First Alert BF5, FE5R User Manual

User’s Manual

F

ire Extinguishers

Model

F

E5R

IMPORTANT! Please read carefully and save.

This user’s manual contains important information about your fire extin­g

uisher’s operation. If you are installing this fire extinguisher for use by

others, you must leave this manual—or a copy of it—with the end user.
Read e

xtinguisher label and the entire user’s manual carefully before

i

nstalling or using the unit.Make sure everyone in your household is

com

pletely familiar with the operation of the extinguisher, and review

t

he instructions regularly. In an emergency, you will not have time to

r

ead instructions.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

NOTE: Be sure the extinguisher is rated to fight the type of fire
most likely to occur in the area you choose to install it.Since house­hold fires commonly start in the kitchen,you should always install
an extinguisher in the kitchen. For added security, you should also
install additional extinguishers in utility areas, and other living areas in
your household.

BF5 is rated 5-B:C. It is NOT rated to fight Class Afires.

READ BEFORE INSTALLING OR USING
THIS FIRE EXTINGUISHER!

F

ire extinguishers are classified by fire type.The A, B and C

ra

ti

ng system defines the kinds of burning materials each fire

e

x

tinguisher is designed to fight.The numbers in front of the
A, B, or C indicate the rating for size of the fire the unit can
extinguish. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can do
m

ore harm than g

ood. Make sure you understand which fire

extinguisher to use on each class of fire!

Class A rating:

The agent/powder is suitable for
fighting small fires involving wood,paper, cloth,
rubber,and some plastics.

Class B rating: The agent/powder is suitable for
fighting small fires involving grease, oil, gasoline,
k

erosene, and other flammable liquids.

Cl

ass C ra

ting:

T

he ag

ent/powder is suitable for

fighting small fires in "live" electrical equipment.

WHE

RE TO INSTALL THIS EXTINGUISHER

A

Fire Extinguisher Should Be Mounted:

•

In the vicinity of (but not on or in) a potential source of heat
and/or fi

re, like an oven or stove.

•

Where it is easy to reach, near an exit or an escape route
from the room.

• In a location that is convenient,in plain sight, and 3-1/2 to 5
f

eet (1 to 1.5 meters) above the floor.

•

Store the extinguisher high enough to keep it out of the reach
o

f small children.

•

On a clean, dry surface where the temperature does not go
above 120° F (49° C) or below –40° F (–40° C).

HOW TO INSTALL THIS EXTINGUISHER

NOTE: Since surface types vary, mounting screws are not included.
Purchase screws or bolts specifically designed for the surface on
w

hich you will mount the fire extinguisher.The fire extinguisher label

lists its maximum weight.

Re

move mounting bracket from extinguisher by unlocking the clasp
and pulling the bracket away from the extinguisher. Use two strong
screws (such as #8 machine screws) to mount the bracket securely
on

to metal or another solid surface that can support the weight of the
fire extinguisher. The mounting bracket must be secure so you can
remove the extinguisher quickly in an emergency.

1. Install the mounting bracket

as shown in “Installing The
Mounting Bracket”using strong
screws (such as #8 machine
screws) with washers and nuts.
The screws should not be
longer than necessary to
accommodate a washer and
nut. Mounting screws, washers,
and nuts are not included (see
Note above.)

2. After installing the mounting

bracket, replace the extinguisher
on the bracket.

BF5 for Mobile Homes only.

This extinguisher can be mounted in
the special wall receptacle provided
in your mobile home or on a wall
bracket (bracket can only be pur­chased through Consumer Affairs:
800-323-9005 and order part number
B70-78-00). Position the mounting
strap across the extinguisher to
secure the extinguisher. The label
should face outward so it can be
easily read.Se e Figure.

If you are

us

ing the mounting bracket

B7

0-

78-00, follow mounting
instructions number 1and 2
above.

CHECKING AND INSPECTING
THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

1. Inspect and test the extinguisher once a

w

eek. Start by removing the extinguisher
from the mounting bracket/cap. Check
the extinguisher pressure by pressing
the green button on top of the cap as
sho

w

n i

n

“Checking the Pressure.”
If the button pops back up, the
e

x

t

i

ng

uisher is properly pressurized
and ready to use.If the button stays
down,the extinguisher has lost pressure
a

nd must be replaced.

2

.

C

he

ck for signs of damage or misuse.
Make sure you can still read all the text
on the label. Carefully examine the sur­face of the extinguisher for corrosion.
Y

ou ca

n hel

p pr

e

v

ent corrosion by
cleaning the extinguisher if it gets wet
or dirty.If you notice corrosion during the warranty period, return
t

he u

nit to First Alert

®

(se

e "L

imited Warranty" at the end of this

manual).

Continued...

•

Do not mount the extinguisher on drywall or plaster without
adequate support. Use strong screws or bolts to mount the
bra

cket securely into solid wood or metal that can support it,

l

ike a wooden partition stud. Secure mounting is needed so
you can remove the extinguisher quickly and easily in an emer­gen

cy.Also, if the extinguisher is not held securely,it could

dr

op to the floor and injure people or damage the extinguisher

•

Do not break the plastic loop holding the safety pin in place!
This loop prevents accidental discharge of the fire
e

xtinguisher.Break the loop only in an emergency before

us

ing the fire extinguisher.

HO

W TO OPERATE YOUR FIRE

EXTINGUISHER IN A FIRE EMERGENCY

TO FIGHT THE FIRE

1. Remove the extinguisher from the mounting bracket or mounting
strap.

2. Hold the unit firmly with the nozzle facing
away from you. Pull out the pin to break the
“Safety Seal”. You won’t be able to squeeze
the trigger until the safety seal is removed.

3. Stand back 6 feet (2 meters) from the fire
a

nd ma

ke sure the fire is not between you

and your exit.

4. Hold the extinguisher upright and aim the
nozzle at the base of the fire.

5

. Press and hold the trigger to discharge the

po

w

d

e

r

.

6. Sweep the spray at the base of the burning
material,using quick side-to-side motions.
(If the spray scatters the fire, move back.)

7. Move slowly towards the fire as the
extinguisher spray pushes the fire back.
M

a

i

ntain a 6-foot (2 meter) distance between

you and the front of the fire at all times.

8. Completely discharge the contents of the extinguisher and make
sure the fire is completely out.Flashbacks are common with fires.

9. For kitchen fires on a kitchen stove, turn off the stove immediately
if possible, otherwise as soon as it is safe.

10. If you suspect a fire had an electrical origin, shut off the electrical
po

w

e

r

,

if possible, without eliminating your escape route.Do not

touch electrical wires or appliances.

1

1

.

After you have completely discharged your extinguisher, leave the
building and close all the doors behind you.

•

Make sure your extinguisher may be safely and effectively
us

ed on the small fire you want to fight.Always use extreme
caution when fighting any fire.Fight a fire only where there is
a clear escape p

ath to allow you to get out safely if the fire

ge

ts worse.

• Avoid breathing smoke and heated fumes; stay low if
necessary. Burning materials will release toxic fumes.
I

nhaling these fumes may cause injury or death.

• Always stand back far enough away from the fire—near
an exit—and make sure nothing is between you and your
escape r

oute. If you get too close to a fire, you risk getting
burned or hit by splattering material like grease.If the fire is
too hot or smoky for you to get within 6 feet (2 meters), DO
N

OT try to fight the fire yourself. Evacuate immediately and

call the F

ire Department.

• For fires on a kitchen stove, turn oven or burners off
i

mmediately if possible. If you can’t reach the oven or burner

controls safely,extinguish the fire first, then turn them off.

•

Fight the fire from an upwind direction with your back to any
str

ong air current. Trying to fight a fire with currents blowing

towards you can result in serious injury.

IF YOUR EXTINGUISHER NEEDS SERVICE

T

his fire extinguisher is a disposable device that is NOT rechargeable.

Do not try to service or repair this fire extinguisher under any
circumstances. Do not try to remove the nozzle or valve assembly.
This is a pressurized device that can cause serious injury if
tampered with.

If there is a problem and it is still under warranty,please see “How to
Obtain Warranty Service” in the Limited Warranty.

DISPOSING OF A USED EXTINGUISHER

Completely discharge the extinguisher outdoors by turning the unit
upside down and pulling the trigger.Dispose of the empty unit
properly and replace it with a new fire extinguisher.

Never puncture,burn or expose this fire extinguisher to tempera­tures over 150° F (66° C) even if it is fully discharged.The contents
are under pressure and it could explode.

LIMITED WARRANTY

BRK Brands, Inc. ("BRK") the maker of First Alert®brand products
warrants that for a period of five years from the date of purchase,
this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship.
BRK, at its option, will repair or replace this product or any component
of the product found to be defective during the warranty period.
Re

p

lacement will be made with a new or remanufactured product or
component. If the product is no longer available,replacement may
be made with a similar product of equal or greater value.This is your
e

x

clusive warranty.

T

his warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of

i

n

it

ia

l r

e

t

ail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales
receipt. Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance.
BRK dealers, service centers,or retail stores selling First Alert

®

pr

od

uct

s do not have the right to alter,modify or any way change

the terms and conditions of this warranty.
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage result-

i

ng f

r

om a

ny of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product,
use on improper voltage or current,use contrary to the operating
instructions,disassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than
BRK or an authorized service center. Further, the warranty does not
co

v

e

r act

s o

f G

od, such as fire,flood, hurricanes and tornadoes.

B

R

K sha

l

l no

t be l

iable for any incidental or consequential damages
caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except
to the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of
me

rchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration
to the duration of the above warranty. Some states, provinces,or
j

ur

isd

ictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
r

ig

h

t

s t

hat vary from state to state, or province to province.

H

o

w t

o O

b

tain Warranty Service:

S

er

v

i

ce:

I

f se

r

v

ice is r

equired, do not return the product to your
retailer. In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer
Affairs Division at 1-800-323-9005, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Central
S

tandard Time,Monday through Friday. To assist in serving you,

p

lease ha

v

e t

he mod

el n

u

mber and date of purchase available when

calling.

A

ddress:25 Sp

ur D

r

i

v

e

, El Paso, TX 79906

M0

8-00

90-002

M 0

2/0

7

1 2 3 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Important Information About Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Read Before Installing or Using This Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . .1

Where t

o Install This Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

How to Install This Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Checking and Inspecting the Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

H

ow to Operate Your Fire Extinguisher in a Fire Emergency . . . . .3

After the Fire is Extinguished . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

How to Clean After Us

ing a Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

If Your Fire Extinguisher Needs Ser vice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

D

isposing of a Used Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

© 2007 BRK Brands, Inc.,a Subsidiary of Jarden Corporation
3901Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL60504-8122
All rights reserved.
Consumer Affairs: [phone] • www.firstalert.com

M0

8-0090-002

M 0

2/07

• This extinguisher is designed for use against small fires that
ha

v

e j

ust started and are small enough to fight safely. It is not
designed to fight large fires that are burning out of control.
If the fire is too hot or smoky for you to get within 6 feet
(2 meters) of it, do not try to fight it yourself.Warn everyone,
evacuate the premises, and have someone call the Fire
Department from outside the building.Trying to fight a large
fi

re y

our

s

elf can result i

n i

n

jury or death.

• Do not puncture or burn any fire extinguisher. The contents
are under pressure, and the extinguisher could explode.

• Never locate this extinguisher close to an engine, stove or
other source of heat. It is pressurized and could rupture or
explode if exposed to temperatures over 150° F (66° C).

• This extinguisher contains a dry powder extinguishing agent.
The agent/powder is nontoxic,but can irritate skin. When using
this unit, avoid breathing the powder.Always ventilate the area
after use.

DO NOT CHECK THE PRESSURE OR TEST THE FIRE
EXTINGUISHER BY SQUEEZING THE TRIGGER, EVEN BRIEFLY.
ONCE USED IT WILLGR ADUALLYLOSE PRESS URE AND WILL
N

OT BE FULLY CHARGED FOR USE IN AN EMERGENCY.

First Alert®is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.

Installing the

Mounting Brac

ket

HOW TO CLEAN AFTER USING A FIRE
EXTINGUISHER

N

OTE:The powder spray from the extinguisher may spread over a

w

ide area, and may soil upholstery,carpets and walls.

• Sweep/vacuum up as much of the powder as possible. Then use
a damp cloth to wipe off the remaining agent.

• If you have any questions about cleaning appliances that the
ag

ent has come into contact with, please contact the appliance

ma

nufacturer.

Checking the

Pre

ssure

MOUNTING

STRAP

MOUNTING 
STRAP PINS

WALL 

RECEPTACLE

EXTINGUISHER 

HANDLE

WALL

Properly Installed

Extinguisher in Wall

Receptacle

• This unit will not operate with mounting bracket or mounting
strap attached. The extinguisher must be removed from the
mounting bracket or mounting strap in order to discharge its
contents to fight a fire.

Breaking the

Safety Seal

Pre

ss and Hold

T

rig

g

e

r

T

o

Discharge Powder

AF

TER THE FIRE IS EXTINGUISHED

Do not turn the electrical power back on or plug in any appliances
until the area has been cleaned up completely.It is very important
t

o remove the powder from electrical equipment after a fire. If the
powder gets wet, it can conduct electricity. (Using a dry chemical
extinguisher on wet electrical equipment may be hazardous for this
reas

on.) This may worsen an electrical leakage problem, impair the

equipment’s insulation, or create an electrical shock hazard.
If the fire was on a kitchen stove:

•

Make sure the oven and all burners are turned off.

•

Clean up the powder completely before using the stove or oven.
See “How to Clean After Using a Fire Extinguisher”. Ventilate the
ar

ea thoroughly.

If you think the fire had an electrical origin:

• Shut off the electrical power,if possible--do not touch any

ele

ctrical wires or appliances.

•

Leave the building and close all doors behind you.Call the Fire
D

epartment and have them inspect the entire house. As soon as

they say it’s safe to return,ventilate the area thoroughly.

•

Have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system. Do not
turn the power back on or plug in any electrical equipment until
the inspection has been completed.

3

. Make sure the tamper indicator

(“

safety seal”) is still intact as shown
in “Location Of The ‘Safety Seal’” and
t

he nozzle is clean and unobstructed.

4

. When you finish inspecting the fire

extinguisher, always put it back into the
mou

nting bracket.Make sure the han-

d

le is locked down and the safety seal
is intact.

F

or more information about fire extinguishers, consult the NFPA
Standard #10, “Portable Fire Extinguishers,”available from the National
Fire Protection Association, Inc., Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169,
U

SA.

Lo

cation of the

“

Safety Seal”

CHECKING AND INSPECTING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER,Continued

Bracket B70-78-00

C

AT. NO .

BF5