New Fire extinguisher question

[ckalupa]

I had to replace the old engine compartment mounted extinguisher (31' boat) as it was a halon unit that was 12 years old and needed pressure test that could no longer be completed (even by the extinguisher manufacturer.) The new one has a manufacture date of 02/2012 with the filled weight embossed right on the label by the date. My question is does this new unit have to be sent out to have someone put it on a certified scale too, or is the fact that it was made last month and stamped on the cylinder with its weight sufficient for this year's service in the eyes of the coast guard?

 

[diehardmason]

Re: New Fire extinguisher question

It does not have to be tested/weighed by anyone else if it is USCG approved. It should be listed on the label if it is coast guard approved.

Boats 26 feet to less than 40 feet in length - At least two 2 pound portables, OR at least one 2.5 pound extinguisher. When an approved fire extinguisher is installed, one less 2-pound extinguisher is required.

Have the unit weighed annually to verify it's fully charged. Gauges fail often enough that they cannot always
be relied on. Twice a year, remove unit from bracket, turn upside down and shake to loosen any dry chemical compacted at the bottom. Have a full maintenance check annually by a qualified technician; see the Yellow Pages under "Fire Extinguishers." A more economical method: weigh the unit your- self every year, and replace it every few years

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: New Fire extinguisher question

Are we talking about replacing the old halon system with an FM-200 system Installed in the engine compartment?
Or is the new extinguisher just a Dry Powder, Portable, Hand Held extinguisher?

 

[ckalupa]

Re: New Fire extinguisher question

Thanks DieHardmason.

UncleWillie: We are talking the one mounted in the engine compartment and it is the FM-200 or what ever the newest gas is that SeaFire is producing today to replace Halon. It is mounted, automatic, and connected to the fire alarm system.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: New Fire extinguisher question

Thanks DieHardmason.

UncleWillie: We are talking the one mounted in the engine compartment and it is the FM-200 or what ever the newest gas is that SeaFire is producing today to replace Halon. It is mounted, automatic, and connected to the fire alarm system.

Your system has a liquid agent in the bottle.

DieHardMason's advice would be for Portable Extinguishers. Not yours.

Some systems require testing depending on your model.
Instruction are in your manual Here.