User’s Manual
Fire Extinguishers
Model
FE5R
IMPORTANT! Please read carefully and save.
This user’s manual contains important information about your fire extin-
guisher’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.
BF5 is rated 5-B:C. It is NOT rated to fight Class A fires.
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
extinguish. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can do
more harm than good. Make sure you understand which fire
extinguisher 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 surface types vary, mounting screws are not included.
Purchase screws or bolts specifically designed for the surface on
which you will mount the fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher label
lists its maximum weight.
Remove mounting bracket from extinguisher by unlocking the clasp
and pulling the bracket away from the extinguisher. Use two strong
screws (such as #8 machine screws) to mount the bracket securely
onto metal or another solid surface that can support the weight of the
fire extinguisher. The mounting bracket must be secure so you can
remove the extinguisher quickly in an emergency.
1.
Install the mounting bracket
as shown in “Installing The
Mounting Bracket” using strong
screws (such as #8 machine
screws) with washers and nuts.
The screws should not be
longer than necessary to
accommodate a washer and
nut. Mounting screws, washers,
and nuts are not included (see
Note above.)
2.
After installing the mounting
bracket, replace the extinguisher
on the bracket.
BF5 for Mobile Homes only.
This extinguisher can be mounted in
the special wall receptacle provided
in your mobile home or on a wall
bracket (bracket can only be pur-
chased through Consumer Affairs:
800-323-9005 and order part number
B70-78-00). Position the mounting
strap across the extinguisher to
secure the extinguisher. The label
should face outward so it can be
easily read. See Figure. If you are
using the mounting bracket
B70-78-00, follow mounting
instructions number 1 and 2
above.
CHECKING AND INSPECTING
THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
1.
Inspect and test the extinguisher once a
week. Start by removing the extinguisher
from the mounting bracket/cap. Check
the extinguisher pressure by pressing
the green button on top of the cap as
shown in “Checking the Pressure.”
If the button pops back up, the
extinguisher is properly pressurized
and ready to use. If the button stays
down, the extinguisher has lost pressure
and must 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 sur-
face of the extinguisher for corrosion.
You can help prevent corrosion by
cleaning the extinguisher if it gets wet
or dirty. If you notice corrosion during the warranty period, return
the unit to First Alert
®
(see "Limited Warranty" at the end of this
manual).
Continued...
•
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 plastic loop holding the safety pin in place!
This loop prevents accidental discharge of the fire
extinguisher. Break the loop only in an emergency before
using the fire extinguisher.
HOW TO OPERATE YOUR FIRE
EXTINGUISHER IN A FIRE EMERGENCY
TO FIGHT THE FIRE
1.
Remove the extinguisher from the mounting bracket or mounting
strap.
2.
Hold the unit firmly with the nozzle facing
away from you. Pull out the pin to break the
“Safety Seal”. You won’t be able to squeeze
the trigger until the safety seal is removed.
3.
Stand back 6 feet (2 meters) from the fire
and make sure the fire is not between you
and your exit.
4.
Hold the extinguisher upright and aim the
nozzle at the base of the fire.
5.
Press and hold the trigger to discharge the
powder.
6.
Sweep the spray at the base of the burning
material, using quick side-to-side motions.
(If the spray scatters the fire, move back.)
7.
Move slowly towards the fire as the
extinguisher spray pushes the fire back.
Maintain a 6-foot (2 meter) distance between
you and the front of the fire at all times.
8.
Completely discharge the contents of the extinguisher and make
sure the fire is completely out. Flashbacks are common with fires.
9.
For kitchen fires on a kitchen stove, turn off the stove immediately
if possible, otherwise as soon as it is safe.
10. If you suspect a fire had an electrical origin, shut off the electrical
power, if possible, without eliminating your escape route. Do not
touch electrical wires or appliances.
11. After you have completely discharged your extinguisher, leave the
building and close all the doors behind you.
•
Make sure your extinguisher may be safely and effectively
used on the small fire you want to fight. Always use extreme
caution when fighting any fire. Fight a fire only where there is
a clear escape path to allow you to get out safely if the fire
gets worse.
•
Avoid breathing smoke and heated fumes; stay low if
necessary. Burning materials will release toxic fumes.
Inhaling these fumes may cause injury or death.
•
Always stand back far enough away from the fire—near
an exit—and make sure nothing is between you and your
escape route. If you get too close to a fire, you risk getting
burned or hit by splattering material like grease. If the fire is
too hot or smoky for you to get within 6 feet (2 meters), DO
NOT try to fight the fire yourself. Evacuate immediately and
call the Fire Department.
•
For fires on a kitchen stove, turn oven or burners off
immediately if possible. If you can’t reach the oven or burner
controls safely, extinguish the fire first, then turn them off.
•
Fight the fire from an upwind direction with your back to any
strong air current. Trying to fight a fire with currents blowing
towards you can result in serious injury.
IF YOUR EXTINGUISHER NEEDS SERVICE
This fire extinguisher is a disposable device that is NOT rechargeable.
Do not try to service or repair this fire extinguisher under any
circumstances. Do not try to remove the nozzle or valve assembly.
This is a pressurized device that can cause serious injury if
tampered with.
If there is a problem and it is still under warranty, please see “How to
Obtain Warranty Service” in the Limited Warranty.
DISPOSING OF A USED EXTINGUISHER
Completely discharge the extinguisher outdoors by turning the unit
upside down and pulling the trigger. Dispose of the empty unit
properly and replace it with a new fire extinguisher.
Never puncture, burn or expose this fire extinguisher to tempera-
tures over 150° F (66° C) even if it is fully discharged. The contents
are under pressure and it could explode.
LIMITED WARRANTY
BRK Brands, Inc. ("BRK") the maker of First Alert
®
brand products
warrants that for a period of five years from the date of purchase,
this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship.
BRK, at its option, will repair or replace this product or any component
of the product found to be defective during the warranty period.
Replacement will be made with a new or remanufactured product or
component. If the product is no longer available, replacement may
be made with a similar product of equal or greater value. This is your
exclusive warranty.
This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of
initial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales
receipt. Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance.
BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling First Alert
®
products do not have the right to alter, modify or any way change
the terms and conditions of this warranty.
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage result-
ing from any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product,
use on improper voltage or current, use contrary to the operating
instructions, disassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than
BRK or an authorized service center. Further, the warranty does not
cover acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes.
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages
caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except
to the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration
to the duration of the above warranty. Some states, provinces, or
jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights that vary from state to state, or province to province.
How to Obtain Warranty Service:
Service: If service is required, do not return the product to your
retailer. In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer
Affairs Division at 1-800-323-9005, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Central
Standard Time, Monday through Friday. To assist in serving you,
please have the model number and date of purchase available when
calling.
Address: 25 Spur Drive, El Paso, TX 79906
M08-0090-002 M
02/07
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Information About Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Read Before Installing or Using This Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . .1
Where to Install This Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
How to Install This Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Checking and Inspecting the Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
How to Operate Your Fire Extinguisher in a Fire Emergency . . . . .3
After the Fire is Extinguished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
How to Clean After Using a Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
If Your Fire Extinguisher Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Disposing of a Used Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
© 2007 BRK Brands, Inc., a Subsidiary of Jarden Corporation
3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122
All rights reserved.
Consumer Affairs: (800) 323-9005 • www.firstalert.com
M08-0090-002 M
02/07
• 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 control.
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.
First Alert
®
is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
Installing the
Mounting Bracket
HOW TO CLEAN AFTER USING A FIRE
EXTINGUISHER
NOTE: The powder spray from the extinguisher may spread over a
wide area, and may soil upholstery, carpets and walls.
•
Sweep/vacuum up as much of the powder as possible. Then use
a damp cloth to wipe off the remaining agent.
•
If you have any questions about cleaning appliances that the
agent has come into contact with, please contact the appliance
manufacturer.
Checking the
Pressure
MOUNTING
STRAP
MOUNTING
STRAP PINS
WALL
RECEPTACLE
EXTINGUISHER
HANDLE
WALL
Properly Installed
Extinguisher in Wall
Receptacle
•
This unit will not operate with mounting bracket or mounting
strap attached. The extinguisher must be removed from the
mounting bracket or mounting strap in order to discharge its
contents to fight a fire.
Breaking the
Safety Seal
Press and Hold
Trigger To
Discharge Powder
AFTER THE FIRE IS EXTINGUISHED
Do not turn the electrical power back on or plug in any appliances
until the area has been cleaned up completely. It is very important
to remove the powder from electrical equipment after a fire. If the
powder gets wet, it can conduct electricity. (Using a dry chemical
extinguisher on wet electrical equipment may be hazardous for this
reason.) This may worsen an electrical leakage problem, impair the
equipment’s insulation, or create an electrical shock hazard.
If the fire was on a kitchen stove:
•
Make sure the oven and all burners are turned off.
•
Clean up the powder completely before using the stove or oven.
See “How to Clean After Using a Fire Extinguisher”. Ventilate the
area thoroughly.
If you think the fire had an electrical origin:
•
Shut off the electrical power, if possible--do not touch any
electrical wires or appliances.
•
Leave the building and close all doors behind you. Call the Fire
Department and have them inspect the entire house. As soon as
they say it’s safe to return, ventilate the area thoroughly.
•
Have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system. Do not
turn the power back on or plug in any electrical equipment until
the inspection has been completed.
3.
Make sure the tamper indicator
(“safety seal”) is still intact as shown
in “Location Of The ‘Safety Seal’” and
the nozzle is clean and unobstructed.
4.
When you finish inspecting the fire
extinguisher, always put it back into the
mounting bracket. Make sure the han-
dle is locked down and the safety seal
is intact.
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.
Location of the
“Safety Seal”
CHECKING AND INSPECTING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER, Continued
Bracket B70-78-00
CAT. NO.
BF5
