First Alert PRO5 – The Ins and Outs of This Fire Extinguisher. It is important for every household to have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of their home. If you are dedicated to your and your family’s safety, you will quickly find that there are a lot of fire extinguishers to choose from. So many, in fact, that you may feel quite overwhelmed with just how many choices there are. Here, we will look at the First Alert PRO5 and what it can provide. Click here for the Top 10 Best Fire Extinguishers.
About the First Alert PRO5
First Alert is a highly recognized brand for safety devices such as fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. They have a solid reputation for excellence and the PRO5 is no exception. It is UL ranked 3A 40B:C, which means that it exceeds what is considered to be the minimum requirement for a domestic property. It also means that it is able to efficiently fight a range of common fire sources, including burning liquids, fabrics, and wood. In fact, it can even take out an electrical fire. It is fitted with a metal valve and it is rechargeable, which means it will protect you for many years to come.
The chemical agent inside the First Alert PRO5 is the equivalent of three and ¾ gallons of water. This means that it should easily be able to take out around 40 feet of fire, which is larger than the size of the average room. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that a domestic extinguisher contain the equivalent of at least two and ½ gallons of water, covering 10 square feet, which means the PRO5 exceeds such recommendation. Interestingly, if you were to swap the PRO5 for a smaller model that meets the NFPA standards exactly, you will find it is the PRO5, which is clearly the better model, is not much heavier or bigger, nor is it a lot more expensive. At the time of this writing, it was available for $**.** from Amazon with free shipping, which is a fair price.
Because it is fitted with a metal valve, this fire extinguisher is also rechargeable. This is generally cheaper to use, therefore, and it is also known to be more reliable. Naturally, in order to truly use a fire extinguisher efficiently, you should read the instructions and perhaps even receive some training. Overall, it is a known fact that rechargeable extinguishers are of better quality and therefore more likely to offer better security. They are slightly more expensive, but you only have to buy them once.
According to NFPA standards, you should have your rechargeable fire extinguisher inspected professionally every six years. This usually costs between $15 and $30. Disposable extinguishers don’t ever have to be inspected, but they also only last 12 years, after which they must be totally replaced. Additionally, should you have to put out a fire or should you accidentally discharge it, for instance, by moving it around, you will need to have it replaced. Overall, therefore, it is clearly much better to use a rechargeable extinguisher.
Do remember that, with a rechargeable extinguisher, you need to refill it as soon as you have used it. Hence, if there is any accidental discharge, you cannot simply keep it in the hopes of being able to use the rest of the chemicals still contained within it. Unfortunately, even a single, short burst will significantly reduce the efficiency of the device.
From various reviews, it becomes apparent that quite a few people have purchased an extra First Alert PRO5 if they have shared accommodation. This extinguisher is then used for fire drills and practices, so that new housemates clearly understand how to use it. This fire extinguisher, naturally, should not be used in case of a real fire. However, it is a good idea to do this as it will ensure that people know how to use the device, which will make them a lot more efficient in putting out a fire.
What I Liked About the First Alert PRO5
⦁ It covers a large area, which is bigger than what is recommended as a minimum by the NFPA.
⦁ It can be used against the majority of types of fire, and certainly the fires most common in domestic properties.
⦁ It comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty as standard.
⦁ You can purchase a sturdy bracket to replace the small bracket included with the device as standard.
⦁ You can recharge the extinguisher.
⦁ It meets and exceeds all the standards set by the NFPA.
What I Didn’t Like About the First Alert PRO5
⦁ It is slightly bigger and bulkier than other devices, which means some find it unwieldy.
⦁ It is slightly more expensive than other models.
⦁ The bracket that is included is not very sturdy.
⦁ A fire extinguisher is only as good as the person who uses it. This means that training may be required.
The Final Verdict
Everybody should be committed to the safety of themselves, their family, and their belongings and this means being prepared for a fire as well. In fact, in certain types of accommodations, the landlord is obliged by law to provide fire extinguishers to keep people safe. While it is certainly true that in order to be efficient when using a fire extinguisher, you need to know what you are doing, having one and doing it wrong will usually only mean that you are slightly slower in putting out the fire. Not having one would have far more serious consequences.
Choosing a fire extinguisher for a domestic property is a serious decision that requires careful consideration and you do have to think about the pros and cons of the various available models. However, the First Alert PRO5 meets and exceeds all the relevant standards as set by the NFPA. Additionally, it is reasonably easy to use and easy to carry. It is also a rechargeable device, which means you will never have to buy another one again, even if you have used it to put out a fire. Backed by a dependable brand and excellent warranty, you really cannot go wrong with this extinguisher.