Hi all, What do people think of P50 extinguishers?? Are they really as great a cost saving as the manufacturers tell us, or are there hidden costs? Can anyone share any personal experiences with them?? Whats the good and the bad about them, compared to ordinary extinguishers? Thanks

I've been looking into P50 extinguishers as I like the one simplicity of use for the user. I liked the reduced servicing costs and if I was honest, I also like the technology behind them too. Although they are rated to be used on 'electrical fires' I felt that the biggest challenge was the possibility of the water pooling and in turn electrocuting the operator.

Hi Carrietobin I need to declare my interest in this topic right at the beginning: I am the MD of Safelincs, the UK's main distributor of the P50 extinguishers. However, I would like to present our views with regards to this product, if that is acceptable. The question with regards to the 20 year life span is, of course, justified. The answer is a little lengthy so please bear with me: 1) The 20 years lifespan is applicable if you have your P50 refurbished by us or the manufacturer Britannia after 10 years. We will re-fill the extinguisher and replace the outer sleeve, boot, hose and tags. The valve head and the aramid-covered inner cylinder are re-used and re-tested. So the extinguishing agent, the sleeve, boot and hose are only guaranteed for ten years. 2) The inner cylinder has been guaranteed for twenty years by the two raw material providers involved in the manufacture of the inner cylinder. 3) The valve head (bar the fact it has duplicate gauges) is similar to valve heads used by Norwich-based Britannia since the 1970s, so there is significant experience with regards to the lifespan of valve heads produced by Britannia. With regards to the extinguishing agents lasting ten years; again, the suppliers of the chemicals have guaranteed their chemicals for ten years (as long as they are contained in the inner cyclinder as used in the P50). In addition there have been acceleration test to determine the life span of the chemicals, which have confirmed a lifespan in excess of 10 years. With regards to general tests. The P50 is probably the world's most tested fire extinguisher! It is, of course, kitemarked and CE marked. In addition it has been certified b LPCB, PRAGAZ, MPA Dresden, MCA and is approced for marine use. The P50 is also specifically approved or even recommended by many insurers. In addition to normal extinguisher tests in accordance to British Standards, the P50 is also tested in accordance to the Pressure Equipment Directive, a most taxing test usually reserved for propane gas containers! We have installed the P50 in insurance headquarters, office blocks, schools, refineries, farms, universities, colleges, churchase, cathedrals and many more locations, providing customers significant savings and reducing the environmental impact of fire fighting equipment and servicing. Kind Regards Harry

Harry, many thanks for your post, excellent information. Messy, why not contact the enforcement officers in writing to get their views. If they respond in writing then you have some support. I always find having a chat with the fire safety officers, especially as I still know some of them, works well.

Hi Mssy and firesafety101 The main legal requirement for fire extinguisher maintenance is defined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order with additional guidance drawn from British Standards, which are only best practice recommendations, though. The RRO requests periodic inspection, maintenance and testing, with annual maintenance to be carried out by a competent person. Like for all extinguishers, there is a requirement to monthly check the presence and status of the P50 extinguishers with the findings recorded in the fire safety logbook. In addition there has to be an annual full visual inspection by a representative of the owners checking the dual gauges for correct operation (these are magnetic and checked with a magnet supplied with each extinguisher), the hose for blockage, the tags for presence and the body for any damages. Again, this is recorded in the fire safety logbook and, in addition, on the back of the P50 extinguisher. While this annual inspection requires no specialist skills and can be carried out by every able person we train staff when we carry out the installation. We also issue training certificates to document the competence of the trained staff. New staff can easily be trained with a training video available on the internet. Refill is required after ten years and has to be carried out by a person fully qualified for extinguisher refills; we would expect this to be carried out at the factory or by us. The above process fulfils all legal requirements. Some aspects of the current British Standards, with their requirements for refill after 5 years and annual service by (usually) an external engineer, cannot apply, as you would expect. However, this fact is covered by BSI in a clause that prevents technological progress being stifled by out of date standards. To give you some assurance with regards to enforcing bodies it is worth mentioning that Blue Watch, CFOA's (Chief Fire Officers Association) trading arm is selling P50 fire extinguishers http://www.bluewatchshop.co.uk/ You are welcome to contact me directly if you require a list of references. Our customer list includes some of the UK's most prestigious organisations, including courts, councils, a parliament building and many others. Harry

We have recommended the P50 for several clients now. Well received - particularly with reduced servicing etc.

Reported. It is not best practice to have an FE in a car as there is insufficient capacity to adequately deal with say a typical engine bay fire.W