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Corrosive effect of abc fire extinguisher on aluminum




I had an accidental discharge of a ABC fire extinguisher inside my Custom Coach. It was pulled through all of the ac return air and supply ducts. It has been allowed to sit in humid Florida weather. The hinges on all of the doors are rusted. Can it be cleaned and if so with what method? Also it permeated throughout the fabric headliner and all the furniture, as well as the led electrical panel, and the other appliances. Please help me find the right data to show that the material cannot be cleaned and what the corrosion factor is on aluminum.

Roger A. Beale, Sr.
marine & casualty - Jacksonville, Florida
2007



The first step would be to get an MSDS from the manufacturer of the fire extinguisher. These dry chemical extinguishers (I assume that's what it is) appear to use similar but not exactly identical mixes of ammonium and phosphate compounds. A quick web search revealed at least some apocryphal accounts of mild corrosivity towards metals which might be borne out if time is spent on it. I didn't immediately see anything justifying your concern that fabrics and furniture become non cleanable though. Good luck with the resolution, but I would certainly hope that a discharge of a fire extinguisher doesn't render a motor home a total loss!

Ted Mooney, finishing.com
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007




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