How heavy is a portable PKP extinguisher?

How heavy is a portable PKP extinguisher?

• A. 18-27 lbs
• B. 12-16 lbs
• C. 5-10 lbs
• D. 30-40 lbs

Answer: (A)

The weight of a portable PKP extinguisher is determined by the amount of dense potassium bicarbonate powder it contains plus the steel cylinder that holds it, all of which must be manageable for a sailor to carry and use quickly in tight shipboard spaces. That combination gives a typical gross weight in the 18–27 pounds range. The unit needs to be heavy enough to carry a meaningful charge for effective initial fire attack, but light enough to be handled with one person in an emergency. Lighter options (like 5–10 or 12–16 pounds) wouldn’t carry enough agent, while a much heavier unit (30–40 pounds) would be unwieldy in confined areas.

The weight of a portable PKP extinguisher is determined by the amount of dense potassium bicarbonate powder it contains plus the steel cylinder that holds it, all of which must be manageable for a sailor to carry and use quickly in tight shipboard spaces. That combination gives a typical gross weight in the 18–27 pounds range. The unit needs to be heavy enough to carry a meaningful charge for effective initial fire attack, but light enough to be handled with one person in an emergency. Lighter options (like 5–10 or 12–16 pounds) wouldn’t carry enough agent, while a much heavier unit (30–40 pounds) would be unwieldy in confined areas.