Extinguisher Contents

Dry Chemical Extinguishers
The economically priced, handheld dry chemical fire extinguishers are the most common type found aboard recreational boats. The retardant functions by coating the material on fire and removing the oxygen from the flame similar to throwing a fire blanket on a fire. An accurate aim at the base of the fire directs the retardant at the source. Sometimes our testers found that by aiming at the top or middle of the fire, they could not put out the fire completely, and frequently required an additional extinguisher to finish the job. Clean up of dry chemical extinguishers can be messy and it is corrosive to electronic components and wiring.

Halon Replacement Extinguishers
During our test we looked at two Halotron fire retardant extinguishers. There are also two other halon replacement retardants legal in the U.S: FE-241 and FM-200. These three chemicals were developed as "clean" fire suppression agents since Halon 1301 was discontinued. Our test of the Kidde Halotron models demonstrated the benefits and shortcomings of halon replacement extinguishers.

Unlike dry chemical extinguishers, the Halotron extinguisher displaces oxygen from the fire. This gaseous fire suppressant allows for easy sight of the fire and does not harm engine or electronic components. Halon replacement extinguishers are ideal for separated, enclosed spaces such as an engine compartments for use through a Fire-Port. All portable halon replacement units are safe to breath but fixed systems using FE-241 are not. Drawbacks for these fire extinguishers are the higher price and bulkier size.

Most of our test extinguishers were not rechargeable. A rechargeable extinguisher can be taken to a service station for maintenance. If it is not rechargeable then it should be discarded when the gauge reads ‘discharged’ or it has been in service for 12 years from manufacture.

A Fire-Port is a good addition if you don't have a fixed fire extinguisher system installed in the engine compartment. A Fire-Port allows for visual inspection and can be broken for a portable extinguisher to be discharged without opening hatches and introducing oxygen.

Using a dry chemical extinguisher to fight a fire in an enclosed cabin could prove difficult due to the billowing and powdery nature of the fire retardant. Sometimes it was difficult to see the fire only a few feet away.

The retardant in our portable Kidde Halotron extinguishers were under considerable pressure and once activated quickly put out the fire without the messy cloud of the dry chemical extinguishers.