Explanations: Fire Protection Systems

Question 1

What are most carbon dioxide fire extinguisher horns made of?

Answer 1

Pressed fiber. This is okay to be used on electrical fires.

Question 2

Why should terminals of discharge cartridges be grounded or shorted during removal or installation?

Answer 2

The discharge cartridges contain explosive charges called squibs. These squibs are ignited with an electrical current when the fire extinguisher agent discharge switch is closed.

Question 3

Why should a fire extinguisher cartridge only be used in their original discharge assembly?

Answer 3

The distance the contact point protrudes may vary with each unit.