First Alert FE5G - Manual

User’s Manual
Dry Chemical
Fire Extinguisher
Models FE5G, FE5G-M,
FE10G, FE10G-M,
FE1A10G, FE1A10G30
IMPORTANT! Please read carefully and save.
This user’s manual contains important information about your fire extinguisher’s
operation. If you are installing this fire extinguisher for use by others, you must
leave this manual—or a copy of it—with the end user.
Read extinguisher label and the entire user’s manual carefully before installing or
using the unit. Make sure everyone in your household is completely familiar with
the operation of the extinguisher, and review the instructions regularly. In an
emergency, you will not have time to read instructions.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
NOTE: Be sure the extinguisher is rated to fight the type of fire
most likely to occur in the area you choose to install it. Since house-
hold fires commonly start in the kitchen, you should always install
an extinguisher in the kitchen. For added security, you should also
install additional extinguishers in utility areas, and other living areas in
your household.
FE5G and FE5G-M are rated Class 5-B:C.
FE10G and FE10G-M are rated Class 10-B:C.
FE1A10G and FE1A10G30
are rated Class 1-A:10-B:C.
READ BEFORE INSTALLING OR USING
THIS FIRE EXTINGUISHER!
Fire extinguishers are classified by fire type. The A, B and C
rating system defines the kinds of burning materials each fire
extinguisher is designed to fight. The numbers in front of the A,
B, or C indicate the rating for size of the fire the unit can extin-
guish. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can do more
harm than good. Make sure you understand which fire extin-
guisher to use on each class of fire!
Class A rating: The agent/powder is suitable for
fighting small fires involving wood, paper, cloth,
rubber, and some plastics.
Class B rating: The agent/powder is suitable for
fighting small fires involving grease, oil, gasoline,
kerosene, and other flammable liquids.
Class C rating: The agent/powder is suitable for
fighting small fires in "live" electrical equipment.
WHERE TO INSTALL THIS EXTINGUISHER
A Fire Extinguisher Should Be Mounted:
• In the vicinity of (but not on or in) a potential source of heat
and/or fire, like an oven or stove.
• Where it is easy to reach, near an exit or an escape route from
the room.
• In a location that is convenient, in plain sight, and 3-1/2 to 5
feet (1 to 1.5 meters) above the floor.
• Store the extinguisher high enough to keep it out of the reach
of small children.
• On a clean, dry surface where the temperature does not go
above 120° F (49° C) or below –40° F (–40° C).
HOW TO INSTALL THIS EXTINGUISHER
NOTE: Since wall surface types vary, mounting screws are not
included. Purchase screws or bolts specifically designed for the sur-
face on which you will mount the fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher
label lists its maximum weight. Mounting screw head type should be
#8 pan on round head screws with #8 flat washers.
INSTALL THE MOUNTING BRACKET ON A WALL
1. The extinguisher has a bracket for
wall mounting. Install the mounting
bracket on a wooden stud or other
solid surface that will support the
weight of the extinguisher using
the screws or bolts you purchased
(see "Note" above).
2. After installing the mounting brack-
et, replace the extinguisher on the
bracket with the label facing out-
ward, so the label can be easily
read. Raise and wrap the bracket
straps around the cylinder and
snap the buckle closed.
INSTALLING THE MOUNTING BRACKET IN A
MARINE CRAFT (Excluding Model FE1A10G30)
According to the NFPA Standard 302 (Fire protection Standard for
Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft):
• On marine crafts, portable fire extinguishers shall be located to be
readily accessible. Extinguishers shall be secured with a marine
bracket to permit immediate release.
• On marine crafts, extinguisher agent cylinders shall be mounted a
minimum of 2 inches (5 cm) above moist or wet surfaces to reduce
the danger of corrosion.
CHECKING AND INSPECTING THE
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
1. Inspect the extinguisher once a week.
Remove the extinguisher from the
mounting bracket and inspect the
gauge. If the yellow pointer is in the
GREEN area, the extinguisher is
properly pressurized and ready to use.
If the pointer drops into the RED
area, the extinguisher has lost some
pressure and should be replaced.
2. Check for signs of damage or misuse. Make sure you can still read
all the text on the label. Carefully examine the surface of the extin-
guisher for corrosion. You can help prevent corrosion by cleaning
the extinguisher if it gets wet or dirty. If you notice corrosion dur-
ing the warranty period, return the unit to First Alert
® (See "Limited
Warranty" at the end of this manual).
3. Make sure the tamper indicator ("safety seal") is still intact and the
nozzle is clean and unobstructed.
4. When you finish inspecting the extinguisher, always put it back
securely into the mounting bracket.
For more information about fire extinguishers, consult the NFPA
Standard #10, "Portable Fire Extinguishers," available from the
National Fire Protection Association, Inc., Batterymarch Park, Quincy,
MA 02169, USA.
• Do not mount the extinguisher on drywall or plaster without
adequate support. Use strong screws or bolts to mount the
bracket securely into solid wood or metal that can support it,
like a wooden partition stud. Secure mounting is needed so
you can remove the extinguisher quickly and easily in an emer-
gency. Also, if the extinguisher is not held securely, it could
drop to the floor and injure people or damage the extinguisher
• DO NOT BREAK THE SAFETY SEAL! This seal prevents
accidental discharge of the fire extinguisher. Break the seal
only in an emergency before using the fire extinguisher.
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Information About Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Read Before Installing or Using This Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . .1
Where to Install This Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
How to Install This Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Checking and Inspecting the Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
How to Operate Your Fire Extinguisher in a Fire Emergency . . . .2
After the Fire is Extinguished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
How to Clean After Using a Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
If Your Fire Extinguisher Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Disposing of a Used Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
All Rights Reserved. © 2004 BRK Brands, Inc.
First Alert
® , 3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122
Consumer Affairs: (800) 323-9005. • www.firstalert.com
M08-0038-002 M 07/04
• This extinguisher is designed for use against small fires that
have just started and are small enough to fight safely. It is
not designed to fight large fires that are burning out of con-
trol. If the fire is too hot or smoky for you to get within 6 feet
(2 meters) of it, do not try to fight it yourself. Warn everyone,
evacuate the premises, and have someone call the Fire
Department from outside the building. Trying to fight a large
fire yourself can result in injury or death.
• Do not puncture or burn any fire extinguisher. The contents
are under pressure, and the extinguisher could explode.
• Never locate this extinguisher close to an engine, stove or
other source of heat. It is pressurized and could rupture or
explode if exposed to temperatures over 150° F (66° C).
• This extinguisher contains a dry powder extinguishing agent.
The agent/powder is nontoxic, but can irritate skin. When using
this unit, avoid breathing the powder. Always ventilate the area
after use.
• DO NOT CHECK THE PRESSURE OR TEST THE FIRE
EXTINGUISHER BY SQUEEZING THE TRIGGER, EVEN
BRIEFLY. ONCE USED, IT WILL GRADUALLY LOSE
PRESSURE AND WILL NOT BE FULLY CHARGED FOR USE
IN AN EMERGENCY.
• When the pointer drops into the red area, the extinguisher
may still be pressurized. You must discharge the unit
completely before disposing of it!
DISCARD WHEN POINTER IS IN THE RED AREA
Model
FE5G
Model
FE5G-M
Models
FE10G,
FE10G-M
Models
FE1A10G,
FE1A10G30