Aviation Fire Extinguishers: Alternatives to ABC Powder Extinguishers

Faulty wiring, a wayward spark, combustible oil rags—these are just a few of the potential fire starters around your aircraft. Aviation fires can ignite suddenly and grow unexpectedly, especially in the presence of Avgas, putting your safety and aircraft or hangar at risk of real damage.  

When it comes to fighting fires in or around your aircraft, not all fire extinguishers are created equal. For some extinguishers, the aftermath of their corrosive chemicals is worse than the damage caused by fire itself. 

The after-effects of ABC powder extinguishers

ABC extinguishers are versatile, and they’re widely used for combating fires both around the house and in settings like aircraft hangers, where different types of fires may occur. You may also have heard ABC powder extinguishers referred to as dry chemical extinguishers, because they use a dry powdery agent to effectively blanket the flames. 

The powder is composed primarily of monoammonium phosphate, which is effective against three classes of fires: Class A fires (ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and fabric), Class B fires (flammable liquids like gas, oil, and grease), and Class C fires (electrical). When the extinguisher is activated, the powder is spread like a cloud, settling over the flames and smothering out the oxygen by interrupting the chemical reaction that keeps the fire going. It also coats the fuel source, so the fire can’t reignite. 

While effective for general fire suppression, the corrosive residue left by ABC powder can wreak havoc on the critical components and electronics that keep your aircraft airborne. The powder, while smothering the hottest flames of the fire, has a way of penetrating into tight spaces and small openings, eating away at metal and any materials in its path. 

In the end, the costly clean-ups and potential long-term damage caused by ABC powder extinguishers may render your aircraft unfixable, even if the initial fire wasn’t serious. 

Alternatives to ABC powder extinguishers

Considering the corrosive potential of regular ABC powder extinguishers, it’s worth exploring a few alternatives that can minimize ‌collateral damage while still keeping you and your aircraft safe from fire. 

Here’s a rundown of a few options pilots and operators can choose instead:

Halon Fire Extinguishers

For in-aircraft use, Halon fire extinguishers have long been the standard. They’re highly effective and safe for use in tight spaces, where the gas settles along the ground, below breathing level. 

Like ABC powder, Halon extinguishers interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire, but without leaving residue behind. That makes them ideal for use in aircraft cabins and cockpits where sensitive avionics and critical equipment are present. Even in your aircraft hanger, where many pilots still use a traditional ABC extinguisher, Halon extinguishers are worth considering to avoid corrosive powder blowing across the hanger, damaging every flat surface in sight.  

Halotron Fire Extinguishers

Halon is an effective chemical compound, but it’s also extremely damaging to the ozone layer of the atmosphere. Production of Halon has been banned for a few decades, which makes it expensive and hard to come by, sold by just a few approved Halon recycling companies. 

With Halon becoming more difficult to find, Halotron extinguishers are quickly becoming a popular alternative. Like Halon, Halotron extinguishes fires by interrupting the chemical reactions that keep the fire fed, and it evaporates quickly without leaving a residue behind. 

Halotron is suitable for both in-cabin and hangar use, which makes it safer and more environmentally friendly than Halon, without the damage potential of ABC powder. 

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

CO2 extinguishers are another safe option for electrical fires, which are particularly common in hangar settings. CO2 extinguishers work by displacing oxygen around the fire, effectively smothering it without the use of damaging agents or residues. This makes them excellent for use on electrical panels and in settings where preventing collateral damage to equipment is a key priority. 

CO2 extinguishers offer targeted electrical fire protection with little to no damage to surrounding surfaces, but they’re toxic in small, poorly ventilated spaces, and they’re not effective at suppressing fires caused by flammable liquids. 

Whatever fire extinguisher you choose, stay safe and compliant 

The least effective fire extinguisher you can have is a broken, expired, or out-of-reach one. No matter what kind of fire suppression equipment you opt for, do your aircraft a favor and regularly inspect and maintain the unit to ensure it’s always ready when you need it. Keep it clearly marked, mind the expiration date, and make sure everyone on site knows exactly where it is and how to safely use it. 

Enjoy blue skies and smoother flights with Aircraft Accessories of Oklahoma

We offer a range of aircraft maintenance, bench testing, replacement, and inspection services to keep your aircraft in top condition, no matter what climate you fly in. Whether you’re looking for a bit of maintenance advice or ready to schedule your component repair, our friendly team is always a call or message away. 

Reach out at airacc1@airacc.com or call (800) 255-9924 for helpful service and reliable repairs.