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Frequently Asked Questions


Know you need fire equipment but have questions:  you're not alone.  We have the answers to the most frequently asked questions about fire-equipment.  We will look into and verify your local requirements with the governmental authority having jurisdiction.  We can address the following types of questions . . .

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

kitchen

kitchen hood system

garage

automotive paint booth
basement gas station
automobile vehicle
boat computer room
camper hazardous storage
bedroom construction
smoke detector management
carbon monoxide detector manufacturing
ladders distribution
fire blanket special hazards

Table of Contents

  1. How do I know what kind of fire extinguisher my business needs?
  2. Is there a difference between fire extinguishers?
  3. What does UL mean in relation to fire extinguishers ?
  4. Is there someone at Gallagher Fire who can help me if I still have questions?
  5. How is my merchandise shipped?
  6. How can I arrange for service of my equipment?
  7. What types of training are available through Gallagher Fire?

How do I know what kind of fire extinguisher my business needs?

The fire extinguisher that your business or corporation requires is determined by the standards outlined in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Bulletin 10.  The bulletin is quite complicated and often difficult to truly understand.  When dealing in compliance-code issues such as this it always best that a representative of your business contact an expert in the area of code compliance.  At Gallagher Fire we are prepared to assist you in this regard.  We offer our clients and visitors 24 hour, 7 day a week, 365 days a year toll free telephone support to assist you in determining the requirements in your local jurisdiction.  We call this service, FireInspector-Code Assist.   Contact us at (800) 452-1540 and speak to a qualified, seasoned expert in code complianceWhen calling tell our representative that you're requesting our FireInspector-Code Assist service and you'll be helped immediately.  Or send us an e-mail at info@fire-equipment.com.

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Is there a difference between fire extinguishers?

There is a tremendous and critical difference between fire extinguishers.  More importantly, one must be aware of these differences before attempting to extinguish a fire.  Unfortunately, in moments such as those, it is natural for a person to use the extinguisher nearest to a fire, making it essential that the correct type and size be placed in close proximity to a potential hazard.  

All fire extinguisher nameplates have either the letter of picture symbols below.  Anyone who might be expect to use a fire extinguisher should be familiar with the letter of picture symbols identifying the type/s of fire on which it may be used.  In essence, the different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different types of fireMore importantly, certain fire extinguishers are incompatible with certain types of fire and could actually make the fire hazard worse

Fires are classified into three common groups, A, B and C, and one rare but important group, Class D.  Class A fires are the most common in homes and offices.  They involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, trash and other common materials.

Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases -- natural and manufactured gas, oil, gasoline, grease, paint, lacquers, tars and other synthetic or oil-based products.  They're very explosive, spread rapidly and can be reignited by heat even after the flames are out. 

Class C fire are those involved live electrical equipment, such as wiring, controls, telephone or dat processing panels, and motors.  They can start with a spark, a short circuit, or a power surge -- often in places hidden from sight.

Class D fires are extremely hard to extinguish for they involve combustible metals such as magnesium, metal alkyls (pyrophoric liquids which ignite on contact with air) such triehylaluminum, lithium fires, fires involving high melting points such zirconium, titanium and sodium potassium.  An ABC or BC extinguisher -- the two (2) most common types of fires -- will be ineffective.  Most importantly, water will cause a Class D fire to grow exceedingly fast:  the fire separates the oxygen in the water and uses it as fuel.

For questions about your hazards, click FireInspector.

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What does UL mean in relation to fire extinguishers ?

The insignia "UL" is short for Underwriters Laboratories, a company that rigorously tests products and goods to determine their hazardous qualities and, in the case of fire extinguishers, to determine their effectiveness (when used correctly) at fighting a hazardous fire.  Each manufacturer submits its extinguishers for testing by Underwriters Laboratories.  If a product does not contain a UL rating, either the manufacturer did not submit the product or UL did not assess the product a rating.  If you have any questions, please contact us at (800) 452-1540.

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Is there someone at Gallagher Fire that can help me if I still have questions ?

Yes.  We are determined to be your B2B one stop fire source.  We recognize that you may have questions and that often times those questions must be answered immediately.  More importantly, we recognize that these questions deal with your safety, the safety of your business and your ability to maintain compliance with local codes.  Accordingly, we have 24 hour, 7 day, 365 days a year toll free telephone support.  Call (800) 452-1540, or click on the button to your left and contact us now with your message.  You can also email us at info@fire-equipment.com.

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How is the merchandise shipped ?

All of the merchandise we supply at Gallagher Fire is new, current merchandise.  It is stored in our the warehouses of our respective vendors and manufacturers and is shipped direct from the manufacturers' warehouse.  In this regard, our vendor/partners assist us in shipping the merchandise to you safely, efficiently and quickly.  While delivery times may vary, fast shipping is our priority.

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How can I arrange for service of my equipment?

At Gallagher Fire, we recognize your need to maintain service on our equipment.  We are currently on a program to assist you in that regard so that you need not ever resort to another fire resource other than Gallagher Fire.  In the meantime, contact us at (800) 452-1540, send us an email through the Human Click program to your left or send us an email at info@fire-equipment.com

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What types of training are available through Gallagher Fire?

At Gallagher Fire, we recognize your need to have your employees trained in the effective and safe use of the fire equipment and extinguishers maintained in your business.  This training takes three (3) forms:  initial training and certification, annual updates and interim training for new/added employees.  In order to make this process as efficient and cost-effective as possible, we offer solutions to all three issues.

(1)    Initial training packages can be acquired through Gallagher Fire and ordered online.  

(2)    Annual update packages can also acquired through Gallagher Fire and ordered online.

(3)    Interim online training will be offered through Gallagher Fire so that your business can cost-effectively and expediently train newly hired or added employees in the interim between annual updates.  Stay tuned for our online, interactive interim training packages and programs.

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Last modified: October, 2010