User s Manual FOR Fireball SA Extinguisher Ball An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure Fireball South Africa Fire Extinguisher Ball 1 P a g e
Index 1. Introduction 2. Fast facts 3. Fireball fires 4. How to install your Fireball 5. Test record 6. Summary 7. Frequently asked questions 8. Closing comments 1. Introduction Discover the Fireball extinguisher a great option to complement existing firefighting products. Get peace of mind that is simple in design, and the size of a small ball. One simple solution can keep you safe. When it comes to fire safety, most of us think prevention which is great. But what plans do you have in place when a spark does take flight? Dial the fire brigade? Yes, you should but what do you do while you wait? Watch it all go up in flames? Maybe you have an extinguisher nearby but a lot can go wrong while you are trying to pull the release. If you are serious about not being caught off guard, especially when you are not around... Fireball it! 2 P a g e
The following scenarios come to mind: You re driving with your kids in the car. Suddenly, a goat is in the middle of the road. It is hot, and the roadside grass is long if something goes wrong, there is a real possibility that your vehicle will burn out. Not explosive Hollywood-style, we know. But there is a lot of highly flammable material in your car Fireball it! Your long overdue camping holiday is coming up. Lazy days, and fiery nights. It hits while you re packing a crate gas firelighters canvas cloth You re dealing with a serious risk. Fireball it! What started as a hobby soon became a habit. Your garage is full of power tools, iron rods, and wood. Your wife keeps reminding you to take care. Sparks, wood, oil, and electricity spells nothing good, she says Fireball it! (not your wife ) Farming has become a real risk. Dry grass and warm machines should not be threats you need to avoid. You may have enough time to escape, but the financial loss will surely put you a few steps back Fireball that! The Fire Extinguisher Ball is a simple, yet lifesaving and cost-effective device that selfactivates on contact with open flames. 2. Fast facts for indoor use only Fireball uses a non-lethal burst mechanism to put out any type of small fire (A, B and C). The bursting effect cannot harm you or animals, or damage property. It is completely safe. No part of the device is heavy, or strong enough to cause damage on impact. Fireball consists of a lightweight casing made of frangible material, with a protective exterior sheathing. The ball weighs only 1,3 kg. The Fireball is filled with dry chemical powder called mono-ammonium phosphate a non-conductive material that will not damage electrical equipment. A pyrotechnic 3 P a g e
mechanism in the middle of the ball is activated by fuse wires extending from inside to the outside of the ball. The Fireball will self-activate (it will burst) within 3 to 7 seconds after it comes into direct contact with open flames above 65 ºC (not heat it must be an open flame). Upon activation, the Fireball will emit a loud bang of between 119 and 127 db, it removes or limits the fire s oxygen supply and scatters a dry chemical powder (mono-ammonium phosphate) in a 360º radius that will effectively extinguish the fire. The bang also acts as a fire alarm, indicating that an open flame reached dangerous heights. The Fireball needs no maintenance, refilling, servicing, or pressure testing. It has a lifespan of 5 years if you have not used it in 5 years, it needs replacing. You can roll or throw the Fireball into the fire, or mount it above a hazard (i.e. fireplace, stove, etc.) The Fireball is easy and safe to use, since you do not need to get near the flames ideal for the elderly or children to use. The Fireball is the perfect secondary fire-safety device in vehicles, workshops, offices, houses, and factories. It acts as an automatic fire guard when you are not in the vicinity. 3. Fireball fires for indoor use only The Fire Extinguishing Ball will extinguish the following fires Class A fires Fires involving carbonaceous solids such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and plastic Class B fires Fire involving flammable and combustible liquids Class C fires Fire involving electricity You can do the following to extinguish these fires: 4 P a g e
OPTION 1: Class A and C fires only. Roll the Fireball into the fire; it will self-activate in 3 to 7 seconds. DO NOT leave the site. Make sure that the fire is out, or call for help if it is larger than the Fireball can effectively deal with. OPTION 2: Class A and C fires only. Throw the Fireball into the fire; it will self-activate in 3 to 7 seconds. DO NOT leave the site. Make sure that the fire is out, or call for help if it is larger than the Fireball can effectively deal with. OPTION 3: Class A, B and C. Install the Fireball in a wall-mounted bracket near hazards for self-activation, even when you are not around. This is the ONLY option for class B fires. IMPORTANT - Do not get close to the fire. - Keep the Fireball within easy reach, for example in a wall-mounted bracket you don t want to search for it in time of need. enjoy 24-hour peace of mind with your Fireball fire-guard! 4. How to install your Fireball IMPORTANT The fire-extinguishing ball is not a primary device, and is sold and marketed as a secondary device only. Before you install your Fireball, you must do a fire-safety assessment to determine the risk, and how effective the Fireball will be. Fire hazards in your home, vehicle, or work environment must be: - Identified - Evaluated - Eliminated - Controlled 5 P a g e
Answer the following fire-risk questions: a) Where will a fire most likely start? For example, electrical points, geysers, heaters, stove tops, fireplaces, kitchens, garages, workshops, near flammable liquids, ceilings, down-light points, etc. b) Will the fire spread fast, and in which direction? Consider drafts and combustible fuels. c) Will the Fireballs installed at the identified hazardous areas, be enough to effectively extinguish the fire when it starts? d) What is the floor area or volume you are trying to protect? e) What is the risk you are trying to protect, and can the Fireball achieve this according to manufacturer s specifications? f) Is there pressure ventilation in this area? g) Does the electrical trip switch work? Will it cut the electricity supply in the event of a fire? h) Is the housekeeping in order? i) Where are the escape routes in the event of a fire? j) Where is the best place for a Fireball extinguisher? Consider places to install Fireball extinguishers: Kitchens: Bedrooms: Above gas and electrical stove tops (80cm above fire hazard surface) Above chip fryers or heating device (80cm above fire hazard surface) Above loaded electrical products or power points Near electrical distribution boxes In cupboards/storerooms containing flammable liquids At open indoor cooking areas such as indoor braais, grillers Next to bed for easy use Above power points for heating devices 6 P a g e
Living areas: Garage area: Above fireplaces In computer rooms, alarm centre In ceilings, to stop fire jumping rooms via the roof access (avoid cross drafts or ventilation) Next to geysers Next to down-lights Above loaded lighting fixtures and connections Next to front and back doors for easy access In passages close to all rooms Near safe where you store valuables In middle of room, if the premise is unattended for long Above any flammable liquids (fuel, paints, cleaning liquids, etc.) Check volumes of liquids to be protected Above vehicles Above loaded power points Other areas: Installation process for indoor use only In pool or borehole pump houses In generator rooms In wine cellars In braai areas (above wood stocks), smoking areas In vehicle in case of accidental engine fire Above gas-bottle storage area In storerooms AND ALL ATTICS Above garbage areas if enclosed by at least 3 walls and ceiling 1. The Fireball self-activates when it comes in contact with an open flame, and the aim is to put the fire out before it gets too big. Place the Fireball to limit pre-burn times. 2. Class A: 10-80 cm above hazard for maximum effectiveness. 3. Class C fire (electrical distribution point): 10 cm above the point. 4. Class B fire: Wall-mount the Fireball 0,8 to 1 m above the flammable liquid not lower. For stove-top installation, measure the installation height from the top of the pots on the stove, and NOT from the stove surface. 5. Class B fires: NEVER throw the ball into the fire/flammable liquid. 7 P a g e
6. Make sure the WHITE arrow on the Fireball points upwards when placed in wallmounted brackets. 7. Clean the ball every 6 months with a damp cloth, and check that ball is correctly placed in bracket (white arrow up). 8. On activation, a Fireball can cover 1,3 m 3 an area of 4 to 6 m 2. 9. If the fire is bigger than 2,6 m 3, or has been burning for more than 6 minutes, use two Fireballs for best results. 10. IMPORTANT: The Fireball is a secondary back-up device and does not replace conventional extinguishers in commercial applications. Get a free risk-assessment service for the fire-extinguishing ball. Contact our risk assessment manager for suitable installation advice for your specific requirements. 5. Test record The Fireball SA Fire Extinguisher ball had a good day on the SABS testing grounds! It passed the following tests with flying colours: 1. The Fireball fully extinguished the following fires Fire extinguishment class A fires Passed Fire extinguishment class B fires Fire extinguishment class C fires Passed Passed 2. Thermal resistance test The Fireball was placed in an oven with air-circulation capability, at 85 ºC for 24 h and 15 min. The ball did not activate, proving that the ball does not react to heat. The ball had no cracks, tears, or leakage on removal. Passed 3. Burst effect test 8 P a g e
The Fireball was activated in a 56 x 56 x 56 cm container made from a strong frame and 5 mm thick normal glass on five sides, with an open top. After activation, no cracks or shattering were visible on the glass panels. Passed 4. Sound level tested: 127 db. Passed 5. Compression resistance test A compression load with a speed of 5 mm/min was applied to the ball until it reached a load of 150 kg, applied for 10 min. The ball had no cracks, tears, or leakage on removal. Passed 6. Drop test The Fireball was dropped onto a cement floor from a height of 2,5 m. The ball had no cracks, tears, or leakage on removal. Passed 6. Summary Passed The Fireball is a ball-shaped fire extinguisher. Simply throw/roll the ball into an openflame fire it self-activates within 3 to 7 seconds to effectively disperse fireextinguishing chemicals in a 360º radius over a 4-6 m 2 area. If a fire ignites in an unattended area, the loud bang from the self-activating Fireball burst will alert people nearby. 9 P a g e
for indoor use only 7. Frequently asked Questions Q: Is the burst effect of the Fireball dangerous? A: NO, the ball is harmless to people, animals, and property. The shell of the Fireball is made from expanded foam (polyethylene), and the dispersing powder is non-toxic monoammonium phosphate. Q: Where can I refill the Fireball after 5 years? A: Fireball is not refillable; it has a lifespan of 5 years maintenance free. You must replace it after 5 years, or after it was used. Q: Where do I get a replacement? A: The Fireball is available from dealerships and agents throughout South Africa who will help you with the replacement procedure, assessments, and installation questions. 10 P a g e
Q: Will the Fireball activate if in contact with heat? A: NO, the Fireball can withstand heat of up to 200 ºC. The Fireball only self-activates when it comes into contact with an open flame. Q: Where can I install the Fireball? A: Fireball South Africa dealers and agents will help you with evaluation and installation. Q: What type of fires can Fireball extinguish? Class A fires: Fires involving wood, paper, and plastics Class B fires: Fires involving flammable liquids Class C fires: Fires involving electrical equipment The Fireball can also be rolled or thrown into a fire; the ball will burst within 3 to 7 seconds after coming in contact with open flames, and extinguish the fire. Q: Can the ball be installed on the outside of the building? A: NO, it is for indoor use only. Q: Can I throw the Fireball into a drum of flammable liquid? A: NO, do not throw the ball into flammable liquid, as spillage will spread the fire. Only use in wall-mounted bracket, installed above the liquid. Q: What size fire does the Fireball extinguish? A: Fireball can extinguish Class 3A, Class 21B and Class C fires. Q: Does Fireball stop or prevent fires? A: Fireballs are designed to extinguish a fire as it starts, and stop it from spreading (preburn) or becoming bigger. When installed correctly, it will stop or slow down the development of a fire. Q: If the Fireball falls and gets damaged, will it still activate? A: The Fireball passed the drop test. Please inspect the ball for damage or powder leakages immediately after a fall. In the unlikely event of damage or powder spillage, you must replace the Fireball to ensure effectiveness. If outer covering is damaged, ripped, or removed replace the Fireball immediately. 11 P a g e
The Fireball South Africa team will gladly assist you with any further information to protect your property against fires. Fireball an effective device in your fire-prevention programme. 8. Closing Comment The Fireball South Africa team will gladly help with more information, installation, and general support. Keep in mind that all systems and devices have limitations. The Fireball is not the solution to all fire problems, and must be used in conjunction with all other devices as a secondary device to your primary regulated systems. The Fireball has CE certification and is made under patent in an ISO-accredited facility. Let us fight fires together. 12 P a g e