Tips for buying a vintage fire extinguisher

Before being used for its main function, a fire extinguisher hangs somewhere in your house or in a corner of your car. It is then preferable to make it a decorative element to attract attention. With this in mind, it becomes a designer fire extinguisher. Among the many models on sale, some come with a retro look to give a touch of originality to your home or vehicle. In addition, different criteria are to be taken into account to better choose a vintage extinguisher on the market. Here are a few tips on this subject.

Assessing the focus of creativity

The basis of any decoration is to be out of the ordinary. In this sense, the selection of vintage fire extinguishers must take into account the uniqueness of the product in terms of style. Standard models, which are sold in multiples, are no longer considered as decorative elements. In order to perfect one's choice, it is necessary to find those that are offered with a special configuration. Artistic taste plays a very important role at the time of purchase.

Distinguishing the pattern

To get a better grasp of the subject of creativity, two elements must be considered: colour and print. The flashy colors rather belong to the modern category. While for vintage fire extinguishers, they show an old-fashioned appearance, like worn or rusty metal. As far as the print is concerned, the images or expressions on the tool should reflect an older and inimitable style.

Estimate the possible class of fire to be extinguished

Nevertheless, safety parameters must be considered even if the vintage fire extinguisher is mainly a decorative design. There are five main classes of fire for each piece of equipment depending on the origin and condition of the fire.

• Class A: for solid fires (wood, plastic, paper, etc.),
• Class B: for fires involving liquids (oil, petroleum, fuels, alcohols, etc.),
• Class C: for gas fires (methane, butane, propane, ethanol, etc.),
• Class D: for metal fires (sodium, aluminium, alloys, etc.),
• Class F: for auxiliary cooking lights (fats),

Check the type of fire extinguisher

The components of the fire extinguisher depend on the fire hazard by which there are four types of extinguishers :

• The powder extinguisher (powder A, B, C),
• Water extinguisher (water spray or water with additive),
• The foam extinguisher,
• The carbon dioxide fire extinguisher

Consider its location

To make your choice easier when buying a vintage fire extinguisher, think about where it will be located in your home. In this case, you have to take into account the painting of the wall on which it is going to be hung and the patterns that may accompany it. The colour of its interior must be more discreet to highlight the colour of the extinguisher. It is preferable to use a light-dark contrast.

Request an additional accessory

Like all design extinguishers, a vintage model must always be accompanied by an accessory to facilitate their installation and use. This one must have a special pedestal that allows it to be better fixed to any wall. The latter must also allow better accessibility to its user so that it can be quickly and easily grasped. There are many more accessory possibilities that can be offered.