Frankster13
Active Member
I am looking into what type of fire extinguisher I should have on board. I am looking into a small Halon Fire Extinguisher. Is there any thoughts, ideas or consensus on the best option?
STAY AWAY FROM THE A400!! Spruce still sells the H3R A400 model which is the smallest Halon extinguisher you can get. There is no gauge on it and no provision to service it. They claim a 9 year shelf life and once a year you check the extinguisher by weight. Well this year I found mine to be empty during my 4th CI, well short of the 9 year mark. I contacted H3R and they told me it was a known issue and that they had stopped selling these units several years ago. They also mentioned that there had been two known explosions of these units, both in helicopters in Canada. Even so, many of these are still available through multiple vendors to include Spruce. Despite my unit being past their warranty period they were nice enough to give me a discount on a new A344 unit. Much sturdier, you can have this unit serviced and refilled, gauge makes it easy to check and the bracket fits the same screw holes as the A400. The unit is slightly larger but still fits the same spot in my -8. The only down side in my case is that the top now covers a power port I’ve got. Got plenty of room to relocate it, just have not yet. The A344 unit comes painted in red or they have a chromed out bottle too for a bit more $$.
Good discussion at this thread:
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=172985&highlight=Extinguisher
Here too:
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=31963&highlight=Fire+extinguisher
I installed a 3/8" soft aluminum "spray bar" about 6" in front of the firewall at the top. It's above the gascolator, boost pump, mechanical fuel pump, and oil cooler. I plumbed it back to a fitting on the far right of the instrument panel that will accept my halon fire extinguisher. I also installed a temp probe (meat thermometer) in there so I would know I had a fire. I hope I never have to use it.... any recommendations for extinguishers plumbed into the FWF?
I have an H3R A344 that has been in the cockpit for 10 years. Gauge still shows full charge.
Do I really need to get it "maintained"? What would change that would benefit from maintenance when the gauge still shows full charge?
Can maintenance of H3R halon fire extinguishers be performed by local fire extinguisher servicing companies?
I have an H3R A344 that has been in the cockpit for 10 years. Gauge still shows full charge.
Do I really need to get it "maintained"? What would change that would benefit from maintenance when the gauge still shows full charge?
Can maintenance of H3R halon fire extinguishers be performed by local fire extinguisher servicing companies?
In the US practically all pressurized cylinders (Halon, oxygen) are subject to DOT rules, and are often required to be inspected (time frame depends on material, pressure, etc) periodically via a hydrostatic pressure test. Our local airport actually looks for out of date extinguishers in hangars (but not in the airplane) during hangar inspections, and asks you to comply with the rules if out of date. YMMV.
I have an H3R A344 that has been in the cockpit for 10 years. Gauge still shows full charge.
Do I really need to get it "maintained"? What would change that would benefit from maintenance when the gauge still shows full charge?
Can maintenance of H3R halon fire extinguishers be performed by local fire extinguisher servicing companies?
To the OPs original question about what type should I get, Yes, you should get Halon.
... I am looking into a small Halon Fire Extinguisher. Is there any thoughts, ideas or consensus on the best option?
You might want to weigh it Steve. It is a liquid in there, the pressure is vapor pressure at unit temperature. I think the gage shows full until the liquid is depleted. My unit loses weight each year. And - - I called my local fire extinguisher company was assured they can replace the o- rings, pressure test and refill for $20. I have not exercised the service though.
Here is an NFPA page on the Halons http://www.nfpa.it/d_faq_avi.htm
Edit II. Self Correction - I called H3R and spoke to a technical person. He said it is "possible" that it could lose a significant portion of the Halon 1211 and still read green on the gage. He also said the materials with the unit specify how much weight loss is acceptable. Pressure is augmented by nitrogen in this unit as the Halon 1211 vapor pressure (at all temps) is not sufficient to propel the liquid for a full discharge. He also confirmed that many local companies can service and refill. Sorry for the confusion.
I called H3R and spoke to a technical person. He said it is "possible" that it could lose a significant portion of the Halon 1211 and still read green on the gage. He also said the materials with the unit specify how much weight loss is acceptable. Pressure is augmented by nitrogen in this unit as the Halon 1211 vapor pressure (at all temps) is not sufficient to propel the liquid for a full discharge. He also confirmed that many local companies can service and refill. Sorry for the confusion.
My understanding is that these cannot be turned off once started so the E50 would keep discharging for 50 seconds? Not desirable in a small cockpit!
Fin 9A.
Hello Bill,
HalGuard contains Halotron 1, which is similar to Halon 1211 in terms of its toxicity. Both Halotron and Halon are approved for use in aircraft.
While we always recommend contacting your local authority having jurisdiction, we would suggest our Halon 1211 model A344T for use on aircraft. It is identical in size to the HalGuard HG100R, but it has twice the UL rating. It is used by several manufacturers of small aircraft. You can purchase it here: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/a344t.php?clickkey=41198
For your reference, I have attached the SDS for both extinguishers. You may also find this link informative. https://h3raviation.com/downloads/AC120-80 In-flight fires.pdf
Teresa Tatarek-Camp
H3R
I install these extinguishers:
https://www.h3rperformance.com/p4847-mx100r
About $80 on Amazon.
No they are not Halotron or Halon but use sodium bicarbonate which is baking soda. Baking soda is non-corrosive.
While much less expensive, I would STRONGLY recommend against any powder type extinguisher for aircraft use.
If you are curious why, sit inside of a cardboard box and set it off. You will be both blinded and choked by the powder.