While driving a car, every owner should feel safe from emergencies and from fines, and those will be for failure to comply with such safety methods, which is why today we choosing the best fire extinguisher for a car: TOP 7 rating, types, pros and cons, reviews and much more you will see in this material.
Kinds
There are two types of car fire extinguishers, see below for more information.
- Powder. This type of fire extinguisher is highly effective along with the wide distribution of that same powder. Such devices are also called foam devices. During the collision, the powder turns into foam. One of the main disadvantages will be the residue remaining after the fire and combustion have been extinguished.
- Carbon dioxide. The devices last a long time, their properties do not change over time. There is carbon dioxide inside the cylinder, which easily weakens the flame and allows it to die out. There are most likely no disadvantages, but there is a chance of getting poisoned and even burned. Follow safety rules during operation.
Features of the selection and use of OP and OS
When deciding which fire extinguisher to buy, you need to consider the fire load of the room.
If the room contains mostly solid materials and people are working, then a powder fire extinguisher will be safer and more productive.
In server rooms, laboratories and workshops where instruments are used, it is more effective to extinguish fire with a carbon dioxide device.
For vehicles, OP is preferable, since it is equally effective both for extinguishing the interior and when affecting fuel and lubricants.
A powder fire extinguisher is more versatile than a carbon dioxide one. So in most cases OP is preferable. It is better to choose an op-amp if there is a danger of damage to the furnishings, exhibits, archives, books, because the gas evaporates after some time, leaving no traces, and the powder will need to be removed independently.
For mixed production, where both solid materials and electrical installations are used, it is advisable to purchase both types of devices.
Basic requirements for fire extinguishers
Now it is worth noting the basic requirements for such devices.
- Firstly, the devices comply with current GOSTs (R51057-2001. NPB 155-2002). Mass and volume 2 and 5 (in appropriate units) for cars and trucks, respectively.
- Secondly, an active cylinder with an unexpired expiration date. As a final point, we noted the presence of markings on the body itself.
Expiration dates
A car fire extinguisher has its own warranty period and inspection period.
The warranty period is the time during which the manufacturer ensures that the fire extinguisher operates correctly. It usually ranges from 3 to 5 years from the date of production. The review usually takes place within a year or two. After this period, take the fire extinguisher to a fire extinguisher service center for inspection. The date of manufacture is always indicated on the fire extinguisher, so checking its suitability for use yourself should not be a problem.
It should be remembered that the fire extinguisher may also be checked during the assessment of the technical condition of the vehicle. Fire extinguisher inspection takes the form of a visual inspection, and only its absence will result in a negative test result.
The shelf life of fire extinguishers for cars should not exceed five years, but powder extinguishers should be stored for no more than ten years.
Rating TOP 7 best fire extinguishers for cars
The following models made it to the TOP:
- OU-3;
- OU-2;
- OP-2(Z)-ABCE;
- OP-2;
- OP-4(Z)-ABCE;
- OP-2 (z);
- OP-2 (plastic).
It's time to take a closer look at them.
OU-3
from 1699 to 1899 rub.
7th place 4.1/5
This fire extinguisher is carbon dioxide, which means it is not capable of extinguishing alkali and alkaline earth metals, but otherwise it does an excellent job. The total volume will be 4.3 liters, meaning it's probably wise to keep a fire extinguisher in your truck, just in case. The cost is relatively high, but what can you do for your own safety?
| Fire extinguishing ability | 34B |
| Life time | 7 years |
| Alkaline earth extinguishing | No |
- volume 4.3 liters;
- high warranty (7 years);
- charge weight up to 3 kilograms;
- working pressure (MPa) 5.8.
- no deficiencies found.
fire extinguisher OU-3
A very good option for a car fire extinguisher, but I personally bought it for the kitchen, I work as a chef, and I decided, so to speak, to carefully monitor the process of establishing safety. I think this option would be great for truck drivers.
OU-2
from 1299 to 1499 rub.
6th place 4.3/5
This carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is designed taking into account all the optimal requirements for this type of device. The operating pressure is (MPa) 5.8, and the storage temperature range is as much as 90 degrees (- 40 +50). The device has an adequate price and a long warranty of seven years.
| Fire extinguishing ability | 21B |
| Life time | 7 years |
| Alkaline earth extinguishing | No |
- high warranty (7 years);
- storage conditions (from -40 to +50 degrees Celsius);
- charge weight up to 2 kilograms;
- working pressure (MPa) 5.8.
- no deficiencies found.
fire extinguisher OU-2
An excellent option for car drivers. A fire extinguisher, of course, does not ensure your safety and security, but it provides a kind of guarantee in case of emergency.
OP-2(Z)-ABCE
from 799 to 999 rub.
5th place 4.5/5
This powder fire extinguisher is designed to extinguish fires of classes A, B, C, E. The duration of supply of the fire extinguishing agent will be at least 6 seconds. Along with a volume of 2.5 liters, you can charge a substance weighing no more than 2 kilograms, which is the optimal indicator.
| Volume | 2500 ml |
| Charge mass | 2 kg |
| Alkaline earth extinguishing | Yes |
- duration of supply of the substance is from 6 seconds;
- charge two kilograms;
- high-quality powder "Vekson ABC-25".
- no deficiencies found.
fire extinguisher OP-2(Z)-ABCE
Perfect for drivers of passenger cars due to its optimal charge and volume of 2.5 liters. The high-quality powder is charged inside, and the model itself is reasonably priced.
OP-2
from 500 to 689 rub.
4th place 4.6/5
Foam fire extinguisher with a jet of at least two meters. Developed and produced on the territory of the Russian Federation. The total mass of the charge is two kilograms. Now let's move on to professional values: for class B - 21 V, for class A - 0.7 A. A high-quality device used by many drivers.
| Jet length | 2 meters |
| Charge mass | 2 kg |
| Manufacturer | Russia |
- long jet (2 meters);
- charge two kilograms;
- extinguishing class A, B, C, E fires.
- no deficiencies found.
fire extinguisher OP-2
A friend bought himself a few months ago because the old one had run out, or rather the expiration date had expired. I decided to change it for myself too, the reviews are positive and popular in Russia.
OP-4(Z)-ABCE MIG
from 800 to 999 rub.
3rd place 4.7/5
A powder device designed to extinguish various types of fires and fires of classes A, B, C, E. Having a volume of five liters, the device is widely used in ensuring the safety of truck drivers. The operating pressure in the fire extinguisher body will be 1.5 MPa with a temperature of 20˚C.
| Model outbreak rank | 2A 55V C E |
| Charge mass | 4 kg |
| Manufacturer | Russia |
- high-quality powder “Vekson ABC-25”;
- charge of four kilograms;
- extinguishing fires of classes A, B, C, E.
- no deficiencies found.
fire extinguisher OP-4(Z)-ABCE MIG
A very heavy fire extinguisher, its own weight is as much as 6.3 kilograms. Very wide range of usable temperatures -50…+50 °C. In general, the device is working, the warranty is normal, I am completely satisfied.
OP-2 (z)
from 599 to 780 rub.
2nd place 4.8/5
The best option for a fire extinguisher at an adequate cost. The ejection length of the device is as much as 3 meters, and the maximum charge is two kilograms. The operating pressure range ranges from 1.17 to 1.57 MPa. Compact dimensions of 340x140x130 mm make it easy to store the device in the right place in a small car.
| Release up to | 3 meters |
| Volume | 2 liters |
| Manufacturer | Russia |
- dimensions 340x140x130 mm;
- throw length up to 3 m;
- extinguishing fires of classes A, B, C, E.
- no deficiencies found.
fire extinguisher OP-2 (z)
The small price tag attracts first of all, and then the characteristics and other data. But if compared with other models, then most likely this cylinder will win.
OP-2 (plastic)
from 199 to 250 rub.
1 place 4.9/5
The most compact and cheapest version of a car fire extinguisher with a volume of two liters. The cylinder itself is placed in a cardboard package, and the main areas of application and capabilities are written on it. The device is a powder (foam) fire extinguisher.
| Best before date | 5 years |
| Volume | 2 liters |
| Manufacturer | Russia |
- small body (compact);
- service life up to 5 years;
- extinguishing fires of classes A, B, C, E.
- no deficiencies found.
fire extinguisher OP-2
I bought it for my car, the old one had expired. I can’t say anything bad, it doesn’t take up much space. The price is reasonable. It is stated that it will serve for 5 years if there is no emergency. I advise you to buy it.
Powder and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers: which is better?
There are several types of fire extinguishers, but in 2021 it is recommended to use only 2 of them for cars - powder and carbon dioxide. Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
Powder
This type of fire extinguishing device contains a special fire extinguishing powder that forms a dense foam composition that blocks the access of oxygen.
As a result, the fire is extinguished and the fire is eliminated. The marking of these devices is OP, that is, a powder fire extinguisher.
In addition, the device may have additional symbols, for example:
- “G” – equipped with a gas-generating cartridge;
- “Z” – download;
- “B” is a gas cylinder under pressure.
This marking indicates the method of creating pressure. It should be noted that the last 2 types of fire extinguishers fire with a delay of about 5 seconds.
Powder fire extinguishers have a number of advantages:
- extinguish fires of any complexity (classes A-E);
- prevent secondary fire;
- they are lighter and cheaper than other types of devices.
It is also necessary to identify the disadvantages of the OP:
- very pollute the surface;
- Adhered powder is difficult to wash off.
Carbon dioxide (CO)
The active substance here is carbon dioxide (CO2). When filled, carbon dioxide is compressed to the limit, eliminating the need for additional pressure build-up.
The fire is eliminated with the help of a powerful jet of carbon dioxide, which lowers the temperature in the fireplace and knocks out the fire. These fire extinguishers are especially effective when it is necessary to extinguish a fire in places of difficult access.
In addition, after using the op-amp, there is no need to wash the car from foam.
However, there are certain risks when using carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, such as:
- Dioxide poisoning.
- Causing burns from rastrud.
- The recoil resulting from the strong flow of gas can tear the fire extinguisher out of your hands.
Although carbon dioxide fire extinguishers have slightly better characteristics, they are heavier than powder ones and 2-3 times more expensive. The optimal solution for a passenger car is a powder fire extinguisher.
The fire extinguisher must be refilled. Powder devices are refilled every 1.5 years, and carbon dioxide devices – once every 5 years.
Comparison table of the presented models
Let's compare the presented models.
| Model | Volume (liters) | Working pressure (MPa) | Jet length (meters) | Duration of substance supply (at least *second) |
| OU-3 | 4,3 | 5,8 | 2 | — |
| OU-2 | 2,9 | 5,8 | 2 | — |
| OP-2(Z)-ABCE | 2,5 | 1,5 | 2 | 6 |
| OP-2 | 2 | 1,5 | 2 | — |
| OP-4(Z)-ABCE | 5 | 1,5 | 3 | 10 |
| OP-2 (z) | 2 | 1,57 | 2 | 6 |
| OP-2 (plastic) | 2 | — | — | — |
Best lists
Let's look at the best devices in the following categories:
- Powder.
- Carbon dioxide.
- Air emulsion.
Let's take a closer look at the range presented:
Kraft OP-2 - powder
Powder fire extinguisher OP-2 pumping. Can be used when working at temperatures from -50 to +50°C to extinguish fires of various flammable materials, liquids and gases, as well as electrical equipment with voltage up to 1,000 V. The type of powder used is POLYGON BCE brand. Powder weight 1 kg. In order to control the pressure in the cylinder, a pressure gauge is installed. The fire extinguisher can be recharged after use. Service life - 5 years.
Price tag: from 422 to 550 rubles.
fire extinguisher for cars Kraft OP-2
Special OU-2 - carbon dioxide
The carbon dioxide fire extinguisher OU-2 is designed to extinguish fires of substances, the combustion of which cannot occur without access to air, fires of electrical installations under voltage of no more than 10,000 V, liquid and gaseous substances (class B, C). Liquefied carbon dioxide (CO2) is used as a fire extinguishing agent; during the transition of carbon dioxide from a liquid to a gaseous state, its volume increases 400-500 times, accompanied by a sharp cooling to a temperature of -72°C and partial crystallization.
Price: from 1085 to 1200 rubles.
fire extinguisher for cars Spets OU-2
OVE-2 - air emulsion
This air-emulsion unit OVE-2 is the latest highly efficient, environmentally friendly, safe 2-liter fire extinguisher with air-emulsion pumping, designed for extinguishing solid and liquid flammable materials, as well as extinguishing electrical equipment under voltage up to 1000 V, operating at temperatures down to minus 30°C (frost-resistant).
Cost: from 4792 to 6000 rubles.
fire extinguisher for cars OVE-2
How to use it correctly
Initially, do not forget about the check or valve that your cylinder is equipped with. Once ready for use, point the nozzle clearly at the source of the fire and adjacent areas of the fire. It is worth taking into account the weather conditions, they will be favorable and not so favorable. When extinguishing the flame, there is no need to rush; the fire should be completely extinguished. Use the fire extinguishing devices you have. Use them simultaneously.
We recommend wearing gloves when using a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. And carefully check the expiration date of the device, otherwise it is unlikely to help at the right time. We're done with the rules.
Rules for using a car fire extinguisher
- If a fire is detected, it is necessary, first of all, to evacuate, and if there are passengers in the cabin, help them get out too. Take out a fire extinguisher, pull out the pin, first breaking the seal.
- Point the nozzle directly at the fire and press the lever.
- You need to approach the fire from such a direction that the wind blows at your back and not in your face.
- It is necessary to start extinguishing the flame from its base.
- It is most effective to extinguish the fire not with one fire extinguisher, but with several, using the help of another group of people.
- Before you finish extinguishing the fire and put the device aside, make sure that there is no re-ignition.
- After the cylinder has been used, submit it for a specialized inspection
Orion Alpha
One of the most compact fire extinguishers that can be found on sale. The weight of the model is only 800 g, of which 600 g is extinguishing agent. A squib is used as a starting device, and the triggering method is automatic, upon contact with fire or at high temperatures.
Autonomous powder fire extinguishing device Orion Alpha in the rating of automobile fire extinguishers
Other features include compactness and a high level of security. And such a fire extinguisher is only suitable for extinguishing fires of the same classes as most other models - A, B, C and E.
Main advantages of the model:
- compact dimensions of the device, which is a small red parallelepiped;
- minimum dimensions allowing the fire extinguisher to take up minimal space;
- simple use - you just need to throw the cube into the fire, and if there is a fire near a fire extinguisher, it will work automatically;
- effective use for extinguishing 4 classes of fires at once.
List of disadvantages of the model:
- A small fire that can be contained with a fire extinguisher.
Melanti OP-8
Powder fire extinguisher used to extinguish fires of all classes that can occur inside a car - A, B, C and E. The mass of the extinguishing agent inside the cylinder is 8 kg, which makes it possible to extinguish not only cars, but also trucks and even fires in garages .
Powder fire extinguisher Melanti OP-8 for automobiles in the rating of automobile fire extinguishers
Due to the relatively large weight of the refilled fire extinguisher and its height, it is not very convenient to use. But the cylinder is made with high quality; the condition is checked using the built-in pressure gauge. And the price of a fire extinguisher starts from only 1 thousand rubles.
List of main advantages:
- quite affordable price of the model – one of the lowest in the rating;
- a large volume of fire extinguishing mixture, which is sufficient to extinguish the main types of fires that the driver may encounter;
- high-quality and reliable cylinder;
- possibility of full charge generation;
- the presence of a pressure gauge that allows you to check the condition of the fire extinguisher.
A few main disadvantages:
- the case is not very convenient to use, heavy and low;
- lack of a handle, which would make it more convenient to transport the cylinder.
