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User’s Manual
Fire Extinguishers
Models FE3A10,
FE3A40, FE4A60
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 household
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.
FE3A10
is rated
Class 3-A:10-B:C.
FE3A40
is rated
Class 3-A:40-B:C.
FE4A60
is rated
Class 4-A:60-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
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.
Heavy-Duty
Fire Extinguisher
Cat. FE3A10
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2
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
M08-0033-002
M
07/04
Heavy-Duty Plus
Fire Extinguisher
Cat. FE3A40
Commercial
Fire Extinguisher
Cat. FE4A60
•
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
10 feet (3 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.
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 –65° F (-54°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.
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 bracket, replace the extinguisher on the
bracket with the label facing outward, so the label can be easily read.
NOTE:
Extinguisher in the bracket should have label facing outward,
so the label can be easily read.
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 gauge point-
er is anywhere in the green band, the extinguisher is properly charged
and ready to use. If the gauge reads "RECHARGE," the extinguisher
has lost pressure and must be refilled.
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.
Record all inspection and maintenance dates on the tag attached
to the fire extinguisher.
5.
When you finish inspecting the fire extinguisher, always put it back
into the mounting bracket. Make sure the handle is locked down
and the safety seal is intact.
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 emergency. 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 extin-
guisher. Break the loop only in an emergency before using
the fire extinguisher.
Parts of This
Fire Extinguisher
Quick-Release Mounting Brackets
Bracket for Models
FE3A10 and FE3A40
Bracket for Model FE4A60
Safety
Pin
Lever
Handle
Pressure
Gauge
•
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.
•
Only an authorized fire equipment dealer must refill this
extinguisher. The extinguisher must be refilled with the same
chemical that it contained when it was first purchased.
Improper filling can result in non-working or dangerous units.
1