Watch this if you own an Element fire extinguisher

[StormRnr]

So we tested common fire extinguishers for this video on the Driving Line channel.

Source: https://youtu.be/WzV07iUE9eQ


1) The 2.5 pound ABC we tested had been sitting in my Tacoma for several years and worked perfectly and was very effective in suppressing a simulated engine fire.

2) The Element fire extinguisher had no effect on a simulated engine fire.

3) Harry was as close as possible to the fire wearing fire dept turnouts and structure gloves. In a real-world situation, you'd never be able to hold the fire extinguisher that close.

4) If the fire was inside the vehicle, you may be closer, but unless you were trapped, you'd have to escape before you got the fire out.

If you have one of these, I'd suggest you replace it with a 2.5# ABC ASAP.

-M

 

[406Camper]

Not very realistic. I wouldn't wait for a bonfire and talk for 5 minutes before attempting to put out the fire. Would like to see more realistic testing (fuel line fire) and empirical evidence. I have both, the element is in my cab and a 2.5 ABC in the bed.

Biggest mistake with an engine fire is opening the hood. You give the fire more oxygen. You should attack the fire as early as possible with the hood shut through the wheel well and hood seems.

 

[Takotruck]

I would let it burn and get a new truck.

 

[Battle Born Offroad]

While we keep an element in arms reach inside our race car, we also have a 2.5 ABC on the inside and a 5lb on the outside of the cage. If fire is a possibility, I would always have a backup plan.

 

[Tomahawk Dog]

2.5 will last about 8-10 seconds (dont tilt it will be like a paint can and blow propellant not powder)
5 lb about 12-15 seconds (but at least it has a hose for powder direction without tilting)

Best off with a 10lb ABC 20-25 seconds (never had ANYONE tell me they had TOO MUCH fire extinguisher)
More than not, they say they ALMOST had the fire out but ran OUT of powder. Just FYI

 

[StormRnr]

Not very realistic. I wouldn't wait for a bonfire and talk for 5 minutes before attempting to put out the fire. Would like to see more realistic testing (fuel line fire) and empirical evidence. I have both, the element is in my cab and a 2.5 ABC in the bed.

Biggest mistake with an engine fire is opening the hood. You give the fire more oxygen. You should attack the fire as early as possible with the hood shut through the wheel well and hood seems.

The hood prop was welded on.

 

[StormRnr]

While we keep an element in arms reach inside our race car, we also have a 2.5 ABC on the inside and a 5lb on the outside of the cage. If fire is a possibility, I would always have a backup plan.

From what I've seen, if your element is plan A then your backup plan is your plan A.

 

[jeepnik]

Don't know anything about engine fires. Oh wait, I used to put them out for a living. Element works if used during the incipient stage, it leaves no appreciable mess. You can extinguish slightly older fire with a dry powder but they leave a heck of a mess. A carbon dioxide works great on engine fires, leaves no mess but they are costly and require maintenance. Halon works wonders, doesn't leave a mess, but again require maintenace and they are costly.

So what do I have in my truck. An Element and a 2.5# Halon.

 

[RevN3]

Don't know anything about engine fires. Oh wait, I used to put them out for a living.

That made me laugh and I appreciated it. Good comment.

 

[jeepnik]

That made me laugh and I appreciated it. Good comment.

I could have add "have the scars to prove it" but that seemed unncecssary.

 

[Tomahawk Dog]

I have been in the fire service since 1980, military and now public FD.
You should never get within 6-8 feet of a fire with a portable extinguisher.
The element is less effective than a bucket of sand.

Dont try to kill a bear with a BB gun it will not work out well.