Zaplinger extinguisher

A compact flame extinguisher weighing 600 grams that fits in one hand. Pull the safety ring, press the button, and you have twelve seconds.

Twelve seconds is the whole design

That number decides how you use this thing, so it is worth pausing on. Twelve seconds sounds short and is not: a small powder extinguisher runs eight to ten seconds and a CO2 unit eight to fifteen. For 600 grams the Zaplinger sits neatly among them.

It does mean you get one attempt and not a second. So aim at the base of the flame rather than at the flame itself, start close enough to actually reach it, and move steadily. Anyone who panics and empties the whole thing over the top of a small fire has, after twelve seconds, an empty canister and the same fire.

And most importantly: if it is not out after those twelve seconds, you are done. You go outside and call the emergency number. A flame extinguisher is for the first seconds of a small fire, not for one already running.

Where it wins

On size. It weighs 600 grams and fits in a hand, so you actually mount it where you need it rather than in a hallway cupboard. In a grow room, a workshop, a car, a boat or a caravan that is the difference between having it to hand and not.

What it leaves behind

Per the specification the discharge is non-toxic and not harmful to the environment, does not damage electronics or other belongings, and leaves no residue. That makes it usable in places where powder would be a second disaster.

Seven years, no maintenance

The container is not pressurised, because it is filled with a solid. That means no maintenance is needed and it stays at capacity for seven years. Do note the date: seven years is long enough to forget when you bought it.

What this is not

This is a flame extinguisher, not a certified fire extinguisher. Where regulations require a certified extinguishing device, this does not replace one. Treat it as something you have as well, not instead.

Technical Specifications:

• Type: flame extinguisher
• Weight: 600 grams
• Capacity: 12 seconds
• Operation: pull safety ring, press button
• Filling: solid, container not pressurised
• Maintenance: none
• Shelf life: 7 years at capacity
• Residue: none

Frequently asked questions

Is twelve seconds enough? For a small starting fire, yes, provided you aim at the base of the flame. If it is not out after that, get out and call the emergency number.

Where do I aim? At the base of the flame, not at the flames themselves. Move steadily rather than emptying it at once.

Does this replace my fire extinguisher? No. It is a flame extinguisher, not a certified device. Where regulations require an extinguisher, you still need one.

Does it need inspecting? No maintenance is required because the container is not pressurised. Do note the purchase date, given the seven years.