MrMike
Lifetime Supporter
This is where the refillable extinguishers are handy, you can practice techniques without burning (pun intended) lots of $, you can get AFFF for ~ $250.00 for 20lts.Remember to check dry powder extinguisher every 6 to 12 months. Take the extinguisher from the bracket hold upside down and tap with a rubber mallet or piece of wood. This will loosen the dry powder that can settle and compact into a mass and limit the extinguishers ability also check the pressure gauge is in the green and not low.
After discharging a foam or dry powder on your engine or car (for a minor fire) try to clean the mess up immediately as the AFFF (foam) or dry powder is corrosive and can be aggressive on electrical parts and paint. I work for a company that has fire suppression systems on machinery and we have to discharge and major service the wet systems every 12 months. If we do not flush the pipes or the machine the foam corrodes the pipe fittings and machine parts. We work with companies like Chubb and Wormald fire systems daily.
Please consider some basic practical training or practice with family members using a fire extinguisher and fire blanket on a fire in a controlled environment as there are many people who panic or do not know the correct techniques. It is a bit like first aid, you may never use it but it is handy to know.
Something a lot of people don't know, engine coolant, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol is flammable and in a very fine mist can auto ignite (400°C) on a hot turbo or exhaust system and can fuel an engine fire because of the pressurized coolant system even after the engine is off.