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We are talking about getting fire extinguishers for the various areas of our house. One place where it seems a fire extinguisher would be a good idea is the garage. I also plan on adding a shed to the property this summer, and I would like to put a fire extinguisher in there as well.

However, our garage is uninsulated, and it is not uncommon for the winter temperature to go below 0F. So, I am concerned how the cold will affect the extinguisher.

Will regular exposure to cold damage the unit? (e.g. My lawn mower catches on fire during the summer, will the extinguisher still work properly?)

Will it still be able to put out a garage fire effectively during freezing temps, or will the fire suppressant be frozen solid?

myron-semack
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3 Answers3

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Anecdotal I guess, but I've had a fire extinguisher out in my barn for years now and it's never been a problem. Being in Michigan, it regularly gets below 0F. Granted, I've never actually tried to use it, but I think the freezing point of the chemicals in there is way below zero.

ETA:

Looking at this page it seems like the operating temp of a typical ABC extinguisher is going to be -65F to 120F.

Eric Petroelje
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I just bought a fire extinguisher and had the same question which is how I found this website. I just looked at the label on the fire extinguisher and it says " do not store at high temperatures above 120 F or at extremely cold temperatures below -40 F"

The one I bought is a kidde, model FA110

Gjd
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Keep in mind that garage fires tend toward burning liquids (gasoline, paint, etc.) and electrical equipment (vehicle wiring, shop tools, air compressors, etc.). These are class B and C fires, so you want a fire extinguisher that is higher rated for those fire classes.

Max Bucks
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