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ABC dry chemical

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Help Monoammonium phosphate, ABC Dry Chemical,
About Wikipedia ABE Powder, tri-class, or multi-purpose dry
Community portal chemical is a dry chemical extinguishing agent used on
Recent changes class A, class B, and class C fires. It uses a specially
Contact page
fluidized and siliconized monoammonium phosphate
Tools powder. ABC dry chemical is usually a mix of
What links here monoammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate, the
Related changes former being the active one. The mix between the two
Upload file agents is usually 40–60%, 60-40%, or 90-10%
Special pages depending on local standards worldwide. The USGS
Permanent link
uses a similar mixture, called Phos Chek G75F.[1]
Page information
Wikidata item Contents [hide]
Cite this page
1 Uses
In other projects 1.1 Common use
Wikimedia Commons 1.2 Common combustible solids
1.3 Burning liquids and gases
Print/export
1.4 Electrical fires
Download as PDF 1.5 Chimney bombs
Printable version
2 Inappropriate uses
Languages 3 References An ABC Dry Chemical Fire
Extinguisher made by Amerex
Deutsch 4 External links
Русский
Slovenščina
Edit links Uses [ edit ]

Common use [ edit ]

Dry chemical powder used on all classes of fires. Stops the chain reaction by smothering.
Pressure is generated by Gas cartridges stored inside the cylinder. Its force will last for 2
minutes and can reach 10 – 15 feet. [2]

Common combustible solids [ edit ]

It insulates Class A fires by melting at approximately 350–400 degrees F. Class A fires are
caused by the burning of common combustible materials, such as wood, paper, or most
plastics.[3]
Burning liquids and gases [ edit ]

The powder breaks the chain reaction of liquid and gas fires by coating the surface to which it is
applied. These fires (Class B in the American system; Classes B and C in the European and
Australian systems) include the burning of gasoline, oil, propane, and natural gas.

Electrical fires [ edit ]

It is safe and effective for electrical fires since it is a non-conductor of electricity. Fires involving
live electrical equipment (Class C in the American system; Class E in the Australian system)
need to be put out with equipment that will not conduct its energy back to the user as is the case
with water. Electricity can also cause fires of the other classes.

Chimney bombs [ edit ]

Chimney bombs are zip-lock bags or other small bags filled with ABC dry chemical powder.
Chimney bombs are used by fire service personnel to help extinguish chimney fires. Creosote,
which is the by-product of the incomplete burning of wood (typically due to chronic combustion-
air insufficiency), is extinguished by the chain reaction caused by the chimney bombs. Chimney
bombs work by first being dropped directly down a chimney, where upon contact with the flue
bottom and heat of the fire, they explode, thereby releasing the powder. Then, the natural
chimney draft will carry the dry chemical powder up the shaft of the chimney, thus coating the
creosote and eventually neutralizing the fire. Use of multiple chimney bombs may be necessary,
depending on how severe the fire is. Chimney bombs can also be effective if they are opened
and then dropped down the chimney. In order for chimney bombs to be effective, it may be
necessary to first unclog the chimney.[4][5]

Inappropriate uses [ edit ]

ABC dry chemical is inappropriate for chlorine or oxidizer fires.[6] The resulting chemical reaction
can cause an explosion or a breakdown of the chemicals releasing toxic gases. Water should be
used in that case.[7][8]

ABC dry chemical is inappropriate for certain metal fires (Class-D) and does not possess a
saponification characteristic and should therefore not be used on Class K fires.[9] ABC dry
chemical has been found to be effective in initially ceasing combustion of oils or fats, however
re-application of additional dry chemical may be necessary due to the potential for re-flash of oils
or fats heated to near or at their flash point. A Class K extinguisher is more effective in
controlling fires involving primarily vegetable oils as it causes a chemical change to the oils or
fats making re-flash far less likely. When a Class K extinguisher is not available an ABC dry
chemical extinguisher can be carefully used to control a fire involving cooking oils or fats if the
operator is aware of the potential need to re-apply more chemical if the oils or fats reignite.
(Class-K).

Due to the corrosive properties of ABC dry chemical, it is not recommended for use around
aircraft or sensitive equipment.

Fire
Geometric Intended
class Pictogram Mnemonic Compatibility
symbol use
(US)
A Ordinary A for "Ash" Compatible
solid
combustibles
 Flammable
B for
B liquids and Compatible
"Barrel"
gases

Energized
C for
C electrical Compatible
"Current"
equipment

Combustible D for Not

D (none)
metals "Dynamite" compatible

K for Not
K Oils and fats
"Kitchen" compatible

References [ edit ]

1. ^ "Ecological Effects of Fire Retardant Chemicals and Fire Suppressant Foams" . Archived from
the original on 2007-08-18. Retrieved 2011-02-16.
2. ^ "Classes Of Fires And Extinguishers" . Safety Notes. 2019. Retrieved 2019-08-08.
3. ^ http://www.falckproductions.com/resources/fire-safety-and-firewatch/classes-of-fire-a-b-c-d-and-
k/
4. ^ "Fire Engineering" . Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2013-02-27.
5. ^ "Chimney Bombs" . Retrieved 2015-10-19.[permanent dead link]
6. ^ "Selection of Fire Extinguishers for Fires Involving Oxidizers (Swimming Pool Chemicals)" .
Archived from the original on 2009-03-07. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
7. ^ "Chlorine facts" . Archived from the original on 2008-04-30. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
8. ^ "Sprinkler protection for swimming pool chemicals" . NFPA Journal. 2004. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
9. ^ Cholin, Roger (1975). "NFPA - ABC Dry Chemical" . Triangle Fire Safety. Retrieved June 5,
2019.

External links [ edit ]

MSDS for ABC Dry Chemical Wikimedia Commons has

media related to Fire
extinguisher.

Categories: Fire suppression agents

This page was last edited on 14 September 2019, at 01:16 (UTC).

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