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extinguishers I've seen are not rated for Class A fires. Class A is for "ordinary combustables," primarily paper and wood. Halon extinguishers afaik are only rated for Class B and C fires; B standing for flammable liquids and C standing for electrically energized fires. IMO, because fires around the home and garage frequently involve things made of fire and wood, halon would make a poor choice if it's going to be your only available extinguisher. Perhaps a halon would be a good backup because then you could use it if you were faced with a Class B or C fire. However, if you are only going to have one extinguisher for home use, an ABC rated extinguisher should be picked because of its superior versatility. From what I've read, extinguishers for home use, ABC rated extinguishers and I'm going to assume halon, only need to be recharged if they have been used, OR show indications of losing pressure OR losing tank integrity from, e.g., corrosion or other physical damage. As long as an extinguisher is not used, maintains pressure and has a tank that is free from damage, I don't think it ever needs to recharged. I suspect the regular maintenance done by government agencies and businesses is done out of paranoia, regulation, concern for liability and the desire to have the utmost safety. BUT then I am way out on a limb here and will immedately defer to someone with a informed opinion to the contrary.
 Chance favors the informed. |
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