How the automatic fire extinguisher ball works

How the automatic fire extinguisher ball works

The ball is filled with dry extinguishing powder (mainly monoammonium phosphate) and has an activation element that reacts to flame. On direct contact with flame it activates within 3–5 seconds: the shell opens and the powder disperses over the fire source. Activation is loud (about 120 dB), which also works as an alarm.

Step by step

• Flame touches the ball directly
• Within 3–5 seconds the ball activates
• The powder settles over the fire source
• Afterwards ventilate the room, check the spot and replace the ball — it is single-use

What to know

• On its own the ball does not react to smoke — only to open flame. Keep your smoke detectors.
• Under TSE K 39 the ball is rated 5A and 55B.
• Mount it where nobody is usually around: by the electrical panel, in the garage, in the basement.
• The ball complements a fire extinguisher, it does not replace one.