OWNER ’ S SERVICE MANUAL

INSTALLATION, OPERATING & SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS

MANUAL PN 05607

FOAM EXTINGUISHERS

MODELS 250, 254

WARNING: DO NOT USE THESE EXTINGUISHERS ON FIRES INVOLVING ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL

EQUIPMENT (CLASS C HAZARDS), FLAMMABLE METALS (CLASS D HAZARDS) OR ANY FLAMMABLE

THAT WILL REACT WITH WATER. PROTECT FROM FREEZING!

All fire extinguishers shall be installed, inspected and maintained in accordance with the National Fire

Protection Association standard titled "Portable Fire Extinguishers", NFPA 10 or the National Fire Code of

Canada and the requirements of local authorities having jurisdiction.

When maintenance is indicated it shall be performed by trained persons having proper equipment. Fire extinguishers are pressure vessels and must be treated with respect and handled with care. They are mechanical devices and require periodic maintenance to be sure that they are ready to operate properly and safely. Amerex strongly recommends that the maintenance of portable fire extinguishers be done by a trained professional – your local authorized Amerex Distributor.

Amerex Corporation makes original factory parts available to insure proper maintenance – use of substitute parts releases Amerex of its warranty obligations. Amerex parts have machined surfaces and threads that are manufactured to exacting tolerances. o rings, hoses, nozzles, horns and all metal parts meet precise specifications and are subjected to multiple in house inspections and tests for acceptability. There are substitute parts available that are incorrectly labeled as UL component parts, some are advertised as Amerex type. None of these meet UL requirements and all of them void the Amerex extinguisher warranty and UL listing. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE.

RECHARGE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IMMEDIATELY AFTER ANY USE

REFERENCES IN THIS MAUNUAL:

NFPA 10 Portable Fire Extinguishers

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AVAILABLE FROM:

National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park,

CGA C 1 Methods for Pressure Testing Compressed Gas

Cylinders

Compressed Gas Association, 14501 George Carter Way,

Chantilly, VA 20151 2923

CGA C 6 Standard for Visual Inspection of Steel

Compressed Gas Cylinders.

National Fire Code of Canada

Compressed Gas Association, 14501 George Carter Way,

Chantilly, VA 20151 2923

National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road,

Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6 Canada

AMEREX CORPORATION DOES NOT SERVICE, MAINTAIN OR RECHARGE FIRE

EXTINGUISHERS. THE MAINTENANCE AND RECHARGE PORTION OF THIS MANUAL IS

PUBLISHED AS A GUIDE TO ASSIST SERVICE PERSONNEL IN THE INSPECTION,

MAINTENANCE AND RECHARGE OF AMEREX FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ONLY. NO

INSTRUCTION MANUAL CAN ANTICIPATE ALL POSSIBLE MALFUNCTIONS THAT MAY BE

ENCOUNTERED IN THE SERVICE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. AMEREX ASSUMES NO

LIABILITY FOR SERVICE, MAINTENANCE OR RECHARGE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS BY

PUBLISHING THIS MANUAL .

AMEREX CORPORATION – P.O. BOX 81 – TRUSSVILLE, ALABAMA 35173 0081

Phone: 205/655 3271 Fax: 800/654 5980 e mail: sales@amerex fire.com Web Page: http://www.amerex

fire.com

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INSPECTING THE EXTINGUISHER

This extinguisher must be inspected at regular intervals (monthly or more often if circumstances require) to insure that it is ready for use.

INSPECTION A “ quick check ” shall be made of the extinguisher for the following:

1.

Located in designated place.

2.

No obstructions to access or visibility.

3.

Operating instructions on nameplate (label) and facing outward.

4.

Tamper seal not broken or missing.

5.

Determine fullness by weighing or "hefting".

6.

Examine for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle.

7.

Pressure gauge reading in the operable area.

MAINTENANCE – SERVICE PROCEDURE

MAINTENANCE At least once a year (or more frequently if indicated by an inspection), maintenance shall be performed. Maintenance is a “ thorough check ” of the extinguisher. It is intended to give maximum assurance that an extinguisher will operate effectively and safely. It includes a thorough examination and any necessary repair or replacement. It will normally reveal the need for hydrostatic testing.

1.

Clean extinguisher to remove dirt, grease or foreign material. Check to make sure that the instruction nameplate is securely fastened and legible. Inspect the cylinder for corrosion, abrasion, dents or weld damage. If any of these conditions are found and you doubt the integrity of the cylinder, hydrostatically test, using the proof pressure method and a suitable cage, in accordance with CGA Pamphlet C 1 and

NFPA 10. NOTE: When cleaning avoid use of solvents around the pressure gauge. They could seriously damage the plastic gauge face.

2.

Inspect the extinguisher for damaged, missing or substitute parts. Only factory replacement parts are approved for use on Amerex fire extinguishers.

3.

Check the date when last recharged. The foam charge must be replaced every three years with the proper Amerex charge (Model 502/504 AR AFFF charge for models 250, 252 and 254). If the extinguisher is to be hydrostatically tested, do not reuse the charge even if within a three year cycle (the foaming action will make it almost impossible to get complete charge back into the extinguisher).

4.

Weigh extinguisher and compare with weight printed on the “ Weigh Block ” section of the nameplate

(label). Recharge extinguisher if weight is not within the indicated allowable tolerances.

5.

Check the date of manufacture on the extinguisher hanger loop or on the extinguisher nameplate.

Cylinder must be hydrostatically tested every 5 years to the test pressure indicated on the label.

6.

Visually inspect the pressure gauge: a.

If bent, damaged or improper gauge, depressurize and replace b.

If pressure is low, check for leaks c.

If over pressurized (overcharged), depressurize (discharge) and follow recharging instructions.

7.

Inspect the footstand (base). If cracked or broken replace with proper footstand.

8.

Inspect pull pin for freedom of movement by breaking the tamper seal and removing the pin. Replace the pull pin if bent or if removal is difficult.

9.

Inspect discharge lever for dirt or corrosion that might impair freedom of movement. Inspect carrying handle for proper installation. If lever, handle or rivets are damaged or distorted, replace with proper

Amerex part(s).

10.

Remove hose assembly, inspect hose assembly for damage, replace as necessary. Blow air through hose assembly to insure passage is clear of foreign material.

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11.

Inspect the valve assembly for corrosion or damage to hose thread connections. Replace valve assembly or component parts as necessary following the proper depressurization and recharge procedures.

12.

Install hose and nozzle assembly.

13.

Install new tamper seal and record service data on the extinguisher inspection tag.

14.

Rehang the extinguisher on the wall hanger bracket making sure that it fits the hanger bracket properly – replace the bracket if necessary.

RECHARGE

RECHARGING is the replacement of the extinguishing agent and includes the expellant for this type of extinguisher.

THE FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENT IN THIS EXTINGUISHER MUST BE COMPLETELY REPLACED

EVERY THREE YEARS . Use only the Amerex Model 502/504 AR AFFF charge to retain the UL approval and manufacturer ’ s warranty. Substitute charges could make the extinguisher less effective.

WARNING: a. Before attempting to recharge be sure this extinguisher is completely depressurized.

b.

Use a regulated nitrogen pressurizing source. Set the regulator no more than 25 psi (172 kPa) higher than the gauge operating pressure.

c.

Check and calibrate regulator gauge at frequent intervals. The regulator gauge shall be used to determine when the intended charging pressure has been reached. Do not use the extinguisher gauge for this purpose.

d.

Never leave an extinguisher connected to a regulator of a high pressure source for an extended period of time. A defective regulator could cause the cylinder to rupture due to excessive pressure.

RECHARGING PROCEDURE

1.

Complete the “ Maintenance Service Procedure ”, items 1 thru 11.

2.

Discharge all remaining pressure and foam solution.

3.

Remove the valve assembly and disassemble by removing downtube assembly, spring and valve stem from the valve assembly. Remove the collar o ring from the valve assembly. Remove collar o ring from the valve and plastic fill tube from the cylinder.

4.

Thoroughly rinse all parts with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Inspect the valve components and replace the collar o ring and valve stem with new components. Lubricate the collar o ring and small o ring on the valve stem with V 711 (do not lubricate the valve stem seal). Inspect the downtube. If it is cracked or deformed replace with proper downtube (see Parts List). Inspect downtube o ring, replace if necessary.

5.

Rinse the cylinder with clean, fresh water and inspect the interior following CGA Visual Inspection

Standard C 6.

6.

Firmly replace the plastic fill tube.

7.

Refill the extinguishers as follows: a.

Models 250 and 252 2 1/2 gal. AR AFFF Premix

1.

Fill a clean bucket with 2.33 gallons (8.82 liters) [19.34 lbs. (8.77kg)]of clean tap or distilled water.

Continue with steps b2 through b4.

b.

Model 254 6 Liter AR AFFF Premix

1.

Fill a clean bucket with 1.41 gallons. (5.34 liters) [11.70lbs. (5.31 kg)] of clean tap or distilled water.

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2.

Add an Amerex 502/504 AR AFFF charge to the water.

3.

Mix water and foam charge slowly and thoroughly in the bucket (paint stirrer and electric drill work well).

4.

Pour the well mixed foam charge into the cylinder using a long spout funnel, filling from the bottom of the cylinder to reduce foaming.

Alternatively, on an accurate scale : c.

Models 250 and 252 2 1/2 gal. AR AFFF Premix

1.

Fill cylinder with 2.33 gallons (8.82 liters) [19.34 lbs. (8.77kg)]of clean tap or distilled water.

Continue with steps d2 through d4.

d.

Model 254 6 Liter AR AFFF Premix

1.

Fill cylinder with 1.41 gallons (5.34 liters) [11.70lbs. (5.31 kg)] of clean tap or distilled water.

2.

Slowly add an Amerex 502/504 AR AFFF charge to the water. The liquid level shall now be close to the bottom of the fill tube.

3.

If necessary add water very slowly to bring the liquid to this level.

4.

Mix water and foam charge thoroughly in the cylinder (a “ mix stir ” wine degasser tool and electric drill work well).

8.

Install a “ Verification of Service ” collar around neck of cylinder. Install valve assembly to the cylinder and properly align. Shake the extinguisher to assure a thorough mix of the foam solution.

CAUTION :

TIGHTEN VALVE COLLAR NUT BY HAND ONLY. DO NOT USE WRENCH.

9.

Install a PN 02141 Fill (Pressurizing) Adapter on the valve outlet (where the hose assembly attaches) and pressurize with nitrogen to 100 psi (690 kPa). The pressure regulator shall be set to no more than 125 psi

(862 kPa). Remove Fill Adapter.

10.

Check the collar, gauge, cylinder welds and valve orifice for leaks using a leak detection fluid or a solution of soapy water. Remove leak detection fluid from the valve assembly by blowing out with air and wipe exterior of the extinguisher to dry.

11.

Install hose assembly into the operating valve hand tight. Install in hose clip.

12.

Install pull pin with ring facing front of the extinguisher. Install new tamper seal. Record recharge date and attach new recharge tag.

13.

Weigh assembled extinguisher and confirm that the total weight is within the allowable tolerances indicated in the Maintenance section on the extinguisher nameplate (label).

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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

WARNING

: Determine the source of a leak before the extinguisher is depressurized. THE EXTINGUISHER

MUST BE COMPLETELY DEPRESSURIZED BEFORE ANY ATTEMPT IS MADE TO

DEVALVE IT AND CORRECT ANY LEAKAGE PROBLEM. To depressurize – hold the extinguisher in an inverted position and slowly squeeze the discharge handle. Some liquid remaining in the downtube will be discharged so care shall be taken in the area used for depressurization. Thoroughly clean all valve parts after depressurization and valve removal.

PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION

1.

2.

Leak at collar o ring

Leak through valve

Remove valve assembly, clean collar (knurled) nut thoroughly and install new o ring. Lubricate the o ring with V 711 (PN 06247).

Install new valve stem assembly. Check valve seat for scratches or foreign matter.

3.

Leak around gauge threads

Remove gauge* and reinstall using Teflon tape on the gauge threads.

4.

5.

Defective gauge

Leak in the cylinder

Remove defective gauge* and install a new gauge using Teflon tape on the gauge threads.

Contact Amerex if under warranty, otherwise mark "Rejected" and return to owner.

6.

*

Broken footstand Install new footstand

Pressure gauge threads are coated with a special epoxy at the factory. For easy removal soak the valve assembly (minus the downtube assembly) in hot water (180°F/82°C) for two to four minutes.

Remove gauge with a 7/16” open end wrench.

FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS SEE THE AMEREX PORTABLE AND WHEELED

PARTS BOOK PN 27277 AVAILABLE AT http://www.amerex

-

fire.com UNDER

MANUALS OF THE RESOURCE SELECTION.

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