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Hi Fellow Campsiters!

Can anyone answer this question for me please?

How long is it before 1 kg Dry Powder extinguishers need replacing?

I have recently had my 'van serviced and was told that the extinguisher was 'out of date'  .However, there is no date shown except for the manufacturers filling date and instructions that each year I am to check that the valve on top comes back up when pushed down - which is still does.  I took the info on board and have looked for a replacement but after checking several models none of them have an expiration date on them.  Help please!

Happy camping!

I think most manufacturers "Recommend" every 7 years, but that's because they want you to purchase another.

If yours has a gauge(some older ones don't), then the needle needs to be in the Green area.

If you gently invert it a few times to shake up the powder (as over time the powder settles and becomes compact) I think that it will be OK.

Personally I don't like them as the mess that they cause clearing up after use .BUT better than nothing.

I use a CO2, they can handle anything in most caravans.

But as the old saying goes:- "IF IN DOUBT - GET OUT"

Andy..

Quote: Originally posted by birder99 on 16/2/2013

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CO2 is great but most people have no idea how to use them and then put themselves at more risk of harm

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Thank you all for your input. 

I think that I will use the 10 yr rule of thumb as mentioned by Inner Zone but as I agree with you all about the mess they make I am going to get a fire blanket too.   We all live in hope that the worst will not happen but no one knows when disaster will strike.  I have only had one incident which was soon sorted but it could have been worse - first time out in our previous brand new caravan, it was a very windy day high up on a hill in Derbyshire and I had the caravan door open.  I was using a new griddle pan and a spit of fat from the pork chops ignited the whole pan.  I was lucky to have a bowl of water in the sink so I quickly dunked a towel and put it over the pan.  It caused a bit of a stir on the site with the alarm going and the smoke coming out of the door!  But I learned the lesson of always using a pan with a lid on top.  Had it have been any other sort of fire I wouldn't have known what to do so as you say the best advice is  'If in doubt - Get out' definately.

Looking forward to getting out in the van when the weather improves.

Regards, Sue

Hi Sue,

Yes, getting a Fire blanket is a good idea.

Sorry to hear about your previous mishap, but you did the right thing.

Francophile1947 & birder99   "Holding the Horn" is quite common, but as you say you could lose your fingers.

That's why it's so important to READ the INSTRUCTIONS well  BEFORE you need to use any Fire extinguisher in anger.

Andy