Most cars instantly ignite when there is an electrical short circuit or an accident. If the fire department arrives at the scene of the accident at least 10 minutes later, your car will not be recoverable. Therefore, every responsible motorist must know which fire extinguisher should be in the car in 2020 - 2020.
Requirements, expiration dates, prices for different models may vary greatly. The best fire extinguisher is the one that can independently extinguish the fire at the initial stage of the fire.
Which fire extinguisher is suitable for a car: requirements 2020 – 2020
The new rules regulate much more strictly what kind of fire extinguisher should be in a car in 2020 - 2020. The requirements have changed in some respects. It is recommended that before purchasing a fire extinguisher, you check the device for each of the following points:
- Each fire-fighting device must comply with two GOST-NPB 155-2002 and R51057-2001.
- A type of extinguishing agent. In 2020, two types are allowed: carbon dioxide and powder.
- Correct labeling. A high-quality fire extinguisher will indicate all the basic information from the composition of the extinguishing mixture to the instructions for use.
- Lifetime. Over time, a fully charged fire extinguisher will lose a significant part of the pressure and important properties of the extinguishing mixture. The dates of refilling, refueling, and service life must be indicated on the device itself.
- requirements for a refilled fire extinguisher are as follows: 2 kg for cars, 5 kg for trucks.
- The volume is similar, 2 liters for cars, 5 liters for trucks.
The main thing is that the fire extinguishing device is suitable for extinguishing and is in full working order. Annual control for technical inspection involves a thorough external inspection with examination of filters and opening of the fire extinguisher.
What is required during a technical inspection?
The fire extinguisher must comply with the standards set forth in GOST R51057-2001. The document was developed and approved by Gosstandart. Compliance with the established requirements (listed below) guarantees the successful completion of vehicle inspection.
- It is important that the volume of the fire extinguisher for a passenger car is 2 liters, and for trucks - 5 liters.
- The cylinder weight requirements for cars are 2 thousand grams, for trucks – 5 thousand grams. This parameter indicates whether the fire extinguisher is 100% full.
- In every fully charged fire extinguisher, the pressure drops over time and the filler loses its properties. Therefore, the shelf life of a car fire extinguisher is one of the important requirements for the device. The expiration date must be marked on the device body.
- Availability of markings on the fire extinguishing cylinder. It records the date of refueling, instructions for use, and manufacturer’s details.
The main condition is that the fire extinguisher is in working order. The rules for passing a technical inspection in 2020 require regular checks of the fire extinguishing device. Next, you will find out which parameters are subject to control.
Fire extinguisher expiration date
The actual shelf life of a car fire extinguisher depends on a huge number of factors. The current legislation of the Russian Federation establishes a standard period for the use of fire fighting equipment. This indicator is calculated solely based on the type of fire extinguisher.
How to determine the expiration date? To do this, let's turn to the regulatory requirements SP 9.13130.2009 . According to this set of rules, an OP type powder fire extinguisher has a shelf life of 10 years.
Carbon dioxide or gas type OUs will last longer, about 10+ years . The increase in service life occurs after annual checks with inspection of the housing and weighing. If successful, the fire extinguisher remains in use.
Any type of fire extinguishing device must be recharged at least once every 5 years .
But not all models should be subjected to this procedure, only gas and powder ones. Small-volume powder fire extinguishers are more cost-effective to replace with a new one than to refill.
Types and shelf life of each
The period of continuous operation of the fire extinguisher is determined by the manufacturer. It is written in the product data sheet. Depending on the cylinder model, the shelf life ranges from 1 to 5 years.
Best before date.
Common devices include the following types:
- Carbon dioxide.
- Freon.
- Chemical.
- Air-foam.
- Emulsion.
- Powder.
According to the principle of influence
The task of the product is to localize the fire as quickly as possible. Existing types differ in the substance contained in the cylinder. It has different physical and chemical characteristics and conditions of use.
Carbon dioxide
The device (OU) is used to extinguish materials that cannot burn without access to oxygen. The cylinder is a red conical cylinder with an installed locking and trigger mechanism and a plastic bell.
The substance pumped inside is carbon dioxide. When ejected, thick white foam is formed with a jet temperature of minus 70 degrees Celsius. If it gets on the hand or other area of the skin, it causes frostbite. Therefore, application requires caution.
Freon
Used in places where it is necessary to store valuables or property. Used in shops, documentary archives, museums.
The advantages of the product include versatility, tracelessness, and efficiency. There is one minus - the harmful influence of freon.
The validity period of a fire extinguisher in a car based on the substance is 5 years. After technical inspection, it can be reused.
Foam/chemical
They represent a reservoir with reagents pumped inside, located in containers isolated from each other. After activating the flask valve and tilting the fire extinguisher, they mix and react to form an extinguishing mixture.
The advantages of the device include:
- release of carbon dioxide, which increases the efficiency of eliminating the source of fire;
- ease of refilling;
- feeding time, jet length;
- long shelf life.
There are many more disadvantages.
These include:
- aggressive substance;
- corrosion of processed objects;
- temperature regime;
- storage under certain conditions.
These characteristics contribute to rare use and are the determining factor in regulating the price.
Air foam
Used to extinguish fires of organic materials and substances that change structure when heated (petroleum products, paints). The solution in the cylinder creates a foam cover that prevents oxygen from reaching the source of fire.
The advantage of the device is its operating time, which significantly exceeds that of other types of auto fire extinguishers.
Air emulsion
OVE cylinders are environmentally friendly and safe. They are used to eliminate the fire of liquid and solid materials, as well as equipment with a voltage of no more than 1000 V. They have a minimum consumption of substances and do not create dust.
The shelf life of a car fire extinguisher is 5 years.
Powder
Used to eliminate fires of hot materials, liquids and petroleum products. Also used to localize fires in cars or trucks.
Powder fire extinguishers.
The advantages of a powder device (PD) are:
- no temperature restrictions;
- high efficiency.
There are practically no disadvantages. The main disadvantage is pollution. Small particles of the injected material scatter to the sides and settle on the surface.
The shelf life of a powder fire extinguisher for a car is 5 years. After expiration, the device is sent for technical inspection.
Water
Devices based on this material effectively eliminate the combustion of solid and organic substances. They are ideal for localizing smoldering objects such as paper, rags, wood. Not for use in case of fire of liquids. Completely safe. The main disadvantage is the inability to use at low air temperatures.
By charge mass
Models are classified as follows:
- Up to 20 kilograms. These include small portable models used in offices and premises.
- From 20 to 450 kilograms. Mobile options used at metro stations or gas stations.
- Above 450 kilograms. Stationary models included in the automatic fire extinguishing system.
By body volume
The cylinder capacity of modern devices can be:
- Up to 5 liters – low-sized manual models.
- 5 - 10 liters - industrial use.
- 10 liters and more - large mobile or stationary models.
The effect of the pumped fire extinguishing agent does not depend on the capacity of the cylinder. The difference between the options lies in the internal pressure, which is checked using the installed pressure gauge.
Where to buy and how much it costs
The price of car fire extinguishers varies greatly depending on whether they meet the requirements listed above. For example, the cheapest powder type car fire extinguisher is sold for 90 rubles.
Its volume is 2 liters and is suitable for passenger cars. It is not recommended to skimp on your safety, but you should not go to the other extreme of purchasing a very expensive fire extinguisher.
How much does a quality fire extinguisher cost? The table below shows average indicators depending on the type and volume of the fire extinguishing device.
Cost of powder fire extinguishers
| 2 liters | 250-300 rubles |
| 3 liters | 350-420 rubles |
| 4 liters | 460-500 rubles |
| 5 liters | 550-600 rubles |
Cost of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
| 2 liters | 450-490 rubles |
| 3 liters | 500 rubles |
| 5 liters | 650 rubles |
| 8 liters | 1000 rubles |
| 10 liters | 2800 rubles |
Buy a fire extinguisher for your car by visiting the following stores in person or by ordering online:
- Bigam.
- WOW.
- LLC Trend Rus.
- MAXIDOM.
- Vam-shina.
- Sathro-Paladin.
- ToyWay.
- Trends4Car.ru.
car fire extinguisher
How to determine service life?
Attention! The shelf life of a fire protection device can be nominal or real. The first is determined by the manufacturer. It is indicated on the fire extinguisher label. The actual shelf life depends on the storage conditions of the cylinder and its maintenance.
The owner should periodically evaluate the condition of the fire extinguisher. The device should be checked quarterly for mechanical damage. The result will help you draw conclusions about how well the chosen location for storing the fire extinguisher meets the requirements.
The fire suppression device should be checked annually to ensure that its contents are not leaking. This is more applicable to carbon dioxide samples. To check, just weigh the cylinder. If its mass is below normal, this may indicate a leak.
If the expiration date of the carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is not coming to an end, the cylinder is not damaged, and the mechanics are working properly, recharging is required if a leak is detected. Otherwise, it is more advisable to purchase a new copy.
The situation is different with powder fire extinguishers. It is customary to change the contents of such a device every 5 years. But considering that the shelf life of powder devices is 10 years, and the cost of recharging is not much lower than the cost of a new cylinder, many car owners prefer to simply buy a new fire extinguishing agent.
All important indicators of a fire extinguisher can be seen in its passport. The document contains the following information:
- date of manufacture;
- working and test pressure;
- volume and weight of the cylinder.
Taking these indicators into account, you can correctly determine the operating and recharging life of the device. When replacing the contents of the cylinder, the date is indicated in the passport, and a control seal is installed on the device.
Reference. An expired or faulty fire extinguisher cannot be used for its intended purpose.
The following deviations from the norm may occur:
- complete or partial loss of properties of a chemical substance;
- decrease in pressure in the cylinder, etc.
It is impossible to know in advance whether it will be possible to cope with a fire using a device that has expired. Therefore, timely replacement of the fire extinguisher is necessary not only to avoid a fine, but also to save the lives of the driver and passengers in case of danger.
Penalties provided for by the legislation of the Russian Federation
Traffic police officers impose fines in two cases:
- when driving without a fire extinguisher ;
- when there is an expired fire extinguisher in the car .
The fine is imposed in accordance with Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. It states a fixed amount of 500 rubles . Additionally, it is indicated that the traffic police officer has the right not to issue a fine, but to issue a warning . Both drivers themselves and inspectors often forget about this.
The traffic rules state that if a malfunction occurs with a fire extinguisher during a trip, the driver is obliged to go to the store to buy a new one . If you are stopped by a traffic police officer with a faulty fire extinguisher, then provide him with this information.
A fine issued legally should not exceed 500 rubles. And you have the right to request a warning.
Shelf life requirements for carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
The advantage of carbon dioxide fire extinguishing devices is the strong pressure of the solution jet and its complete evaporation.
The disadvantage is that the active substance is toxic, so you must use gloves when working. Another disadvantage is the narrow range that the working jet can cover (angle 50-700).
The shelf life of this type of fire extinguisher is 15-20 years per cylinder, 5 years per charge.
Which fire extinguisher is best for a car?
The best option, according to service center employees, are powder and carbon dioxide models. These two options are the most reliable and high quality.
The carbon dioxide model is more expensive than the powder model and has a more massive appearance, but does not leave marks after use. Powder is cheaper. Its main substance, powder, from the passenger compartment and from the inside of the body after use
Which one is better to choose? The answer just depends on personal preference.
APTV in are effective and high-quality carbon dioxide units . The largest Moscow company producing this type of fire-fighting equipment, Pozhtekhavtomatika, is a leader in the fire extinguisher market.
There are a huge number of manufacturers of powder extinguishing agents. Among them, it is necessary to note the products of Yarpozhinvest LLC . The company produces a large number of models with different charges that can be recharged after use. That is, you get reusable fire extinguisher.
MIG company offers universal means that can cope with any source of fire. They are actively used not only by drivers, but also by parking and warehouse workers.
Types of fire extinguishers
Every car owner must ensure that a working fire extinguisher is always available. This is checked during a technical inspection, which the driver must undergo at least once a year. A car fire extinguisher must meet certain requirements. For example, a water or foam device should not be used as they are not capable of handling a burning engine or fuel tank.
Therefore, a car requires a powder or carbon dioxide device. However, the powder device has some disadvantages:
- It does not provide a cooling effect, which may result in a re-ignition.
- Visibility deteriorates.
- The powder tends to clump into clumps (especially if stored incorrectly), so the fire extinguisher may not work at the right time.
- When used, the powder can cause damage to some vehicle systems.
Carbon dioxide devices can also harm the driver or passengers, as their composition can lead to fainting or dizziness.
A cylinder with such contents can accumulate static electricity, which will sooner or later make it impossible to use. In addition, it is better not to use gas at low temperatures. One of the advantages of these fire extinguishers is that the interior is clean after use, whereas other substances leave a residue. And drivers often have to clean the interior.
The driver must store his fire extinguisher in the passenger compartment, preferably as close as possible. This will allow you to react quickly in case of fire. The device must be well secured to prevent it from falling.
For trucks
Trucks weighing up to 3.5 tons must be equipped with at least one carbon dioxide or powder fire extinguisher weighing at least 2 kg . If a truck or bus is intended to transport people or its weight varies from 3.5 to 7.5 tons , then it is necessary to be equipped with two similar devices to eliminate fires.
Additionally, one fire extinguisher is located in the driver’s cab, the other in the body or passenger compartment. The device is fixed on the bracket using transport fastenings : rubber clamps or a latch with a lock.
When transporting dangerous goods weighing no more than 7.5 tons, it is necessary to be equipped with two gas or powder fire extinguishers. One of which is located on the chassis, the other in the body or on a tank with cargo.
What should a car fire extinguisher be like?
Until 2012, car owners had to have both a first aid kit for technical inspection and a fire extinguisher in their car in order to issue a diagnostic card. Now you do not need to present a set of medications for technical inspection. The argument for eliminating the need to present a first aid kit during the diagnostic process was the fact that its absence (or, conversely, presence) does not in any way affect the technical condition of the car.
Is a fire extinguisher needed for technical inspection? Changes in legislation affected only the requirements for the presence of a first aid kit in a car, and the conditions for keeping a fire extinguisher remained the same. A portable or mobile device for extinguishing fires must be present during the technical examination of the vehicle for the purpose of drawing up a diagnostic card and during daily operation.
Have the requirements for a car fire extinguisher changed in 2020, what regulations and standards must it comply with? Which fire extinguisher should you choose? Let's look at the pros and cons of different types of fire extinguishing devices. If a car owner does not have a fire extinguisher and is stopped by a traffic police officer for inspection, punishment will follow. It can be expressed in the form of a warning to the driver or a monetary penalty. The fine for not having a fire extinguisher today is 500 rubles.
Carbon dioxide or powder
Not every existing type of fire extinguisher is suitable for a car. Speaking about foam devices, it should be noted that their volume is insufficient to extinguish a strong fire. Water-type fire extinguishers are not able to suppress fires in the fuel tank and car engine. So what kind of fire extinguisher is needed for technical inspection? According to the rules for carrying out technical examination of the machine, carbon dioxide or powder cylinders are suitable.
The main advantage of a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is its high efficiency. It will quickly extinguish a fire and is convenient to use. The disadvantage of this type of device is its high cost and size. In addition, incorrect position of the cylinder during use can lead to injury due to the low temperature of the liquefied gas. Fire extinguisher fill may cause dizziness.
A powder fire extinguisher is cheaper than a carbon dioxide model, it is more compact, but also has its drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages of a powder device is the lack of a cooling effect, which minimizes the possibility of re-ignition. During the process of extinguishing a fire, the powder substance reduces visibility and quickly begins to form into lumps, clogging the outlet. This type of fire extinguisher requires regular maintenance.
We also read: Inspection in 2019 Diagnostic card for compulsory motor liability insurance in 2020
Best kit: first aid kit, fire extinguisher, emergency sign
with the concept of a car kit or “motorist kit” . If you buy a new car at a dealership, you will be offered an additional purchase right away. But not all motorists have a clear idea of what this set should contain, what it is needed for, and what kind of first aid kit should be in a car in 2020 - 2020 .
Minimum car kit:
- first aid kit;
- fire extinguisher;
- emergency sign;
- tow rope;
- warning triangle.
Without these items, no self-respecting motorist will drive. Nowadays, purchasing such a set will not be difficult. They are sold in almost any automobile store.
Rating of quality car kits:
- FEST Auto. Price – 1290 rub. Ingredients: PVC gloves, tow rope with hooks, warning triangle, fire extinguisher, first aid kit.
- FEST Miss Auto . The set for the fair sex is made in feminine pink colors. Price – 1390 rub . Ingredients: gloves, raincoat, rope with hooks, warning triangle, fire extinguisher, travel first aid kit.
- Zipower 132ss. The set consists of 23 essential items on the road. Price – 1990 rub . Ingredients: flashlight, pliers, screwdrivers, utility knife, pump, electrical tape, pressure gauge, cable ties, tow rope, road sign, cigarette lighter wires, first aid kit, fire extinguisher.
How to carry out verification?
The fire extinguisher must be checked at least once every 12 months.
Determining the real condition of the device is important for the car owner. During verification, the technical characteristics of the fire extinguisher are checked : it is weighed, the pressure is measured, the presence (absence) of mechanical and (or) corrosion damage is examined, and recharging is carried out in accordance with technical needs.
Proof of the verification carried out is the label that the organization that carried out the procedure attaches to the body of the fire extinguisher . If you don’t know where to go for an inspection, the easiest option is to find the nearest VDPO (All-Russian Voluntary Fire Society) to you; there are about a thousand VDPO branches in Russia.
It is obvious that “if deadlines are set, then someone needs it.” In the case of a fire extinguisher, the car owner needs it. Caked powder, partially lost properties of chemicals, decreased pressure in the cylinder - this is not a complete list of problems that arise after the specified period .
It is not known what will “shoot” from an expired car fire extinguisher, so it is definitely impossible to use an expired device .
Requirements for automobile fire extinguishers
Currently, the main regulatory documents defining the requirements for automobile fire extinguishers are GOST R51057-2001, as well as NPB 115-2002. For passenger cars, the weight of the fire extinguisher should not be less than 2 kg, and for trucks - 5 kg.
Volume
The volume, like the weight, depends on the type of car: for a truck the minimum volume is set at 5 liters, and for a passenger car - 2 liters.
Type of active substance
Each fire extinguisher is filled with an active substance, thanks to which the fire is eliminated and the fire is extinguished. In most cases, it is optimal to use powder or carbon dioxide.
Marking
The following list of characteristics must be indicated on the fire extinguisher, the observance of which must be strictly carried out:
- best before date;
- storage conditions;
- step-by-step instructions for use;
- technical description;
- detailed information about the manufacturer.
Fire extinguishers are classified depending on what type of active substance they use. There are powder, aerosol and carbon dioxide (or gas) fire extinguishers.
Powder (OP)
Filled with a special powder mixture, when sprayed onto burning objects, a chemical reaction occurs. The resulting protective film does not allow oxygen to pass through and prevents the spread of flame.
The fire extinguisher is under pressure, and, depending on the type of creation of such pressure, there are:
- downloads (OP Z);
- with a high pressure cylinder (OP B);
- gas generating (OP G).
Such fire extinguishers operate with a delay of approximately 5 seconds. This measure is used to generate pressure. The main disadvantage of using OP is the difficulty in subsequent removal of foam from the surface of the car.
Gas or carbon dioxide (OC)
Contains carbon dioxide. The fire extinguishing technology consists of knocking down the flame with a high-power flow of carbon dioxide. It must be used exclusively according to the instructions, this will avoid possible poisoning, as well as burns.
Aerosol
It is often called foam-air; its operating principle is based on the hydrocarbon content in the foam. However, this type is considered ineffective since the amount of active substance contained in it will not be able to eliminate a strong fire.
