Hi Everyone, Quick question. What are the advantages for carrying a Halon extinguisher in your car (Like the ones sold at Ricambi) versus another vehicle use recommended extinguisher, but filled with ABC (Ammonium Phosphate) which is a Dry Chemical? The ABC Dry Chemical ones that are sold at other outlets like Corvette auto parts speciality outlets are significantly cheaper. Ultimately I will buy what's best for the Ferrari, but any thoughts or experiences will be very appreciated. Thank you in advance. Mike.
I have read that the Halon does not damage metal the way the dry chemicals can. But after hanging around the race tracks I've seen plenty of fires put out with the ABC's. Guys hose off their cars fix whatever it was that caused the fire and I never notice any damage to the cars.
The residue gets everywhere! I once put out a fire in my 1961 Chevy Impala, and the dry chemical extinguisher did more damage than the fire. Though I washed the car thoroughly within a few hours of the fire, the dry chemical had destroyed the carbs and severly damaged all exposed aluminum. Worse, within a few months, the paint on the entire top of the car had dulled and had to be repainted. Shiny Side Up! Bill
Halon fire extinguishers are difficult to find in Canada. I just ordered 10 Halotron fire extinguishers which my friends and I are going to share amongst ourselves. I'm pretty sure that Halon (or Halotron) is the way to go.
Before you do anything, go read my post #8 from yesterday on the thread "custon auto extinguisher sytem" in this section.
I also thought that dry chemical extinguishers aren't good for electrical connections, switches, ect. But if you have a fire then the electrics are one of your least worries.
If you can afford it, buy the Halon, Period If you have a tight budget buy a small Halon mount in front of the drivers seat and buy a small dry powder mount infront of the passengers seat. I have used both many times and the dry powdered leaves an incredible mess that you must clean up immediately. The environmentalist hate Halon, which is worse for the environment, a car burning to the ground or a few CFC's from a Halon fire extinguisher?
