Fire extinguisher OP 8. Characteristics, use

To extinguish fires and prevent their spreading, a powder type fire extinguisher OP-8 is used. They are used for the assembly of fire shields, cabinets. It is possible to install on the floor in a special stand.

Characteristics of fire extinguisher OP-8

The AVSE powder is used as the extinguishing agent . The feed is performed for 15 seconds or more. Depending on which powder is filled, OP-8 is used to extinguish fires that belong to the following classes:

• A (solids);

• B (liquid or fusible substances);

• C (flammable gases);

• E (electrical installations whose voltage does not exceed 1000 V).

Fire extinguishers of this type are not suitable for extinguishing substances, the combustion of which occurs without oxygen (for example, alkali and alkaline earth metals). This is due to the fact that the action of the extinguishing powder consists in knocking down the flame mechanically, while the air is removed from the combustion zone.

Fire extinguisher OP-8 has several advantages:

• It works instantly when you press the lever.
• Has a high ability to extinguish fires.
• Economy (low cost for the total area of the fire, which can be extinguished).

Fire extinguisher OP-8 has 505 mm in height and 175 mm in diameter. Its mass is 12 kg with a charge weight of 8 kg. This is enough to extinguish the fire in an area of up to a hundred square meters.

It is possible to operate at a temperature range from minus 50 to plus 50 degrees. The service life is 10 years. But after 5 years, the OP-8 powder extinguisher must be recharged. The gas pressure is checked by a manometer.

Powder Extinguisher Design

Fire extinguishers are made in the form of a welded balloon, made of steel. A locking device with a siphon tube is installed in the neck. A hose with a bell is connected to the locking element.

The fire extinguishing powder can be released both at a time and in portions. This is permissible thanks to the valve that is in the head.

On top of the fire extinguisher OP-8 is equipped with a pressure gauge, which indicates the operability (the arrow must be in the green sector for this purpose).

Operating principle

The work of the powder extinguisher OP-8 is based on the yield of the powder from the cylinder due to the pressure of the displacing gas. The gas in the cylinder is at a pressure of 0.4-1.6 MPa.

In case of occurrence of the center of a fire from the fire extinguisher the check is pulled out. The bell should be pointed towards the fire. After pressing the lever of the locking element, you can start extinguishing.

To extinguish a fire it is necessary around the fire to create a cloud of powder of a certain concentration. In addition, this cloud protects against high temperatures, so you can approach the fire closer. Do not put out the fire from a very close distance. A powerful jet can scatter the burning matter to the sides, thereby only exacerbating the situation.

Do not approach the fire close at the beginning of extinguishing. Due to the high pressure of the jet of powder, oxygen is sucked into the source of ignition at the first moment, while the fire is inflated.