FIRST ALERT FE3A40GR Rechargeable Heavy Duty Plus Fire Extinguisher User Manual

USER’S MANUAL
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Fire Extinguisher Models FE4A60BC/FE3A40GR

Printed in Mexico
M08-0158-173091 M 08/20

TESTED TO ANSI/UL
711 AND ANSI/UL 299

Models
FE3A40GR/FE4A60BC

© 2020 BRK Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Distributed by BRK Brands,
Inc. BRK Brands, Inc. is a subsidiary of Newell Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:
NWL). 3901 Liberty Street, Aurora, IL 60504-8122.Customer Service
Team: 800-323-9005 . www.firstalert.com. www.brkelectronics.com
Thank you for choosing First Alert® for your fire extinguisher needs. You have purchased a high-quality fire extinguisher designed to protect you and your family in case of fire danger.

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE.
This user’s manual contains important information about your fire extinguisher’s operation. If you are installing this fire extinguisher for use by others, you must leave this manual— or a copy of it—with the end-user.

Read extinguisher label and the entire user’s manual carefully before installing or using the unit. Make sure everyone in your household is completely familiar with the operation of the extinguisher, and review the instructions regularly. In an emergency, you will not have time to read instructions.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

NOTE: Be sure the extinguisher is rated to fight the type of fire most likely to occur in the area you choose to install it. Since household fires commonly start in the kitchen, you should always install an extinguisher in the kitchen. For added security, you should also install additional extinguishers in utility areas, and other living areas in your household.

Fire extinguishers are classified by fire type. The A, B, and C rating system defines the kinds of burning materials each fire extinguisher is designed to fight. The numbers in front of the A, B, or C indicate the rating for size of the fire the unit can extinguish. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can do more harm than good. Make sure you understand which fire extinguisher to use on each class of fire!

| Class A rating: The agent/powder is suitable for fighting small fires involving wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and some plastics.
---|---
| Class B rating: The agent/powder is suitable for fighting small fires involving grease, oil, gasoline, kerosene, and other flammable liquids.
| Class C rating: The agent/powder is suitable for fighting small fires in “live” electrical equipment.

FE3A40GR is rated Class 3-A:40-B: C.
FE4A60BC is rated Class 4-A:60-B: C.

READ BEFORE INSTALLING OR USING THIS FIRE EXTINGUISHER!

DANGER!

• This extinguisher is designed for use against small fires that have just started and are small enough to fight safely. It is not designed to fight large fires that are burning out of control. If the fire is too hot or smoky for you to get within 10 feet (3 meters) of it, do not try to fight it yourself. Warn everyone, evacuate the premises, and have someone call the Fire Department from outside the building. Trying to fight a large fire yourself can result in injury or death.

CAUTION!

• Do not puncture or burn any fire extinguisher. The contents are under pressure, and the extinguisher could explode.
• Never locate this extinguisher close to an engine, stove, or another source of heat. It is pressurized and could rupture or explode if exposed to temperatures over 150° F (66° C).
• This extinguisher contains a dry powder extinguishing agent. The agent/powder is nontoxic but can irritate the skin. When using this unit avoid breathing the powder. Always ventilate the area after use.

WHERE TO INSTALL THIS EXTINGUISHER A FIRE EXTINGUISHER SHOULD BE MOUNTED:

• In the vicinity of (but not on or in) a potential source of heat and/or fire, like an oven or stove.
• Where it is easy to reach, near an exit, or an escape route from the room.
• In a location that is convenient, in plain sight, and 3-1/2 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) above the floor.
• Store the extinguisher high enough to keep it out of the reach of small children.
• On a clean, dry surface where the temperature does not go above 120° F (49° C) or below –40° F (–40° C).

HOW TO INSTALL THIS EXTINGUISHER

CAUTION!

• Do not mount the extinguisher on drywall or plaster without adequate support. Use strong screws or bolts to mount the bracket securely into solid wood or metal that can support it, like a wooden partition stud. Secure mounting is needed so you can remove the extinguisher quickly and easily in an emergency.
  Also, if the extinguisher is not held securely, it could drop to the floor and injure people or damage the extinguisher.

• Do not break the plastic loop holding the safety pin in place! This loop prevents accidental discharge of the fire extinguisher. Break the loop only in an emergency before using the fire extinguisher.

MOUNTING YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER

If your First Alert® fire extinguisher came with a wall hook:

1. Install the wall hook on a wooden stud or another solid surface that will support the weight of the extinguisher using the screws or bolts purchased. Since wall surface types vary, mounting screws are not included. Purchase screws or bolts specifically designed for the surface on which you will mount the fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher label lists its maximum weight.
2. After installing the wall hook, place the extinguisher on the hook with the label facing outward, so the label can easily be read.

If your First Alert® fire extinguisher came with a metal bracket:

1. Install the metal bracket on a wooden stud or another solid surface that will support the weight of the extinguisher using the screws or bolts purchased. Since wall surface types vary, mounting screws are not included. Purchase screws or bolts specifically designed for the surface on which you will mount the fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher label lists its maximum weight.
2. After installing the metal bracket, place the extinguisher on the bracket with the label facing outward, so the label can easily be read. Raise and wrap the bracket straps around the cylinder and snap the buckle closed.

INSTALLING THE MOUNTING BRACKET IN A MARINE CRAFT (USING METAL BRACKET

ONLY)

According to the NFPA Standard 302 (Fire protection The standard for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft):

• On marine craft, portable fire extinguishers shall be located to be readily accessible. Extinguishers shall be secured with a marine bracket to permit immediate release.
• On marine craft, extinguisher agent cylinders shall be mounted a minimum of 2 inches (5 cm) above moist or wet surfaces to reduce the danger of corrosion.

CHECKING AND INSPECTING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

DANGER!

• DO NOT CHECK THE PRESSURE OR TEST THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER BY SQUEEZING THE LEVER, EVEN BRIEFLY. ONCE USED, IT WILL GRADUALLY LOSE PRESSURE AND WILL NOT BE FULLY CHARGED FOR USE IN AN EMERGENCY.
• Only an authorized fire equipment dealer must refill this extinguisher. The extinguisher must be refilled with the same chemical that it contained when it was first purchased. Improper filling can result in non-working or dangerous units.

1. Inspect the extinguisher once a week. Remove the extinguisher from the mounting device and inspect the gauge. If the gauge pointer is anywhere in the green band, the extinguisher is properly charged and ready to use. If the gauge reads “RECHARGE,” the extinguisher has lost pressure and must be refilled.
2. Check for signs of damage or misuse. Make sure you can still read all the text on the label. Carefully examine the surface of the extinguisher for corrosion. You can help prevent corrosion by cleaning the extinguisher if it gets wet or dirty. If you notice corrosion during the warranty period, return the unit to First Alert® (see “Limited Warranty” at the end of this manual).
3. Make sure the tamper indicator (“safety seal”) is still intact and the nozzle is clean and unobstructed. CHECKING AND INSPECTING THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER (CONTINUED) …
4. Record all inspection and maintenance dates on the tag included with the fire extinguisher.
5. When you finish inspecting the fire extinguisher, always put it back onto the mounting device. Make sure the safety seal is intact.

IMPORTANT!

For more information about fire extinguishers, consult the NFPA Standard #10, “Portable Fire Extinguishers,” available from the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169, USA

HOW TO OPERATE YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER IN A FIRE EMERGENCY

DANGER!

• Make sure your extinguisher may be safely and effectively useon the small fire you want to fight. Always use extreme caution when fighting any fire. Fight a fire only where there is a clear escape path to allow you to get out safely if the fire gets worse

WARNING

• Avoid breathing smoke and heated fumes; stay low if necessary. Burning materials will release toxic fumes. Inhaling these fumes may cause injury or death.

CAUTION!

• Always stand back far enough away from the fire—near an expand make sure nothing is between you and your escape route you get too close to a fire, you risk getting burned or hit by splattering material like grease. If the fire is too hot or smoky for you to get within 10 feet (3 meters), DO NOT try to fight yourself. Evacuate immediately and call the Fire DepartmentStand back no less than 10 feet (3 meters) from the fire.
• For fires on a kitchen stove, turn oven or burners off immediately if possible. If you can’t reach the oven or burner controls safely, extinguish the fire first, then turn them off.
• Fight the fire from an upwind direction with your back to any strong air current. Trying to fight fire with currents blowing towards you can result in serious injury.

TO FIGHT THE FIRE

WARNING

• This unit will not operate when it is on the mounting device. The extinguisher must be removed from the mounting device or it cannot discharge its contents to fight a fire.

1. Lift the extinguisher off the mounting device and remove nozzle from the holding strap. If your fire extinguisher came with a metal bracket, unbuckle the metal strap to remove the extinguisher from the mounting device.
2. Hold the unit firmly in an upright position. Pull out the safety pin to break the safety seal or tamper indicator. Make sure the extinguisher nozzle faces away from you.
3. Stand back from the fire at least 10 feet (3 meters), and make sure the fire is not between you and your exit.
4. Hold the extinguisher upright and aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
5. Press the lever to discharge the powder.
6. Sweep the spray at the base of the burning material, using quick side-to-side motions. (If the spray scatters the fire, move back.)
7. Move slowly towards the fire as the extinguisher spray pushes the fire back. Maintain a 10-foot (3 meters) distance between you and the front of the fire at all times.
8. Completely discharge the contents of the extinguisher and make sure the fire is completely out. Flashbacks are common with fires.
9. For kitchen fires on a kitchen stove, turn off the stove immediately if possible, otherwise as soon as it is safe.
10. If you suspect a fire had an electrical origin, shut off the electrical power, if possible, without eliminating your escape route. Do not touch electrical wires or appliances.
11. After you have completely discharged your extinguisher, leave the building and close all the doors behind you.

AFTER THE FIRE IS EXTINGUISHED

DANGER!

Do not turn the electrical power back on or plugin any appliances until the area has been cleaned up completely. It is very important to remove the powder from electrical equipment after a fire. If the powder gets wet, it can conduct electricity. (Using a dry chemical extinguisher on wet electrical equipment may be hazardous for this reason.) This may worsen an electrical leakage problem, impair the equipment’s insulation, or create an electrical shock hazard.
If the fire was on a kitchen stove:

• Make sure the oven and all burners are turned off.
• Clean up the powder completely before using the stove or oven. See “How to Clean After Using a Fire Extinguisher”. Ventilate the area thoroughly.

AFTER THE FIRE IS EXTINGUISHED (CONTINUED)…
If you think the fire had an electrical origin:

• Shut off the electrical power, if possible–do not touch any electrical wires or appliances.
• Leave the building and close all doors behind you. Call the Fire Department and have them inspect the entire house. As soon as they say it’s safe to return, ventilate the area thoroughly.
• Have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system. Do not turn the power back on or plug in any electrical equipment until the inspection has been completed.

HOW TO CLEAN AFTER USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

NOTE: The powder spray from the extinguisher may spread over a wide area, and may soil upholstery, carpets, and walls.

• Sweep/vacuum up as much of the powder as possible. Then use a damp cloth to wipe off the remaining agent.
• If you have any questions about cleaning appliances that the agent has come into contact with, please contact the appliance manufacturer.

IF YOUR EXTINGUISHER NEEDS SERVICE

This fire extinguisher is rechargeable by a certified fire equipment dealer, regardless of how much of the content was used. Once a year, a certified fire equipment dealer, in accordance with the service manual identified on the fire extinguisher label, should service the fire extinguisher. Please refer to your local telephone directory for a certified dealer.

CAUTION!

Do not try to service or repair this fire extinguisher under any circumstances. Do not try to remove the hose, nozzle, or valve assembly. This is a pressurized device that can cause serious injury if tampered with.
If there is a problem and it is still under warranty, please see “How to Obtain Warranty Service” in the Limited Warranty.

DISPOSING OF A USED EXTINGUISHER

If you choose not to have a used extinguisher refilled or a non-working unit repaired, take it outdoors, turn it upside down, and discharge it completely. Dispose of the empty unit properly, and replace it with a new fire extinguisher.

DANGER!

Never puncture, burn or expose this fire extinguisher to temperatures over 150° F (66° C) even if it is fully discharged. The contents are under pressure and it could explode.

LIMITED WARRANTY

BRK Brands, Inc. (“BRK”) the maker of First Alert® brand products, warrants that for a period of twelve years from the date of purchase, this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship. BRK, at its option, will repair or replace this product or any component of the product found to be defective during the warranty period. Replacement will be made with a new or remanufactured product or component. If the product is no longer available, replacement may be made with a similar product of equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty.

This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of initial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt. Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance. BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do not have the right to alter,
modify or any way change the terms and conditions of this warranty.

This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting from any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product, use on improper voltage or current, use contrary to the operating instructions, disassembly, repair, or alteration by anyone other than BRK or an authorized service center. Further, the warranty does not cover acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration to the duration of the above warranty. Some states, provinces, or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state, or province to province.

How to Obtain Warranty Service
Service: If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer. In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Customer Service Team at 1-800-323-9005. To assist us in serving you, please have the model number and date of purchase available when calling.
Address: BRK Brands, Inc., 1301 Joe Battle, El Paso, TX 79936

Visit www.firstalert.com or www.brkelectronics.com for more information.

The product you purchase may differ slightly from the one shown
on this manual due to continuing product development.
Printed in Mexico M08-0158-173091 M 08/20

References

• BRK | Home
• Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety Products | Fire Safety Education | The Most Trusted Brand in Fire Safety

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