First Alert HOME1 Review – The Rechargeable Fire Extinguisher of Choice. A fire can happen anywhere, and people should consider having fire extinguishers in place for their own safety. Sometimes, this is a legal obligation but even when it is not, it is a good idea to consider buying one. Thankfully, many people seem to be doing just that, which was evident from the significant increase in the number of different extinguishers on the market today. The problem with that, however, is that you may feel somewhat overwhelmed in terms of choosing a particular fire extinguisher. One that you may have come across is the First Alert HOME1. First Alert is a well-known brand of fire safety equipment, and this particular model has been designed for smaller spaces. Let’s take a look at what it is all about. Click here for the Top 10 Best Fire Extinguishers.
About the First Alert HOME1
If you have ever seen a standard fire extinguisher, you will know that they are quite large objects. In larger spaces, this is necessary because the fire is likely to be bigger as well. However, there are occasions in which a smaller one may be required. For instance, in a small room that has a wood-stove or fireplace, a kitchenette, or even in a car or the cab of a truck. That is precisely what the First Alert HOME1 has been designed for.
You can purchase these extinguishers in single packs, and also in packs of four. The latter is a good idea, because it means you will have enough extinguishers to cover an entire home. Or, if you have to use one, you will have some more remaining. The First Alert HOME1 has been designed to be recharged as well. Hence, if you have used one, you will be able to have it refilled so that you can use it again.
The First Alert HOME1 has been developed with domestic users in mind. This also means that it is easy to use, and that you don’t need to have any specialized fire training in order to put out a fire. That said, you also shouldn’t consider yourself a hero or an expert just because you have an extinguisher. You should always call 911 first.
It is important to be aware of the fact that these are small, however. Indeed, the capacity is only half that of other extinguishers that have UL approval. The result is that it also doesn’t meet the NFPA recommendations in terms of size for a primary extinguisher. The First Alert HOME1, therefore, is likely to be used as a spare or extra extinguisher, but certainly not enough to save you in case of a major fire.
Meanwhile, these fire extinguishers are UL approved. This means that this model is strong enough to deal with the majority of home fire causes. It also means that it has metal valves, which makes the device safer and easier to use. Because it contains a pressurized extinguisher within the cannister, you should never compromise on safety and UL approval or certification is very important. The last thing you want to happen in case of a fire is for the device to break or the valve to come off under pressure.
What I Liked About First Alert HOME1
⦁ It is fully Made in the USA, which means it meets important safety standards automatically.
⦁ Both the trigger and the valve are made from commercial grade metal.
⦁ The US Coast Guard has approved this particular model. Indeed, it is very popular for boaters, particularly for those who only have small boats.
⦁ It comes with a metal pull pin that has a safety seal. This means that it is impossible to accidentally discharge the device.
⦁ The pressure gauge has been designed to be easy to read.
⦁ It comes with a bracket, which means you can wall mount the device should you wish to.
⦁ The device can be recharged.
⦁ It is UL approved.
⦁ It is a particularly good extinguisher for those who are fond of outdoor activities, needing to do things like put out a campfire.
⦁ The canister, valve, trigger, and nozzle are all metal and have an ABC rating for safety.
⦁ It comes with a bracket that can also be fitted to cars.
What I Didn’t Like About First Alert HOME1
⦁ It is too small to use as a primary extinguisher. Unless people have an understanding of NFPA recommendations, however, they may not be aware of this.
⦁ Although rechargeable, the port to do so is very small. Fire departments have reported that it is so small, in fact, that they are unable to refill it. This means that, in order to recharge the First Alert HOME1, you must find a commercial company, which isn’t very common.
⦁ The cost of recharging the First Alert HOME1 is quite high because it has to be done commercially. The cost can be so high, in fact, that it is cheaper to simply purchase a new one.
The Final Verdict
We all hope that a fire will never happen to us. However, they do happen and often due to very silly mistakes, such as leaving a candle burning, cigarette ash falling on fabrics, or hot ambers popping from a fire. Having a fire extinguisher in place does not mean that you expect the worst to happen, but rather that you are prepared should something happen. The First Alert HOME1 is a fantastic device for that.
It is easy to use and meets the relevant safety standards. It can be recharged, although you will have to find a company that is able to do that for you. Because it is small, it is easy to fit it in your car or to mount it to the wall in smaller rooms. At the same time, its relatively smaller size means that the First Alert HOME1 is not suitable for a primary extinguisher in a home, but there are many others you could choose instead.
This extinguisher is available from a variety of different online stores and outlets. It has been consistently positively reviewed, and it is easy to see why. Clearly, so long as you understand the limitations of the First Alert HOME1, then it is 100% recommended.