Dry Powder or Water-Based Fire Extinguisher for Cars?
2 Answers
For vehicle-mounted fire extinguishers in cars, dry powder and water-based fire extinguishers are highly recommended. Dry powder fire extinguishers have fast fire suppression and low cost, but they are polluting and corrosive. Water-based fire extinguishers can extinguish all types of fires except Class D metal fires. They are pollution-free, harmless to humans, and particularly effective for extinguishing Class B liquid fires, making them especially suitable for engine and car fires. The characteristics of dry powder and water-based fire extinguishers are as follows: Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher: 1. The dry powder extinguishing agent has good chemical stability and can be stored for a long time; 2. Fast fire suppression speed, quickly covering and isolating air to extinguish fires; 3. Compared to water-based fire extinguishers, dry powder extinguishers can extinguish Class C gas fires; 4. More suitable for use in low-temperature environments than water-based fire extinguishers; operating temperature range is -20℃ to 55℃; 5. After use, the dry powder residue needs to be cleaned up. Water-Based Fire Extinguisher: 1. Healthy, non-toxic, and harmless, easy to clean, and can be sprayed directly on the body to aid in escaping a fire; 2. Good permeability and adhesion, strong fire resistance, and can quickly lower temperatures; 3. Suitable for the early stages of fires where fire suppression requirements are not high, easy to use; 4. Can extinguish Class ABEF fires; 5. Operating temperature range is 5℃ to 55℃, not suitable for use in low-temperature areas; 6. No cleanup required after use, naturally degrades.
Having worked in the auto repair industry for so many years, I recommend keeping a dry powder fire extinguisher in your car—it's especially effective for vehicle fires. Car fires often involve oil or electrical circuits, and dry powder can extinguish Class A, B, and C fires, including engine grease fires, whereas water-based extinguishers may conduct electricity when in contact with electrical components, posing greater risks. Remember to check the pressure gauge and expiration date, and store it in an easily accessible spot in the cabin. In case of a fire, stay calm, pull the safety pin first, then spray. If you opt for a water-based extinguisher, cleanup is easier, but it's only suitable for solid fires and impractical for cars with many electrical components—safety-wise, dry powder is still the top choice.
