Fire extinguishers in the train room?

[KRM]

I was just discussing with my wife last night’s smoke up of my RW transformer and what could have happened but did not. We decided that there is a need to have a fire extinguisher attached to the table or at least in the room. It could have got bad.      How many of you have extinguishers by your layout?

TKS,
Kev.

 

 

[Anonymous]

Kev,

           I don't have one by the layout, but I should get one.  All the ingredients for a fire are present around a layout, so it would be a good idea to have an extinguisher nearby where it can be reached quickly if needed.  I really never gave it much thought before.

[tomikawaTT]

As a former Air Force disaster control type, I'm very sensitive to the potential hazards inherent in flammable vapors, electricals and working with hot tools.  I have two dry chemical extinguishers, one adjacent to the main control panel and one at the layout electrical master switch, a long arm's reach from the entrance door.  In addition I mounted a smoke detector in the middle of the ceiling (where the garage door opener isn't - I use that outlet for layout electricals.)

So far the smoke alarm has worked once, when my ancient Weller soldering gun smoked (stuck trigger switch.)  I haven't used the extinguishers, but I do have them checked regularly.  The local fire hall (professional, not volunteer) is about a hundred meters up the road from my subdivision, but I doubt that my layout would be improved by experiencing The Great Deluge.

Chuck

[dougdagrump]

They are a definte plus. We used to have the dry chemical at the clubs layout but they make a real mess when used, don't ask how we found out. After that experience we changed to the halon type but I don't believe you can get them any longer, discontinued by the feds I think.

[Kooljock1]

Right by the door!  Never had to use it though!

 

Jon 

[krapug1]

 

Yes, I keep one in the train room, and check it to make sure it is fully charged.

I had a smoke unit (of all things) catch fire once, since then I keep an extinguisher.

 

Ken

 

[sir james I]

Yep, got one in there, and a smoke alarm.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Kooljock1

Right by the door!  Never had to use it though!

 

Jon 

DITTO

[TRAINCAT]

I keep one about 3 feet from the transformers. Make sure you get one rated for electrical fires.

Roger

[anjdevil2]

I would recommend a good A-B-C Rated extinguisher.  Usually code will tell you to keep it by the exit door so that there its there so you can escape the room.  Obviously a main shut off switch to kill the power is a good idea.

Being a volunteer for 37 years, I have a little insight to stuff like this.....

Nice to see you KoolJock!

[lionelnut]

If you saw how I did my wiring ( wire gauge what is that, aren’t all wires about the same, I just need the right length right) before I found this web site you probably would not have let me plug anything in until I called the fire company, waited till they got here, waited till they had the hoses hooked up and then and only then plug in the trains and let them run.  I have fixed that now even have the 1 button kill switch but know a fire extinguisher would be a good tool to have.  Thanks again for all your help. 

[Gray Cat]

tomikawaTT

  In addition I mounted a smoke detector in the middle of the ceiling (where the garage door opener isn't - I use that outlet for layout electricals.)

So far the smoke alarm has worked once, when my ancient Weller soldering gun smoked (stuck trigger switch.)

Chuck

Fire extinguishers are a great idea around anything electrical and as flammable as most scenery is.. but a smoke detector would be a no-no with all my AF Steamers chugging away..