missing on those two DeLoreans previously pictured, so I would think the cargo net would interfere with accessing the fire extinguisher when you're actually using it. Unless you mount it directly to the cargo net, but I honestly can't see anyone thinking that is a good idea as it would probably turn into a projectile in the event of an accident.

I'm actually interested in mounting locations as well. I was thinking the engine compartment itself, but then I realized the whole point of a fire extinguisher is to be able to battle the flames without being engulfed in them. Trunk seems like a bad idea to me as if the fire originates from there, it'll probably explode the second I reach to grab it and/or have already exploded by the time I get to it. I am on the short side, so I've thought about perhaps attaching a small one to the sun visor where it wouldn't get in the way but would be easily accessible. It's not like I'd ever use the visor for it's intended purpose since most of my driving is north/south, but I'd have to do a mock-up to see how much it would affect visibility and available headroom. If it works there, it would certainly be the most accessible method. Just gotta get a half-used roll of paper towels and some string for a visual test...

dustybarn

12-17-2012, 08:32 AM

The cargo nets seem to be missing on those two DeLoreans previously pictured, so I would think the cargo net would interfere with accessing the fire extinguisher when you're actually using it. Unless you mount it directly to the cargo net, but I honestly can't see anyone thinking that is a good idea as it would probably turn into a projectile in the event of an accident.

I'm actually interested in mounting locations as well. I was thinking the engine compartment itself, but then I realized the whole point of a fire extinguisher is to be able to battle the flames without being engulfed in them. Trunk seems like a bad idea to me as if the fire originates from there, it'll probably explode the second I reach to grab it and/or have already exploded by the time I get to it. I am on the short side, so I've thought about perhaps attaching a small one to the sun visor where it wouldn't get in the way but would be easily accessible. It's not like I'd ever use the visor for it's intended purpose since most of my driving is north/south, but I'd have to do a mock-up to see how much it would affect visibility and available headroom. If it works there, it would certainly be the most accessible method. Just gotta get a half-used roll of paper towels and some string for a visual test...

I would not put an extinguisher there right up there in front of my head; I'd be too afraid I'd end up like Tom Pryce in a collision. Right now I've got my extinguisher tucked down on the floor alongside the passenger's seat, but I like the concept somebody posted earlier with the carpeted board on the parcel shelf (I don't have a cargo net).

ccurzio

12-17-2012, 08:34 AM

I've thought about perhaps attaching a small one to the sun visor where it wouldn't get in the way but would be easily accessible. It's not like I'd ever use the visor for it's intended purpose since most of my driving is north/south, but I'd have to do a mock-up to see how much it would affect visibility and available headroom.

I wouldn't recommend this. In any kind of moderate front or rear collision, that thing would smack you in the face like a hammer.

I just have an automotive/marine size extinguisher in the glove compartment. No muss, no fuss.

Dangermouse

12-17-2012, 11:55 AM

The supports for the sunvisor can barely support the weight of the sunvisor itself, nevermind half a pound of extinguisher or more.

It would definitely be a head-knocker also.

Shep

12-17-2012, 12:19 PM

Didn't even think about that for the sun visor. Okay, scratch that idea.

Just had a thought: tapping into the screws that hold the tray behind the center armrest in place (or getting longer ones) should allow one to be mounted there I would think. Accessible from both sides, and quicker to grab once you're out than one in the middle of the rear parcel shelf. Certainly limits the usable size unless you want to mount it to go over the armrest, but I believe that'll fit the smaller sizes. Unless the screws aren't strong enough or something?

refugeefromcalif

12-17-2012, 02:20 PM

When I bought my extinguisher, I was planning on mounting it in the trunk but, (and like has been mentioned), I decided I wanted it very Handy if ever needed.

So like others here, mine ended up between the passenger seat and floor.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15506&d=1355771632

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15507&d=1355771722

No passengers have complained about it being in their way so, It's going to stay there... :)

George

pezzonovante88

12-17-2012, 04:34 PM

When I bought my extinguisher, I was planning on mounting it in the trunk but, (and like has been mentioned), I decided I wanted it very Handy if ever needed.

So like others here, mine ended up between the passenger seat and floor.
No passengers have complained about it being in their way so, It's going to stay there... :)

George

That's exactly where mine is. Easily accessible because it doesn't have to be secured/tied-down and it's not in the way at all. I see absolutely no reason to "mount" the extinguisher anywhere in the car when this option is available.

Citizen

12-17-2012, 08:00 PM

So like others here, mine ended up between the passenger seat and floor.
George

I see from the photos that there is a black strap around it. Does that mean it is mounted? Or is it just there with gravity and the seat holding it down?

Thomas

...

Jonathan

12-17-2012, 08:13 PM

There are a few good ideas here for where to mount. I like what you guys have done putting it down beside the passenger against the bottom edge of the door frame. If the hand brake wasn't by the driver, that would have been ideal. Coincidentally, that spot beside the passenger is often where I keep a SS water bottle. It comes and goes with me, but is too large for the drinkholders I have.

Either way, I think there are just two things to keep in mind with where to have your fire extinguisher:

1) Keep it somewhere that it won't bonk you in the head if you are in a collision.

2) Keep it somewhere that you can grab getting away from the fire, not closer to it.

And what I mean by the second point is in reference to keeping it either in the trunk or engine bay. If one of those two spots are where the fire is, the last thing you want to do is be rooting around for a release latch just so you can lift the cover and get a face full of flames.

There has been discussion on here before about not carrying a fire extinguisher at all. If there is some serious fuel line trouble and your engine bay is engulfed in flames, the 5 pound extinguisher may not be enough to put the flames out, but you almost assuredly put your life in danger trying. We all have insurance and that is what it is for. Engine bay fires are not all that common, but should it happen, it might be better to look at being content with escaping with your life and not worry about the car.

With that in mind, I keep a fire extinguisher in the car back on the rear parcel shelf. It is tucked slightly under the cargo net, so it might too be in a difficult place to get to in anger. I do feel though that if my fuse and relay area was on fire, I would give that a shot. But if the engine bay were up in smoke, I won't be fumbling in behind the drivers seat to get the latch handle, then go around to the cover behind and open it hoping for the best. Game time decision I guess.

Just one other thing on the placement of fire extinguishers. Where in your home do you keep one? Some people may answer that it is under the kitchen cupboard. That may sound like a good place, but in fact, it shouldn't be kept there. You want the fire extinguisher kept somewhere in your home that is on the way to the door outside. If the fire is in the kitchen, where many are, I personally would rather be headed to the front door, grab the fire extinguisher and then look back to see if the fire is manageable. If it isn't, I'm going outside. If your fire extinguisher is in the kitchen with the fire, you just got closer to the danger instead of further away from it. Just something to think about.

ccurzio

12-17-2012, 11:52 PM

Just one other thing on the placement of fire extinguishers. Where in your home do you keep one?

You want the fire extinguisher kept somewhere in your home that is on the way to the door outside.

While that may be personal preference, it's not recommended. It's actually recommended that you keep a main fire extinguisher at the middle of each floor (so you don't have to run all the way across the house to get it in case of a fire) with smaller secondary extinguishers in high-risk areas (kitchen, garage, dry leaf and gasoline closet, etc.).

Shep

12-18-2012, 12:14 AM

Just one other thing on the placement of fire extinguishers. Where in your home do you keep one? Some people may answer that it is under the kitchen cupboard. That may sound like a good place, but in fact, it shouldn't be kept there. You want the fire extinguisher kept somewhere in your home that is on the way to the door outside. If the fire is in the kitchen, where many are, I personally would rather be headed to the front door, grab the fire extinguisher and then look back to see if the fire is manageable. If it isn't, I'm going outside. If your fire extinguisher is in the kitchen with the fire, you just got closer to the danger instead of further away from it. Just something to think about.This is something I really need to work on in my own home. The quantity is not a problem, but they are scattered so haphazardly and discreetly that it takes serious thought to remember where they are. On a very related note (for both home and auto), has anyone come across a place that sells just the brackets to hold fire extinguishers? Some of the ones I have do not have brackets attached and others have the straps broken off, so all they need is something to hold them in place. Perhaps also swapping out plastic with metal for better peace of mind (not sure how plastic would hold up in a frontal collision at speed).

dmc3130

12-18-2012, 12:30 AM

Here's where mine is. It's out of the way but I can get to it really fast if need be. :blackeye:

Jonathan

12-18-2012, 12:32 AM

While that may be personal preference, it's not recommended. It's actually recommended that you keep a main fire extinguisher at the middle of each floor (so you don't have to run all the way across the house to get it in case of a fire) with smaller secondary extinguishers in high-risk areas (kitchen, garage, dry leaf and gasoline closet, etc.).

It had nothing to do with personal preference. It was part of training I received necessary to work at a nuclear plant.

The point I was trying to make is that you don't go closer to a fire to get the fire extinguisher, you move away from it, perferrably towards an exit. You accomplish this by locating your fire extinguishers on the way to the doors going outside.

I found a website describing something similar:

http://www.windsorfire.com/divisions-prevention-home-fire-extinguisher-guidelines

If you scroll down, there is a section on Location:

Location of Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers should be installed where the potential fire risk is greatest in the home. A Multi-purpose Dry Chemical fire extinguisher should be installed in the kitchen, laundry, workshop, garage and the top of the basement stairwell in the home. Extinguishers should never be more than 23 metres (75 feet) away from a Class A (ordinary combustibles) hazard, or further than 15 metres (50 feet) away from a Class B (flammable liquids) hazard.

Keep extinguishers in a visible location, high on a wall out of the reach of children, near an exit and away from heat sources. If exposed to heat, the fire extinguisher’s contents may become less effective or cause the extinguisher to lose its charge more quickly. The best location in most situations is just inside a door or entrance, out of the reach of children. Use mounting brackets, if provided with the fire extinguisher. Avoid locating an extinguisher right next to where a fire could develop. Smoke, heat or flames from a fire may prevent you from reaching the extinguisher.

Only adults should handle and use fire extinguishers. Be sure that everyone in the family knows where they are located and how to use them.

--------------------

Let me know if you need any more PROTIP's.

Notifier

12-18-2012, 05:56 AM

I keep this picture up on my refrigerator because it clearly shows an unqualified person trying to fight a fire with an extinguisher that is way underrated for the intensity of the fire:
15530

The entire side of the house is involved and it looks like he is trying to put out the fire with a small 2 1/2lb kitchen fire extinguisher. This will do nothing!

The important thing to remember is when placing an extinguisher inside a home is to not place it at a "dead end". Don't hide it in the back of the mater bedroom closet all the way up on the 2nd floor. And always put your safety and the safety of your family first. Get out, call 911, then deal with it.

I get questions from commercial customers all the time "how do I use a fire extinguisher?" I tell them extinguishers are there to make the Fire Marshal feel good. If a fire breaks out, pull the alarm, get out of the building, and let the sprinklers/fire department deal with it. Don't try to be a hero unless someone is in intimate danger.

refugeefromcalif

12-18-2012, 06:22 AM

I see from the photos that there is a black strap around it. Does that mean it is mounted? Or is it just there with gravity and the seat holding it down?

Thomas

It's Unmounted. I just never removed the mounting strap before I put the extinguisher there.

George

ccurzio

12-18-2012, 10:31 AM

It had nothing to do with personal preference. It was part of training I received necessary to work at a nuclear plant.

Well yeah, that's the problem right there. Fire extinguisher placement in a nuclear plant (or really, any industrial facility) is a bit different than in a home. Or a car for that matter. If we were to make a blanket assumption that fire extinguishers are to be placed near exits, I would have a much harder time in my house. I live in a (fairly large) ranch style house with three exits - all of them in a single room on one side of the structure. If there were a fire in my bedroom or my office (opposite side of the house), I'd have to run - very literally - all the way to the absolute other side of the house to grab the extinguisher, then run all the way back to the point of the fire. Not very good.

Now rather than that, we use the other recommendation: having the extinguisher at the midpoint of the house. (Which is where I installed mine.) That means the absolute maximum distance I would have to run to get the main fire extinguisher is only half the length of the house - regardless of WHERE the fire starts.

The idea is that if it's a fire you are actually going to attempt to extinguish yourself, then the extinguisher should be at the shortest distance possible from anywhere in the home. That's the midpoint. If the fire is large enough that you are going to attempt to leave the structure, then it's one you shouldn't even attempt to fight with an extinguisher. Just get out of there.

On a very related note (for both home and auto), has anyone come across a place that sells just the brackets to hold fire extinguishers?

Other than contacting the manufacturer directly, you'd have a real hard time with this since OSHA requires that fire extinguishers be mounted with their own supplied brackets.

Shep

12-18-2012, 11:02 PM

Jonathan, Accipiter, I think both of you are on the right track. While it is good to keep them near the exits, it is also good to keep them within a reasonable distance at all points of the house. The limiting factor to both of your solutions is a lack of redundancy -- it sounds to me like you're describing a setup with fire extinguishers in only one area. Personally, when I finally get around to redoing the setup in my house, I will have one near each exit and one in each sizable room, skipping closets (mount it right outside the closet if it has particularly flammable contents). In each room, it will be positioned closest to the house exit. This allows one natural instinct to get the hell out of there to kick in, and allows the use of a fire extinguisher once you're on your way out. There is safety in numbers, and if you have to travel through more than one room to get to an extinguisher, you're only costing valuable time in fighting the fire. Even better, once one is used up, you can move on to the next one, and it won't be too far away. So both of your solutions are correct, but for maximum safety, they should be combined. :)

Other than contacting the manufacturer directly, you'd have a real hard time with this since OSHA requires that fire extinguishers be mounted with their own supplied brackets.Doesn't OSHA deal with commercial (occupational) applications only, and not residential and automotive use? :confused0: I didn't think they had jurisdiction outside of the commercial uses.

Dangermouse

12-18-2012, 11:14 PM

This is why industrial plants do a fire audit to have a professional company determine where the fire risks are, what type of extinguisher is appropriate for that risk, and where the extinguisher should be.

In the example above, they may well recommend a small extinguisher under the sink that is handy for small flare ups, (combined with a fire blanket) as well as a larger unit screwed to the wall by the front door.

In Chris's example above they may recommend an inert system for the office to cope with the flare ups on his PC running DMCTalk ;)

Can't say that I have been in a residential house (and I looked at hundreds when moving house many times, even one that had a chapel in the basement!) that had extinguishers mounted to any wall near an exit, or in a nearby closet.

Shep

12-19-2012, 12:26 AM

Can't say that I have been in a residential house (and I looked at hundreds when moving house many times, even one that had a chapel in the basement!) that had extinguishers mounted to any wall near an exit, or in a nearby closet.I didn't say it was common. Just that it's the safest solution in most scenarios. :)

Dangermouse

12-19-2012, 08:22 AM

I didn't say it was common. Just that it's the safest solution in most scenarios. :)

I didn't say that you said it was common, I was just pointing out that, even though it makes complete sense, I have never seen it done. Possibly because it clashes with the decor.

It's actually recommended that you keep a main fire extinguisher at the middle of each floor (so you don't have to run all the way across the house to get it in case of a fire) with smaller secondary extinguishers in high-risk areas (kitchen, garage, dry leaf and gasoline closet, etc.).

Wait, you have a closet where you store dry leaves and gasoline???

LEVY

12-19-2012, 10:46 AM

Wait, you have a closet where you store dry leaves and gasoline???

And maybe an oil lamp and matches in case the power goes out! :D

LEVY

ccurzio

12-19-2012, 10:52 AM

Jonathan, Accipiter, I think both of you are on the right track. While it is good to keep them near the exits, it is also good to keep them within a reasonable distance at all points of the house. The limiting factor to both of your solutions is a lack of redundancy -- it sounds to me like you're describing a setup with fire extinguishers in only one area.

I have inbuilt redundancy. This is what I originally said: "While that may be personal preference, it's not recommended. It's actually recommended that you keep a main fire extinguisher at the middle of each floor (so you don't have to run all the way across the house to get it in case of a fire) with smaller secondary extinguishers in high-risk areas (kitchen, garage, dry leaf and gasoline closet, etc.)."

Doesn't OSHA deal with commercial (occupational) applications only, and not residential and automotive use? :confused0: I didn't think they had jurisdiction outside of the commercial uses.

This is correct, but it's easier to manufacture OSHA-compliant stuff and leave it at that, rather than making one for industrial use and one for home use. Besides, "OSHA Compliant" is a selling point, even if it's irrelevant. :)

Wait, you have a closet where you store dry leaves and gasoline???

You don't?

dvfr750f

12-19-2012, 11:03 AM

If you have ever fought a fire with a vehicle, you would learn that even a standard size fire extinguisher may not be able to defeat the fire, depending on where it is located. A glove box size extinguisher would be pointless in an engine fire. You also want to be sure it is a class of chemical that is built for auto/marine use. A dry chem is best.

Shep

12-19-2012, 11:14 AM

Wait, you have a closet where you store dry leaves and gasoline???You don't?I honestly have never heard of such a thing. I've seen firewood stacked beside a fireplace, but never dry leaves and gasoline in a closet. Usually that kind of stuff is stored outside somewhere (shed, back porch, deck, etc.). You do keep them in metal containers or similar to prevent fires, don't you? One spark is all it takes for that kind of accelerant to really ruin your day.

On a side note, I find it ironic that firefox, of all things, does not recognize the word "accelerant"...