Amerex B385TS, 2.5lb Halotron I Class B C Fire Extinguisher

I had no idea that the type of fire extinguisher was so important. My neighbor recently had a very small kitchen fire that scorched some window curtains as well. They used their regular ABC extinguisher to quickly and successfully put out the flames. Regrettably, although effective in stopping the fire, the residue from the powder extinguishing agent created such a mess that it cost them $12,000 to rehab their kitchen. From my observation, had they used a clean-agent extinguisher only some paint and a new set of curtains would have been required to put things right.After my neighbor's nightmare, I thought it wise to check out my own fire protection situation. Surprisingly, I found my old powder-based ABC extinguisher needed a recharge. I did a bit of research for a new extinguisher and was amazed at the technology behind these seemingly simple safety devices and the many options available.There is a ton of genuine expert information on the internet and YouTube about fire protection -- particularly the various kinds of fires and the array of fire extinguishers available for each fire type. Without turning this review into rocket science, suffice to say that I was surprised and pleased at what I learned about all of this in a brief online session.Essentially, residential fires that are detected early and put out with common ABC extinguisher compounds unfortunately create as much or more damage than the fire itself. These common ABC-rated dry powders (typically ammonium phosphate and/or ammonium sulfate) do extinguish the broadest range of flammable materials. So, it seems that at least one ABC extinguisher is certainly worth having in the home.In contrast, Halotron gas simply starves the oxygen from the fire. Smaller Halotron extinguishers are typically BC-rated and are intended for fires on electronic equipment and similar expensive and fragile combustibles. Halotron is also effective at extinguishing smaller A-class fires (materials that create an ash -- like wood), but is officially rated at a lower level for this application. However, in my humble "instant expert" opinion, as a practical matter, Halotron extinguishers are now my first choice for our residential fire protection.Also, I found that it is important to purchase a high-quality extinguisher with all metal or mostly metal components. My old Kidde brand extinguisher from Costco had a plastic handle and nozzle assembly that was cracking and apparently could not be refilled. I checked with two professional extinguisher companies and they both recommended Amerex as the preferred brand. This is also the brand they sell to their large commercial accounts.So, for my home needs, the roughly $100 cost for this 2.5 lb. Halotron and an additional $135 for a 5 lb. Halotron is money well spent. The 2.5 lb. extinguisher is now installed in our upstairs laundry room. The larger 5 lb. unit is installed next to our downstairs doorway in the garage... along side a standard 10 lb. ABC extinguisher just in case. My wife and I are confident these Halotron extinguishers will be adequate to the task in the unlikely event they are ever needed. And the cleanup will probably be reasonably simple and much less expensive than the aftermath of an ABC extinguisher. Some solutions really can be worse than the problem.

Bought this for my car because of its non corrosive chemicals. It's a bit pricey compared to the cheap ones you can buy at the stores. But overall a quality unit, hope to never have to use it. You can travel in peace knowing in case of an emergency it's within arms reach.

This gas chemical based unit is good to complement the other materials for your car or sensitive electronics. I got this for the 4Runner and it fits great with the bracketeer mount. Just the right size and the price is better than some of the brands that offer nicer housings (chrome, black, white, etc.) but I just need the tool to work. Highly recommended.

I have used this extinguisher once, for a car fire on the side of the road. I wasn’t that familiar with operating the extinguisher, but was able to yank the lever release cable and hand it to the car’s owner in about 3 seconds. A moment after that the engine fire was out and the extinguisher was empty.I don’t know how long the car was on fire before I turned the corner - the hood was already up and there was a flaming plastic component thrown 10 feet from the car. But the engine compartment was extinguished almost immediately and I can’t give enough stars for that. If you’re equipping for larger than a car engine you probably want a heavier extinguisher.

I have many types of extinguishers and have been trained on many. from experience I found that the cheaper ones fail or do not last long but Amerex has. I have two that are 10 years old that still holds psi. yes will have it inspected by a pro. unlike kiddie that after a couple years is dead.Am trying the halotron for first time as I have Co2 also and ABC dry chem. yes its a BC type and not ABC is by my choice as I got for my needs.

Bought for automotive use. Mounted in trunk of '07 Honda Accord (pictured). Less corrosive by-products than powder extinguishers if used on a hot surface (engine). Powder extinguishers can leave a residue that ruins aluminum or electrical components. These extinguishers DO NOT.NOTE: If used in the interior of the vehicle, ensure all occupants are removed immediately. Full discharge of the extinguisher in a "confined space" of less than 350 cubic feet presents an incapacitation hazard. For reference, the interior of an average mid-size sedan is about 110 cubic feet.

Wanted a Halotron or Halon extinguisher for my ALFA Romeo 4C sports car for track days, etc. This is a nice well made extinguisher. If you ever have a engine fire you do NOT want to use a regular extinguisher. At the least you will have one heck of a mess to clean up...and more likely if your engine is hot or God forbid inhales some of that powder you will destroy your engine and/or the electronics. . Halon or Halotron is a gas so doesn't leave any residue. Just make sure that once you use it you get into fresh air quickly as it will replace the oxygen (that is how it puts out the fire).

Bought this to put in my old car incase of a fire and so that I won't have to clean all the white residue from the traditional ones