Hot Dog Profits Premium member Rick A. asks,
“What class of fire extinguisher would one use for a hotdog cart and where can I get it?”
Great question Rick!
When I was a young man I had a welding instructor who gave me some great advice.
“Whenever you are welding, always have a fire extinguisher close by and you’ll never need to use it. The one time you weld with no extinguisher handy – you’ll catch something on fire for sure.”
She (yes, she) told me that as she welded up the cracked floorboards on my 82 Mustang GT after class one night in exchange for a six pack of Guinness Extra Stout.
True story.
But I digress…
Fire extinguishers are classified A, B, or C (or a combination of these) on the label.
A = ordinary combustibles
B = flammable liquids
C = electrical
Get an ABC. Many are classified A:B:C and fight all three types of fires. This is a good choice for a hot dog cart so that you are prepared for any situation. You can find them at any hardware or home store. Keep one near your cart and you’ll never need to use it. I never have.
You might want to pick up some Guinness while you’re at it.
Cheers!
-Steve
Steve,
What ever you do, don’t use what is
called Dry Chemical. If you do need to use it
you’ll have one huge mess on your hands.
I did that once on a car engine fire. Put the fire out fast, but oh the mess. You’re right Sweet Pete!
A 2-1/2 pound ABC extinguisher is big enough for a cart. I would go with a 5 pounder for a trailer. If you have a deep fryer, have 1 of each.
Great tip Jack! Size matters.
Aye matey !! An A,B,C will serve all yer needs.
Raise yer mug o grog & toast never having to use it.
Always keep it handy.
1St Mate Jim.
Ahoy mate Steve !!! How ye be ??
Almost time to scrape off the barnacles & get back on the water !!
I didn’t know you had barnacles. My condolences, mate.
It happens when ye sit around all winter !! Arrgggggg !!
If you have a fryer, Indiana now requires a K extinguisher. Less mess to use I’m told, never yet had to use it. They’re a little pricey, about $200.00 new I think.
Thanks Papa!
The Guinness will put a fire out…But that would be a great waste.
Indeed. I’d have to let it burn.
LOL Love Guinness That is usually my payment when someone wants their computer fixed 12 pack of Guinness!
K the only one to buy
Any A:B:C extinguisher is going to make a mess. Because most of them use bicarbonate powder as their base ingredient. But you have to ask yourself, how big of mess, and loss that you would have on your hands with a totally burned out Hot Dog Cart ?
Steve and all
Type A is ordinary combustible ( paper, wood etc)
Type B is flammable gases ( gasoline, kerosene, propane)
Type C is energized electric if its not energized its Type A
Type D is flammable metals (magnesium)
Type K is flammable grease (fryer oil) new designation since about 1998
Each has its own purpose and at the combination ones are better at some types than others. You won’t know until you have to use it.
Thanks, Steve,
You always seem to come up with the answers to questions I was just thinking of!
Ahoy, first mate Jim! Tell me again where you are on the CT river. ARRRR, I be floatin’ down the river soon and would love to pull in for a bite.
If you ever use one on a fire with electrical wires get rid of the item as the powder eats up everything. Plus you clean up and a day or 2 later there is powder residue again. I have a 2 10ABC extinguisher. I bought mine at lowes and had certified by a local company.
Don’t be cheep get a carbon dioxide one puts the fire out, no mess and you can still eat the dog!!
You can chill the Gunness with it also, LOL
Oklahoma mandates “K”
Wow. Yes even “girls” can weld.
Isn’t this 2017?
It’s not very common, that’s all. Big friggin deal. Stop being offended as a permanent occupation. You’ll have much more success in life.
Great to know, I’m going to check mine. When I did my HD inspection, I was shocked at what wasn’t inspected. However, it was hot, and the foregoing procedure to get said inspection was unbelievably difficult. As always, Steve, your information is really spot-on. Thanks so much!
Thanks Mary!
Thanks for the important info Steve! Never knew there were different grades. I did use a fire extinguisher, once, when I was spraying commercial engine cleaner on a running automobile. Put that fire out in seconds. Amazing stuff. Thank goodness I was required to have that fire extinguisher! A metal garbage can is a good idea too!
just had fire department tell me run if you have enough insurance On my icecream truck I have to carry ABC 5 lb. and must be inspected every year and certified by fire Marshall when I do events costly but the price you pay for making money
Has anybody said where the correct placement of a fire extinguisher should be mounted on a cart (tongue, the back, in cabinet…). I’m getting ready for inspection and don’t want more holes than needed.
Ask your inspector before you go.