First Alert FE5GR Fire Extinguisher User Manual


 
User’s Manual
D
ry Chemical
F
ire Extinguisher
IMPORTANT! Please read carefully and save.
This user’s manual contains important information about your fire
e
xtinguisher’s operation. If you are installing this fire extinguisher for
u
se by others, you must leave this manual—or a copy of it—with the
end user.
R
ead extinguisher label and the entir
e user’s manual carefully before
installing or using the unit. Make sure everyone in your household is
c
ompletely familiar with the operation of the extinguisher, and review
the instructions regularly. In an emergency, you will not have time to
read instructions.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
NOTE: Be sure the extinguisher is rated to fight the type of fire most
likely to occur in the area you choose to install it. Since household fires
commonly start in the kitchen, you should always install an extinguisher
in the kitchen. For added security, you should also install additional
extinguishers in utility ar
eas, and other living ar
eas in your household.
FE5GR is rated Class 5-B:C.
FE10GR
is rated Class 10-B:C.
FE1A10GR
is rated Class 1-A:10-B:C.
READ BEFORE INSTALLING OR USING
THIS FIRE EXTINGUISHER!
Fire extinguishers are classified by fire type. The A, B and C
rating system defines the kinds of bur
ning materials each fir
e
extinguisher is designed to fight. The numbers in front of the
A, B, or C indicate the rating for size of the fire the unit can
extinguish. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can do
more harm than good. Make sure you understand which fire
extinguisher to use on each class of fir
e!
Class A rating:
The agent/powder is suitable for
fighting small fires involving wood, paper, cloth,
rubber
, and some plastics.
Class B rating: The agent/powder is suitable for
fighting small fires involving grease, oil, gasoline,
kerosene, and other flammable liquids.
Class C rating: The agent/powder is suitable for
fighting small fires in "live" electrical equipment.
W
HERE TO INSTALL THIS EXTINGUISHER
A
Fire Extinguisher Should Be Mounted:
In the vicinity of (but not on or in) a potential source of heat
a
nd/or fire, like an oven or stove.
Where it is easy to reach, near an exit or an escape route
from the room.
In a location that is convenient, in plain sight, and 3-1/2 to 5
f
eet (1 to 1.5 meters) above the floor.
Store the extinguisher high enough to keep it out of the reach
of small children.
On a clean, dry surface where the temperature does not go
a
bove 120° F (49° C) or below –40° F (–40° C).
HOW TO INSTALL THIS EXTINGUISHER
INSTALL THE MOUNTING
BRACKET ON A WALL
1
. The extinguisher has a bracket for
w
all mounting.
2. Install the mounting bracket on a
wooden stud or other solid surface
t
hat will support the weight of the
e
xtinguisher using the screws or
b
olts you purchased.
NOTE: Since wall surface types
vary, mounting screws are
not
included.
Purchase screws or
bolts specifically designed for
the surface on which you will
mount the fire extinguisher. The
fire extinguisher label lists its
maximum weight. Mounting screw
head type should be #8 pan on
round head screws with #8 flat
washers.
3.
After installing the mounting
bracket, r
eplace the extinguisher
on the bracket with the label facing
outward, so the label can be easily
read. W
rap the bracket strap ar
ound
the cylinder and snap the buckle
closed.
INSTALLING THE MOUNTING BRACKET IN A
MARINE CRAFT
According to the NFP
A Standar
d 302 (Fir
e protection Standard for
Pleasur
e and Commercial Motor Craft):
On marine craft, portable fire extinguishers shall be located to be
readily accessible. Extinguishers shall be secured with a marine
bracket to permit immediate release.
• On marine craft, extinguisher agent cylinders shall be mounted a
minimum of 2 inches (5 cm) above moist or wet surfaces to reduce
the danger of corr
osion.
CHECKING AND INSPECTING THE
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
1. Inspect the extinguisher once a week. Remove the extinguisher
from the mounting bracket and inspect the gauge. If the yellow
pointer is in the GREEN ar
ea, the extinguisher is pr
operly pr
essur
-
ized and ready to use.
If the pointer drops into the RED area,
the extinguisher has lost some pressure and should be
r
eplaced.
2. Check for signs of damage or misuse. Make sure you can still
r
ead all the text on the label. Carefully examine the surface of
the extinguisher for corrosion. You can help prevent corrosion
by cleaning the extinguisher if it gets wet or dirty
. If you notice
corrosion during the warranty period, return the unit to First Alert
®
(see "Limited Warranty" at the end of this manual).
3.
Make sur
e the tamper indicator ("safety seal") is still intact and the
nozzle is clean and unobstructed.
4.
When you finish inspecting the extinguisher
, always put it back
securely into the mounting bracket.
For more information about fire extinguishers, consult the NFPA
Standar
d #10, "Portable Fir
e Extinguishers," available fr
om the National
Fire Protection Association, Inc., Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169,
USA.
Do not mount the extinguisher on drywall or plaster without
a
dequate support. Use strong screws or bolts to mount the
bracket securely into solid wood or metal that can support
i
t, like a wooden partition stud. Secure mounting is needed
s
o you can remove the extinguisher quickly and easily in an
emergency. Also, if the extinguisher is not held securely, it
c
ould drop to the floor and injure people or damage the
e
xtinguisher.
DO NOT BREAK THE SAFETY SEAL! This seal prevents
a
ccidental discharge of the fire extinguisher. Break the seal
only in an emergency before using the fire extinguisher.
H
OW TO OPERATE YOUR FIRE
EXTINGUISHER IN A FIRE EMERGENCY
TO FIGHT THE FIRE
1. Remove the extinguisher from the mounting bracket.
2. Hold the unit firmly with the nozzle facing away from you. Pull out
the pin to break the “Safety Seal”. You won’t be able to squeeze
the lever until the safety seal is r
emoved.
3. Stand back 6 feet (2 meters) fr
om the fire and make sure the fire is
not between you and your exit.
4.
Hold the extinguisher upright and aim the nozzle at the base
of the fire.
5.
Squeeze and hold the lever to discharge the powder.
6.
Sweep the spray at the base of the bur
ning material, using quick
side-to-side motions. (If the spray scatters the fire, move back.)
7. Move slowly towards the fire as the extinguisher spray pushes the
fir
e back. Maintain a 6-foot (2 meter) distance between you and
the fr
ont of the fir
e at all times.
8. Completely discharge the contents of the extinguisher and make
sur
e the fir
e is completely out. Flashbacks ar
e common with fir
es.
9. For kitchen fires on a kitchen stove, turn off the stove immediately
if possible, otherwise as soon as it is safe.
10. If you suspect a fire had an electrical origin, shut off the electrical
power, if possible, without eliminating your escape route. Do not
touch electrical wires or appliances.
11. After you have completely discharged your extinguisher, leave the
building and close all the doors behind you.
AFTER THE FIRE IS EXTINGUISHED
Do not turn the electrical power back on or plug in any appliances
until the ar
ea has been cleaned up completely
. It is ver
y impor
tant
to remove the powder from electrical equipment after a fire. If the
powder gets wet, it can conduct electricity. (Using a dry chemical
extinguisher on wet electrical equipment may be hazar
dous for this
reason.) This may worsen an electrical leakage problem, impair the
equipment’
s insulation, or cr
eate an electrical shock hazard.
If the fire was on a kitchen stove:
Make sure the oven and all burners are turned off.
Clean up the powder completely before using the stove or oven.
See “How to Clean After Using a Fir
e Extinguisher”. V
entilate the
area thoroughly.
If you think the fir
e had an electrical origin:
Shut of
f the electrical power
, if possible--do not touch any
electrical wires or appliances.
Leave the building and close all doors behind you. Call the Fire
Department and have them inspect the premises. As soon as they
say it’
s safe to return, ventilate the area thoroughly.
Have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system. Do not
turn the power back on or plug in any electrical equipment until
the inspection has been completed.
Make sure your extinguisher may be safely and effectively
used on the small fire you want to fight. Always use extreme
c
aution when fighting any fire. Fight a fire only where there is
a
clear escape path to allow you to get out safely if the fire
gets worse.
Avoid breathing smoke and heated fumes; stay low if
necessary. Burning materials will release toxic fumes.
I
nhaling these fumes may cause injury or death.
Always stand back far enough away from the fire—near an
exit—and make sure nothing is between you and your
escape route. If you get too close to a fire, you risk getting
b
urned or hit by splattering material like grease. If the fire is
too hot or smoky for you to get within 6 feet (2 meters), DO
NOT try to fight the fire yourself. Evacuate immediately and
c
all the Fire Department.
For fires on a kitchen stove, turn oven or burners off
i
mmediately if possible. If you can’t reach the oven or burner
controls safely, extinguish the fire first, then turn them off.
Fight the fire from an upwind direction with your back to any
strong air current. Trying to fight a fire with currents blowing
t
owards you can result in serious injury.
H
OW TO CLEAN AFTER USING A FIRE
EXTINGUISHER
N
OTE:
T
he powder spray from the extinguisher may spread over a
w
ide area, and may soil upholstery, carpets and walls.
Sweep/vacuum up as much of the powder as possible. Then use
a
damp cloth to wipe off the remaining agent.
If you have any questions about cleaning appliances that the
agent has come into contact with, please contact the appliance
m
anufacturer.
IF YOUR EXTINGUISHER NEEDS SERVICE
T
his fire extinguisher is rechargeable by a certified fire equipment
dealer, regardless of how much of the content was used.
O
nce a year, a certified fire equipment dealer, in accordance with the
s
ervice manual identified on the fire extinguisher label, should service
the fire extinguisher. Please refer to your local telephone directory for a
c
ertified dealer.
D
o not try to service or repair this fire extinguisher under any
c
ircumstances. Do not try to remove the nozzle or valve assem-
bly. This is a pressurized device that can cause serious injury if
t
ampered with.
I
f there is a problem and it is still under warranty, please see “How to
Obtain Warranty Service” in the Limited Warranty.
DISPOSING OF A USED EXTINGUISHER
If you choose not to have a used extinguisher refilled or a non-working
u
nit repaired, take it outdoors, turn it upside down, and discharge it
completely. Dispose of the empty unit properly, and replace it with a
new fire extinguisher.
Never puncture, burn or expose this fire extinguisher to tempera-
t
ures over 150° F (66° C) even if it is fully discharged. The contents
are under pressure and it could explode.
LIMITED WARRANTY
BRK Brands, Inc. ("BRK") the maker of First Alert
®
brand products,
w
arrants that for a period of ten years from the date of purchase, this
product will be free from defects in material and workmanship.
BRK, at its option, will repair or replace this product or any component
o
f the pr
oduct found to be defective during the warranty period.
Replacement will be made with a new or remanufacture
d product or
component. If the product is no longer available, replacement may be
m
ade with a similar pr
oduct of equal or gre
ater value. This is your
exclusive warranty.
This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of
initial r
etail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales
receipt. Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance.
BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do
not have the right to alter
, modify or any way change the terms and
conditions of this warranty.
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage result-
ing from any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product,
use on improper voltage or current, use contrary to the operating
instructions, disassembly
, repair or alteration by anyone other than
BRK or an authorized service center. Further, the warranty does not
cover acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes and tor
nadoes.
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages
caused by the br
each of any express or implied warranty. Except
to the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration
to the duration of the above warranty. Some states, provinces, or
jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights that vary fr
om state to state, or pr
ovince to pr
ovince.
How to Obtain Warranty Service
Service:
If service is required, do not return the product to your
retailer. In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer
Af
fairs Division at 1-800-323-9005, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Central
Standard Time, Monday through Friday. To assist in serving you, please
have the model number and date of purchase available when calling.
Addr
ess:
25 Spur Drive, El Paso, TX 79906
Marine Type, U.S.C.G. Type B:C, Size I
U.S.C.G. Approval Number 162.028/EX3622
Valid only with Bracket Number P87-0340
or Bracket Number B70-0161 and Strap Number S70-0007.
Bracket included.
Printed in Mexico M08-0137-008 M 05/11
First Alert
®
is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
1 2 3 4
P
rinted in Mexico
M08-0137-008 M 05/11
Remove Extinguisher
from Bracket
Break the
Safety Seal
S
queeze and Hold
Lever To Discharge
Powder. Sweep
S
ide to Side.
This extinguisher is designed for use against small fires
that have just started and are small enough to fight safely.
It is not designed to fight large fires that are burning out of
control. If the fire is too hot or smoky for you to get within
6 feet (2 meters) of it, do not tr
y to fight it yourself. W
arn
everyone, evacuate the premises, and have someone call the
Fire Department from outside the building. Trying to fight a
large fire yourself can result in injury or death.
Do not puncture or burn any fire extinguisher. The contents
are under pressure, and the extinguisher could explode.
Never locate this extinguisher close to an engine, stove or
other source of heat. It is pressurized and could rupture or
explode if exposed to temperatures over 150° F (66° C).
This extinguisher contains a dr
y powder extinguishing agent.
The agent/powder is nontoxic, but can ir
ritate skin. When using
this unit, avoid breathing the powder. Always ventilate the area
after use.
DO NOT CHECK THE PRESSURE OR TEST THE FIRE
EXTINGUISHER BY SQUEEZING THE LEVER, EVEN BRIEFLY.
ONCE USED, IT WILL GRADUALLY LOSE PRESSURE AND
WILL NOT BE FULLY CHARGED FOR USE IN AN EMERGENCY.
When the pointer drops into the red area, the extinguisher
may still be pr
essurized, but must be r
echar
ged.
S
hown
w
ith plastic
bracket
S
hown
w
ith metal
bracket
OR
OR
T
ested to
A
NSI/UL 711
and ANSI/UL 299
M
odels FE5GR,
F
E10GR, FE1A10GR
©
2011 BRK Brands, Inc. All rights reserved.
D
istributed by BRK Brands, Inc.
3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122
Consumer Affairs: (800) 323-9005 • www.firstalert.com
T
hank you for choosing First Alert
®
f
or your fir
e extinguisher needs.
You have purchased a high quality fire extinguisher designed to
protect you and your family in case of a fire danger.