Frequently Asked Questions

What are the inspection and maintenance requirements for H3R Aviation fire extinguishers?

The inspection and maintenance for H3R Aviation non-gauged units are as follows:

The RT A400, RT A600 and RT A1200 Halon 1211-1301 blend fire extinguishers are one-use, disposable-type, non-refillable aviation fire extinguishers. They have no gauge, and do not require the 6-year maintenance and 12-year hydrostatic test required of gauged, rechargeable units.

According to FAA Advisory Circular 20-42C dated 3/7/84 entitled, "Hand Held Extinguishers for Use in Aircraft:" "Disposable type fire extinguishers should be maintained and inspected in accordance with the nameplate instructions."

Nameplate Instructions for RT A400, RT A600 RT A1200:

"Inspect monthly or more frequently. Ensure nozzle is not obstructed and safety seal is intact. To be installed, inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA No. 10. Return to manufacturer...if gross weight is below:

500 grams (17.6 oz.): RT A400
686 grams (24.2 oz.): RT A600
1420 grams (3.1 lbs.): RT A1200

Inspection and Maintenance Requirements (per NFPA no. 10)

Monthly inspection

• Extinguisher is in its designated place
• No obstruction to access or visibility
• Operating instructions on nameplate legible and facing outward
• Tamper seal (plastic wire) is not broken or missing
• No obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle
• HMIS label is in place
• Heft unit to determine fullness (if in doubt, the unit should be weighed), and returned to the manufacturer if the gross weight is below):
  500 grams (17.6 oz.): RT A400
  686 grams (24.2 oz.): RT A600
  1420 grams (3.1 lbs.): RT A1200
  

NOTE: When an inspection reveals a deficiency in any of the conditions listed above, it shall be returned from service, not discharged, and returned to H3R Aviation, a fire equipment dealer or distributor to permit recovery of the Halon.

Yearly maintenance

• Thoroughly examine exterior mechanical parts (as per the monthly inspection).
• Weigh the unit and return to the manufacturer if the gross weight is below:
  500 grams (17.6 oz.): RT A400
  686 grams (24.2 oz.): RT A600
  1420 grams (3.1 lbs.): RT A1200

NOTE: When an inspection reveals a deficiency in any of the conditions listed above, it shall be returned from service, not discharged, and returned to H3R Aviation, a fire equipment dealer or distributor to permit recovery of the Halon.

At 12 years from the year of manufacture (shown on UL label), remove extinguisher from service regardless of condition.

H3R Aviation gauged Halon 1211 and Halotron 1 fire extinguishers should be installed, inspected and maintained in accordance with the owner's manual supplied with the extinguisher and NFPA No. 10, "Portable Fire Extinguishers." The following summarizes portions of those two documents.

Monthly Inspection

Inspect monthly or more frequently if circumstances dictate. Check to see that the extinguisher is undamaged; that the nozzle is unobstructed; that the gauge pressure is in the operable (green) range, that the lockpin and tamper seal is in place and that the operating instructions are clearly visible. If the inspection reveals a deficiency in any of these conditions, corrective action must be taken.

Maintenance

Annual Maintenance
Extinguishers shall be subjected to maintenance not more than one year apart or when specifically indicated by an inspection. Maintenance is a thorough examination of the extinguisher, covering mechanical parts, extinguishing agent and expelling means. It is intended to give maximum assurance that an extinguisher will operate effectively and safely, and should be done professionally. Most authorities require special tags be attached to the extinguisher to verify this service.

Six-Year Maintenance
Every six years, stored pressure fire extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test shall be emptied and subjected to applicable maintenance procedures. This should be done professionally, and involves a thorough inspection and the replacement of certain parts. When these maintenance procedures are performed during periodic recharging or hydrostatic testing, the six-year requirement shall begin from that date.

Twelve-Year Hydrostatic Test

All gauged H3R Aviation fire extinguishers require a 12-year hydrostatic test performed by certified technicians as per NFPA 10. Simply stated, the Hydrostatic test confirms the integrity of the cylinder, and at the 12-year mark, is performed in conjunction with the six-year maintenance.

What is the proper way to use a fire extinguisher?

The following instructions are of a general nature, intended to familiarize the user with the basic operating techniques of H3R Aviation hand portable extinguishers. All operate by removing the safety pin and squeezing the handles together. Since extinguishers differ, the extinguisher nameplate must be consulted for specific procedures and starting distances.

Note: WHENEVER POSSIBLE, PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND BREATHING EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE USED WHILE FIGHTING A FIRE.

1. HOLD THE EXTINGUISHER UPRIGHT AND PULL THE RING (SAFETY) PIN breaking the plastic seal.

2. STAND BACK FROM THE FIRE (the minimum distance stated on the nameplate) and AIM AT THE BASE OF THE FIRE NEAREST YOU.

3. Keeping the extinguisher UPRIGHT, SQUEEZE THE HANDLES TOGETHER to discharge and SWEEP FROM SIDE TO SIDE. Move closer as the fire is extinguished but not so close as to scatter the burning material or liquid.


4. When the fire is out, back away while watching for possible re-ignition.

5. Evacuate and ventilate the area immediately after use. The fumes and smoke from any fire may be hazardous and can be deadly.

REMEMBER THIS SIMPLE WORD: PASS

PULL
AIM
SQUEEZE
SWEEP Why does the gauge of my new extinguisher indicate the need for a recharge?

Most if not all extinguishers are filled and pressurized at 68-70 degrees F. Pressure gauges are calibrated to show the normal charged pressure at this temperature. The green area of any pressure gauge is intended to show a charged condition for the extinguisher through the temperature range for which the extinguisher is rated (i.e., -40 degrees through +120 degrees F.) An extinguisher which has been subjected to temperature ranges between -40 degrees and +70 degrees F will register between the left edge of the green pie and the upright charged position. Conversely, extinguishers exposed to abnormally high temperatures will indicate a reading higher than (to the right of) the upright position.

If manufacturers were to purposely overpressurize the extinguishers to account for anticipated low temperatures during transit into colder climates, warm weather would bring complaints of overcharged extinguishers.

The pressure/temperature relationship is noticeably greater in Halon (vaporizing liquid) extinguishers than in dry chemical units because Halon itself expands and contracts in relationship to temperature. It is for this reason that the GREEN pie area on Halon gauges is larger than on dry chemical (or water) gauges.

WHEN IN DOUBT: CONDITION THE EXTINGUISHER TO 70 DEGREES F. (21 DEGREES C) FOR SEVERAL HOURS TO OBTAIN AN ACCURATE INDICATION.