Servicing All of Southern California

Frequently Asked Questions

We try to anticipate questions you might have about our PRODUCT / SERVICE and provide the answers here. If you need additional information send email to INFO@ABILITYFIRE.COM

Portable Fire Extinguishers

What type of extinguisher do I need?

This depends on the type of situation the extinguisher might be used for. The following is a list of common usage and minimum requirements:

Usage	Extinguisher Type	Classification
Office or Commercial space	5lb ABC extinguisher	2A10B:C
Electrical or Computer room	2.5lb or 5 lb Halotron extinguisher	2B:C or 5B:C
Kitchen	6Lt K Class extinguisher	2A:K
Commercial Vehicle	2.5lb ABC extinguisher	1A10B:C

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2.	How often do I have to have my fire extinguisher inspected?
	Fire extinguishers must be inspected and certified once a year. The tag on the extinguisher is the certification. Once every 6 years, extinguishers must be opened and all parts inspected. This is known as a 6 year breakdown. Top of Page

3.	What is a hydro?
	A “hydro” or hydrostatic test is a water pressure test done on the extinguisher cylinder in order to make sure the metal has not weakened. This could happen when an extinguisher is dented or begins to rust. Since fire extinguishers are charged under pressure, this test determines that the cylinder will not explode when pressurized. Top of Page

What are the different classifications?

Classifications are used to let everyone know what type of fires an extinguisher can put out. For example, water is a conductor and should never be used to put out an electrical fire. In fact water extinguishers are rated class A to put out only wood and paper fires and are not much used any more.

Classification	Type of Fire
A	Wood and paper
B	Electrical
C	Gas
D	Magnesium
K	Kitchen

Regular Dry Chemical or BC extinguishers put out electrical and gas fires. CO2 and Halotron are also classified as BC extinguishers. Multi-purpose or ABC extinguishers put out wood/paper, electrical and gas fires. Class D extinguishers are specialty extinguishers designed for magnesium fires that burn much hotter than a normal fire. Class K extinguishers are wet chemical extinguishers specially designed for fires in kitchens.

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5.	What is the difference between Halon and Halotron?
	Halon was the original agent manufactured for use around computers and delicate wiring. It was also used in boats and race cars as an extinguishing system. Halon was outlawed because it was determined it released CFC’s (Chlorofluorocarbons) into the environment hurting the ozone. Halotron is the agent that has taken halon’s place. Top of Page