Construction of the Firexo Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher may look simple from the outside, but each component plays an important role in ensuring reliable and controlled fire suppression. Firexo extinguishers are designed and manufactured in accordance with applicable European safety requirements, including the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU. The relevant products carry the CE marking with notified body number 0036, demonstrating conformity with the applicable requirements of European legislation.

This article explains the construction of a Firexo extinguisher, the function of its main components, and the basic principle behind its operation.

Key Components of a Firexo Extinguisher

The main components of a Firexo extinguisher are shown in the diagram below and include:

1. Handle and Valve Piston (1, 18)
The handle activates the valve mechanism. When operated, it allows the pressurised extinguishing agent to flow through the discharge system.

2. Security Tag and Safety Pin (2, 17)
The safety pin prevents accidental activation, while the security tag provides a visual indication that the extinguisher has not been operated.

3. Cylinder (21)
The cylinder contains the extinguishing agent and the pressurised nitrogen. Its internal corrosion-resistant lining (5) provides additional protection for the cylinder.

4. Firexo fx51 ALL FIRES Extinguishing Agent (12)
The cylinder is filled with Firexo fx51 ALL FIRES liquid, the extinguishing agent designed to suppress every class of fire.

5. Siphon Tube and Filter (6, 10)
The siphon tube carries the extinguishing agent from inside the cylinder to the valve. The filter helps prevent unwanted particles from entering the discharge system.

6. Discharge Hose and Nozzle (4, 8)
Once the valve is activated, the agent travels through the discharge hose and is released through the nozzle. Nozzle propellers (9) help control the discharge pattern.

7. Pressure Gauge (22)
The pressure gauge provides a visual indication of the pressure inside the extinguisher, allowing its condition to be checked during routine inspections. 

The indicator should remain within the green zone, which represents the normal operating pressure. If the indicator moves into the red zone, the extinguisher should be inspected and serviced as required.

8. Schrader Valve and Pressure Relief Valve (13, 15) 
The Schrader valve is used to control the flow of gas into and out of the sealed Extinguisher without discharging contents, while the pressure relief valve provides additional protection against excessive pressure.

How Does a Firexo Extinguisher Work?

The cylinder contains Firexo fx51 ALL FIRES extinguishing agent, with nitrogen acting as the propellant to provide the pressure required for discharge. When the safety pin is removed and the handle is operated, the valve opens. The nitrogen pressure forces the extinguishing agent through the siphon tube, into the discharge hose and out through the nozzle onto the fire.

This pressure-driven system allows the extinguisher to be operated in the same familiar way as conventional pressurised extinguishers.

How to service Firexo fire extinguishers?

Although Firexo uses a specialised extinguishing agent, the fire extinguishers are serviced and maintained using standard procedures applicable to traditional fire extinguishers. This makes inspection and maintenance straightforward and allows Firexo extinguishers to be easily integrated into existing fire safety systems.

To maintain the unit’s compliance and warranty, all servicing must exclusively use genuine replacement parts and liquid refills supplied by Firexo.