SCHOOL OF MARITIME STUDIES Form no : 08/02

Date : 15/02/2012
VELS UNIVERSITY Issue no : 02/12
THALAMBUR Rev. no : 00

DRY CHEMICAL POWDER TYPE EXTINGUISHERS

AIM:
To know about the operation, maintenance and recharging of DCP type extinguisher.

THEORY:
1. DCP type fire extinguisher is used for liquid and electrical fires.
2. They have little or no cooling effect. There are two types of DCP extinguisher with CO2 cartridge type and
stored press type.
3. The DCP extinguisher consists of cylinder shell, an inner tube and CO2 cartridge under high pressure with
piercing mechanism and rubber hole with nozzle.
4. Potassium bicarbonate based powder are used for class “B” fires, the bicarbonate decomposes into water and
CO2. This decomposition forms catalytic active system which destroys the fire radical.

METHOD OF OPERATION:

1. Keep the extinguisher on the ground away from operator and hold the extinguisher firmly with nozzle
pointing towards the fire.
2. Remove the safety clip and strike the knob.
3. Direct the steam of the powder to the base of fire. Advance forward moving the nozzle rapidly results with
the side to side motors for affective results.
4. Always operate the extinguisher keeping in the mid direction of the wind.

PRACTICE AGAINST VARIOUS TYPE OF FIRE:

DCP fire extinguishers are used for electrical fires, low flash liquid fire, high pressure, gas fire and surface fire
mainly for class “B”.

They can be used on electrical fires but they damage the extinguish fire by smothering effect.

METHOD OF MAINTENANCE

1. Clean the exterior of the extinguisher.

2. Polish with wax, brass parts with metal polish, chromium plated parts with silver polish.
3. Check for nozzle outlets, vent holes and threaded portions of cap for clogging and ensure that the plunger if
fully extended.
4. Check the cap washer; grease the threads of cap plunger.
5. Check the press for all mechanical parts thoroughly.

RECHARGING:
Weigh the extinguisher once in 2 years and recharge if weight has reduced by more than 5%.
The extinguisher should be press tested at 250kg/cm2. CO2 cartridge is refilled and replaced and head assembly
is put back after recharging.
 SCHOOL OF MARITIME STUDIES Form no : 08/02
Date : 15/02/2012
VELS UNIVERSITY Issue no : 02/12
THALAMBUR Rev. no : 00

INSPECTION:
1. Check the safety pin is in place and is operating freely.
2. Exterior of extinguisher includes the base for corrosion.
3. Brackets are checked.
4. The cap should be slowly removed and carefully taken out in relieve any residual press.
5. Using an inspection light check internal corrosion and detoeriation of protective lining.
6. Extinguisher should be hydraulically tested.

RESULT:
Thus the operation, maintenance and recharging of dry chemical powder type fire extinguisher was
done.