FE FE Extinguisher Components & Operation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of fire extinguisher uses a separate cartridge of CO2 or nitrogen to expel the agent?
- Stored-pressure type
- Pump-tank type
- Cartridge-operated type (Correct answer)
- Self-expelling type
Correct answer: Cartridge-operated type
Cartridge-operated extinguishers have a separate gas cartridge that is punctured upon operation to pressurize the agent in the main cylinder.
Question 2: What does the pressure gauge on a stored-pressure extinguisher measure?
- Weight of remaining agent
- Internal pressure of the combined agent and propellant gas (Correct answer)
- CO2 cartridge charge level
- Ambient temperature
Correct answer: Internal pressure of the combined agent and propellant gas
The pressure gauge measures the internal pressure of the stored-pressure extinguisher, indicating whether it is properly charged.
Question 3: The PASS acronym used to operate a fire extinguisher stands for:
- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (Correct answer)
- Point, Activate, Stand back, Spray
- Pull, Assess, Stand, Spray
- Press, Aim, Squeeze, Spread
Correct answer: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.
Question 4: Why should the nozzle of a CO2 extinguisher never be touched during or immediately after discharge?
- The nozzle becomes electrically charged
- The nozzle can reach extremely cold temperatures causing frostbite (Correct answer)
- CO2 residue is corrosive to skin
- The nozzle may detach if touched
Correct answer: The nozzle can reach extremely cold temperatures causing frostbite
CO2 expansion during discharge causes the horn and nozzle to drop to very low temperatures, posing a serious frostbite risk.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the O-ring or gasket in the valve assembly of a fire extinguisher?
- To indicate charge level
- To create an airtight seal preventing leakage of agent or propellant (Correct answer)
- To restrict discharge flow rate
- To hold the siphon tube in place
Correct answer: To create an airtight seal preventing leakage of agent or propellant
O-rings and gaskets create pressure-tight seals in the valve assembly to prevent agent or gas from leaking during storage.
Question 6: Which component allows a technician to determine if a water-based extinguisher has sufficient agent without discharging it?
- Pressure gauge only
- Weight measurement against the gross weight label (Correct answer)
- Sight glass
- Tamper indicator
Correct answer: Weight measurement against the gross weight label
Water-based extinguishers should be weighed and compared to the gross weight on the label to confirm adequate agent level.
FE FE Extinguisher Components & Operation 2
Which type of fire extinguisher uses a separate cartridge of CO2 or nitrogen to expel the agent?