What is the stated duration of a water glycol extinguisher discharge?

What is the stated duration of a water glycol extinguisher discharge?

• A. 5-10 seconds
• B. 15-30 seconds
• C. 30-45 seconds
• D. 60 seconds

Answer: (B)

Water glycol extinguishers are designed to release their contents in a relatively short, controlled burst. The size of the cylinder and the flow rate through the nozzle are chosen so that a single discharge lasts about 15 to 30 seconds. This window provides enough agent to blanket and cool a small to medium fire and buy time to assess the situation or escalate if needed, without exhausting the extinguisher too quickly. Discharges as short as 5–10 seconds would likely be insufficient to control the fire, while 60 seconds would imply a much larger capacity or a slower flow than these devices are designed for. So the stated duration is 15 to 30 seconds.

Water glycol extinguishers are designed to release their contents in a relatively short, controlled burst. The size of the cylinder and the flow rate through the nozzle are chosen so that a single discharge lasts about 15 to 30 seconds. This window provides enough agent to blanket and cool a small to medium fire and buy time to assess the situation or escalate if needed, without exhausting the extinguisher too quickly. Discharges as short as 5–10 seconds would likely be insufficient to control the fire, while 60 seconds would imply a much larger capacity or a slower flow than these devices are designed for. So the stated duration is 15 to 30 seconds.