Amerex B673 Application guide

PN 16672 04/2020
All fire extinguishers shall be installed, inspected and maintained in accordance with the National Fire
Protection Association standard titled "Portable Fire Extinguishers", NFPA 10 or The National Fire Code of
Canada and the requirements of local authorities having jurisdiction.
When maintenance is indicated, it shall be performed by trained persons having proper equipment. Fire
extinguishers are pressure vessels and must be treated with respect and handled with care. They are
mechanical devices and require periodic maintenance to be sure that they are ready to operate properly and
safely. Amerex strongly recommends that the maintenance of portable fire extinguishers be done by a trained
professional – your local authorized Amerex Distributor.
Amerex Corporation makes original factory parts available to insure proper maintenance – USE OF
SUBSTITUTE PARTS RELEASES AMEREX OF ITS WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS. Amerex parts have
machined surfaces and threads that are manufactured to exacting tolerances. o-rings, hoses, nozzles, and all
metal parts meet precise specifications and are subjected to multiple in-house inspections and tests for
acceptability. There are substitute parts available that may be incorrectly labeled as UL component parts,
some are advertised as Amerex type. None of these meet UL requirements and all of them voids the Amerex
extinguisher warranty and UL listing. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE.
RECHARGE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IMMEDIATELY AFTER ANY USE
OWNER’S SERVICE MANUAL
INSTALLATION, OPERATING & SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS
MANUAL PN 16672
HALOTRON I WHEELED EXTINGUISHERS
MODELS B673, B674, B675
AMEREX CORPORATION – P.O. BOX 81 – TRUSSVILLE, ALABAMA 35173-0081
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail] Web Page: http://www.amerex-fire.com
REFERENCES IN THIS MAUNUAL:
NFPA 10 Portable Fire Extinguishers
JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ
CGA C-1 Methods for Pressure Testing Compressed Gas
Cylinders
CGA C-6 Standard for Visual Inspection of Steel
Compressed Gas Cylinders.
National Fire Code of Canada
AVAILABLE FROM:
National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park,
Quincy, MA 02169-7471
Compressed Gas Association, 14501 George Carter Way,
Chantilly, VA 20151-2923
Compressed Gas Association, 14501 George Carter Way,
Chantilly, VA 20151-2923
National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road,
Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6 Canada
AMEREX CORPORATION DOES NOT SERVICE, MAINTAIN OR RECHARGE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.
THIS MANUAL IS PUBLISHED AS A GUIDE TO ASSIST QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL IN THE
INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND RECHARGE OF AMEREX FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ONLY. NO
INSTRUCTION MANUAL CAN ANTICIPATE ALL POSSIBLE MALFUNCTIONS THAT MAY BE
ENCOUNTERED IN THE SERVICE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT PRIOR
SERVICE PERFORMED ON THIS EQUIPMENT MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY DONE, IT IS
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT ALL WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND NOTES IN THIS MANUAL BE
CAREFULLY OBSERVED. FAILURE TO HEED THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY. AMEREX ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR SERVICE, MAINTENANCE OR RECHARGE OF FIRE
EXTINGUISHERS BY PUBLISHING THIS MANUAL THIS MANUAL IS ATTACHED TO EVERY NEW
EXTINGUISHER SHIPPED FROM THE FACTORY. IT CONTAINS VALUABLE INFORMATION WHICH
SHALL BE STUDIED BY EVERYONE WHO WILL USE OR SERVICE THE EXTINGUISHER. THIS
MANUAL SHALL BE STORED IN A CONVENIENT LOCATION FOR EASY REFERENCE.

PN 16672 04/2020
INTRODUCTION
This manual covers specific instructions for the Amerex wheeled stored pressure Halotron1 fire extinguishers.
Special maintenance and recharge instructions contained in this manual apply to these extinguishers only.
Halotron l “Clean Agent” extinguishers are designed for Class A, B, and C hazards formerly protected with
Halon 1211 extinguishers. They contain dichlorotrifluoroethane (R-123), which is designated for streaming fire
extinguisher applications. Halotron l is listed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Significant
New Alternative Policy” (SNAP) as acceptable for nonresidential applications. Halotron l has acceptable
toxicity and cardiac sensitization levels for use in occupied spaces when used according to the instructions on
the nameplate and rules of the EPA SNAP Program.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF HALOTRON l
Primary Component Dichlorotrifluoroethane (R-123) or (HCFC-123)
Boiling Point 80.6°F [27°C]
Liquid Density 92.3 lb./ft³ (1.48 kg / liter)
Gas Density 0.385 lb./ft³ (6.17 kg / m³)
Molecular Weight 150.7
Physical State Pressurized Liquid
Vapor Pressure @ 68ºF [20ºC] (liquid alone) 11.2 psi [77 kPa]
Pressure of mixture in Container @ 68ºF [20º] 95 psi in bulk container
PREPARING YOUR NEW EXTINGUISHER FOR USE
1. Remove all wrappings, straps and pallet retaining bolts.
2. Examine the extinguisher for shipping damage.
3. Check to insure that the hose connection at the discharge valve and the nozzle connection to the hose
are tight.
4. Check to insure that the nozzle shut-off lever is in the CLOSED position. The pull pin shall be installed
and the tamper seal intact.
5. Visually inspect the pressure gauge. The pressure gauge shall be in the green zone. Slight
pressure variances in the gauge reading may be found if the extinguisher has been subjected to extremes
of heat or cold. High temperatures can cause high gauge readings and low temperatures, low readings.
When in doubt, condition the extinguisher to 70ºF (21ºC) for several hours to obtain more accurate
pressure gauge readings.
6. The method used to determine proper agent fill is by weighing the extinguisher. The gross weight is
marked on each extinguisher nameplate.
7. Record the date the unit is being placed into service on the inspection tag and attach it to the extinguisher.
INSTALLATION
Do not place this extinguisher close to a potential fire hazard. Amerex recommends a location no less than a
50-foot distance from the hazard while leaving an unobstructed access. Avoid placing it in an extremely hot or
cold area. The operational temperature range for this extinguisher is –40°F to 120°F (-40°C to 49°C). The
extinguisher shall be adequately protected if temperatures outside of this range are anticipated. Keep the
extinguisher clean and free from dirt, ice, chemicals and any contaminants that may interfere with its proper
operation. DO NOT FUNCTIONALLY TEST THIS FIRE EXTINGUISHER. (Testing or any use may cause the
extinguisher to gradually lose extinguishing agent over a period of time and make the extinguisher
ineffective.)

PN 16672 04/2020
OPERATION
WARNING:PERSONS EXPECTED TO USE THIS EXTINGUISHER SHALL BE MADE AWARE OF THE
CONFINED SPACE LIMITATIONS AND TRAINED IN INITIATING ITS OPERATION AND
PROPER FIRE FIGHTING TECHNIQUE. THE CONCENTRATED AGENT CAN PRODUCE
TOXIC BY-PRODUCTS. AVOID INHALATION OF THESE MATERIALS BY EVACUATING
THE CONFINED SPACE. DO NOT USE IN CONFINED SPACES SMALLER THAN THE
MINIMUM STATED ON THE EXTINGUISHER LABEL.
CAUTION: Persons expected to use this extinguisher shall be trained in initiating its operation and
in the proper fire fighting technique. "Dry Run" and visual aid training will prepare
personnel with the feel for this extinguisher so that the most effective application can
be utilized in an emergency situation. The basic operating instructions are contained on
the pictogram of every extinguisher. The following elaborates on these instructions:
1. Move the extinguisher to within approximately 50 feet of the fire site. KEEP UPRIGHT.
2. Twist and pull pin and open cylinder valve by rotating (pulling) the valve lever toward the hose 90°. The
hose is now pressurized.
3. Pull nozzle with nozzle lever in the closed position from the nozzle mount and extend hose from the
storage rack.
4. Stand back 30 feet from the fire and aim just in front of the base of the flames nearest you.
5. Hold hose and nozzle firmly and be prepared for a discharge recoil. Open nozzle by pulling lever toward
you. Slowly sweep side to side extending the discharge beyond the edges of the fire. Progressively follow
up until the fire is extinguished. Work the fire away from you while being alert for flashbacks. Move closer
as the fire is extinguished but not so close as to scatter or splash the burning material. Shut off nozzle
lever to stop discharge. Stand and watch for possible re-ignition.
6. Evacuate and ventilate the area immediately after extinguishing the fire. The fumes and smoke from any
fire may be hazardous and can be deadly.
WARNING:SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE TO PURE HALOTRON l MAY CAUSE CENTRAL
NERVOUS SYSTEM EFFECTS SUCH AS DIZZINESS, DROWSINESS, ANESTHESIA, OR
UNCONSCIOUSNESS. PERSONS SUFFERING FROM OVER-EXPOSURE SHALL BE
IMMEDIATELY REMOVED TO AREA WITH FRESH AIR. APPLY ARTIFICAL
RESPIRATION IF NECESSARY. CONTACT A PHYSICIAN.
65 LB. MODELS 150 LB. MODELS
Discharge Time (approx.) 22 seconds 31 seconds
Range (Agent Thow) 30 to 45 feet 30 to 45 feet
Hose Length 50 feet 50 feet
BEFORE PREPARING TO MOVE THE EXTINGUISHER TO THE RECHARGE LOCATION,
DETERMINATION MUST BE MADE THAT THE FIRE IS COMPLETELY EXTINGUISHED AND THERE IS
NO DANGER OF A FLASHBACK.

PN 16672 04/2020
SHUTDOWN
1. Close the discharge hose valve. Rotate cylinder discharge valve lever 90° to the CLOSED position.
2. Locate the extinguisher in an open area where blow down can be accomplished safely.
3. Tip the extinguisher to rest the carriage handle/tow loop on the ground. Slowly open the discharge hose
valve and cylinder valve. Be prepared for some chemical discharge. Relieve all pressure in the cylinder
and clear the discharge hose of all Halotron l. To prevent any loss of remaining agent, the carriage
handle/tow loop shall be positioned as low as possible in a plane below the bottom on the cylinder.
CAUTION: DO NOT LEAVE HALOTRON l IN THE HOSE AS OVER-PRESSURIZATIONAND
DETERIORATION OF THE HOSE MAY OCCUR.
4. When the hose is empty, push the discharge hose valve nozzle lever and cylinder valve lever to the
CLOSED positions.
5. Return the extinguisher to an upright position. Coil the extinguisher hose onto the storage rack and
position the nozzle onto the mount in preparation for transport to the recharge location.
INSPECTING THE EXTINGUISHER
INSPECTION is a “quick check” that a fire extinguisher is available and is in operating condition. It is
intended to give reasonable assurance that the fire extinguisher is fully charged. This is done by
verifying that it is in its designated place, that it has not been actuated or tampered with, and that there
is no obvious physical damage or condition to prevent its operation.
PERIODIC INSPECTION PROCEDURES
(monthly or more often if circumstances dictate)
NFPA 10 - Periodic inspection of fire extinguishers shall include a check of at least the following items:
1. Located in designated place
2. No obstruction to access or visibility
3. Operating instructions on nameplate legible and facing outward
4. Tamper seals not broken or missing
5. Determine fullness by weighing
6. Examination for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle
7. Pressure gauge reading in the operable range
8. Hose properly coiled and shut-off nozzle in its mount in closed position
9. Condition of tires/wheels and that they rotate freely
10.HMIS label in place
MAINTENANCE
(At least once a year or when specifically indicated by an inspection)
MAINTENANCE is a thorough examination of the fire extinguisher. It is intended to give maximum assurance
that the fire extinguisher will operate effectively and safely. It includes a thorough examination for physical
damage or condition to prevent its operation and any necessary repair or replacement. It will normally reveal
if hydrostatic testing or internal maintenance is required.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE
1. Clean extinguisher to remove dirt, grease or foreign material. Check to make sure that the instruction
nameplate and UL manifest are securely fastened and legible. Inspect the cylinder for corrosion, abrasion,
and dents or weld damage. If any of these conditions are found and you doubt the integrity of the cylinder,
hydrostatically test to factory test pressure, using the proof pressure method in accordance with CGA C-1
and NFPA 10.

PN 16672 04/2020
NOTE: When cleaning avoid use of solvents around the pressure gauge. They could serious
damage the plastic gauge face.
2. Inspect the extinguisher for damaged, missing or substitute parts. Only factory replacement parts are
approved for use on Amerex fire extinguishers.
3. Weigh extinguisher and compare with weight printed in the Maintenance section on the nameplate.
Recharge extinguisher if weight is not within indicated allowable tolerances.
4. Check the date of manufacture stamped into the cylinder. Cylinder must be hydrostatically tested in
accordance with DOT specifications 12 years (water jacket) or 7 years (proof pressure) to the pressure
indicated on the nameplate. Model 673, 65 lb. = 480 psi (3309 kPa); Models 674 and 675, 150 lb. = 1000
psi (6895 kPa).
5. Visually inspect the pressure gauge:
a. if bent, damaged or improper gauge, depressurize and replace
b. if pressure is low or high and temperature/pressure relationship has been ruled out:
1. low pressure – check for leaks
2. high pressure (over pressurized or over charged) depressurize and recharge extinguisher
following instructions listed below
6. Remove and check pull pin for freedom of movement. Replace if bent or if removal appears difficult.
7. Check the nozzle shutoff lever for freedom of movement (open and close several times). If the operation
is impeded, replace ball valve assembly. Make sure that the nozzle tip is clear and unobstructed.
WARNING: ALWAYS OPEN THE SHUTOFF NOZZLE HANDLE SLOWLY. BE PREPARED FOR A
POSSIBLE DISCHARGE AND NOZZLE RECOIL.
8. After making sure that there is no residual pressure in the discharge hose, disconnect it from the cylinder
operating valve. Blow air through the hose and nozzle assembly to insure that the passage is clear of
foreign material. Check the couplings, hose and hose gasket for damage or deterioration – replace as
necessary.
9. Inspect valve assembly for corrosion or damage to hose thread connection. Valve removal and/or valve
part replacement shall be made only after following the depressurizing and recovery procedures listed in
the Complete Maintenance procedures.
10. Inspect the wheels to insure they rotate freely. Lubricate as required
11. Check carriage assembly for loose nuts, bolts, frame distortion or damage. Check welds for damage or
corrosion. Replace damaged parts or make repairs as necessary.
12. Reconnect the hose to the agent cylinder. Properly coil the hose on the rack and install the nozzle (with
the lever in a closed position) on the mount.
NOTE: When assembling the hose to the agent cylinder or nozzle to the hose, tighten the coupling
¼ turn after contacting the hose gasket.
13. Install new tamper seal and record service data on the extinguisher inspection tag.
14. If the extinguisher has been moved to perform service, make sure that it is returned to its proper location.

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COMPLETE MAINTENANCE (SIX YEAR MAINTENANCE)
Six Year Maintenance (NFPA 10) . Every 6 years, stored pressure fire extinguishers shall be emptied and
subjected to the applicable maintenance procedures. When the applicable maintenance procedures are
performed during the periodic recharging the 6– year requirement shall begin from that date.
WARNING
a. Before attempting to devalve the extinguisher for maintenance, hydrotest or recharging be sure that it is
completely depressurized. Recover agent and vapor according to the instructions below.
b. Never have any part of your body over the extinguisher while removing the valve assembly.
c. Prolonged exposure of a devalved cylinder to ambient air shall be avoided to prevent moisture
contamination and cylinder rusting.
COMPLETE MAINTENANCE (SIX YEAR MAINTENANCE) PROCEDURES
1. Complete items 1 through 11 in Maintenance Procedure above.
2. Attach the appropriate recharge adapter (PN 09857) to the extinguisher operating valve on the
extinguisher cylinder. Empty the extinguisher of all pressure and Halotron l using an Amerex PN 14538
Halotron l Recharge Kit and a bulk Halotron l supply cylinder with sufficient empty capacity to accept the
contents of the extinguisher.
3. When extinguisher is empty of all agent and pressure, remove valve assembly and disassemble by
removing downtube, spring and valve stem assembly. Discard valve stem assembly and collar o-ring.
NOTE: Keep cylinder opening covered while devalved to minimize interior corrosion.
4. Thoroughly clean all parts of the disassembled valve with a soft bristle brush or soft cloth. Blow the valve
out with dry nitrogen.
5. Install a new valve stem assembly (GREEN SEAL) after lightly lubricating the valve stem o-ring and valve
stem seal with V-711. Reassemble the spring and downtube. Carefully install a new collar o-ring (GREEN)
which has been lightly lubricated with V-711. Set the valve assembly aside.
6. Inspect the cylinder interior following CGA Visual Inspection Standard C-6. If a hydrotest has been
performed or any moisture is evident, the cylinder shall be immediately warm air dried.
7. Clean the o-ring seating groove in the cylinder neck. If any rust is evident, remove by using a fine emery
cloth (200 grit). Clean the surface and lubricate the entire sealing area with a thin film of V-711. Install the
valve assembly in extinguisher cylinder. Hand tighten firmly.
8. Complete the Recharge steps, items 2 through 11.
RECHARGE
RECHARGING (NFPA 10) is the replacement of the extinguishing agent (also includes the expellant for this
type of extinguisher).
WARNING:
a. Halotron l service shall be performed only in a well ventilated room by a properly trained service
technician wearing proper eye protection and rubber gloves.

PN 16672 04/2020
b. Before attempting to recharge be sure this extinguisher is completely depressurized by slowly and
carefully depressing the operating lever and discharging the extinguisher into a proper collection
area.
c. Use a REGULATED pressurizing source of ultra high purity ARGON ONLY. Set the regulator to
no more than 25 PSI higher than the extinguisher gauge operating pressure.
d. Check and calibrate regulator gauge at frequent intervals. The regulator gauge shall be used to
determine when the intended charging pressure has been reached. Do not use the extinguisher
gauge for this purpose.
e. Never leave an extinguisher connected to a regulator of a high pressure source for an extended
period of time. A defective regulator could cause the cylinder to rupture due to excessive pressure.
RECHARGING PROCEDURE
NOTE:The following procedure is for an EMPTY Halotron l extinguisher. If you are recharging an
extinguisher, which has been partially discharged (with agent remaining in the cylinder) or has
been recharged and the pressure leaked, follow the instructions contained in the Recharging
Instructions, which is packaged with the Amerex Recharge Kit (PN 14538).
1. Perform the Complete Maintenance steps 1 through 7.
2. Install the proper Amerex Recharge Adapter and draw a vacuum of 27” of mercury (adjusted for altitude
variations) [see your vacuum pump manual for detailed instructions].
3. Stand the extinguisher upright on a scale of sufficient size and capacity (200 lbs. minimum). Tare weight
extinguisher or record empty weight. The extinguisher shall be fully discharged and empty.
4. Connect the extinguisher to a Halotron l supply cylinder using the Amerex PN 14538 Halotron l Recharge
Kit.
NOTE: The Halotron l supply cylinder must be pressurized to approximately 100 psi with ARGON to
properly charge the extinguisher.
5. Open the agent cylinder discharge valve by pulling 90º toward the hose rack and fill extinguisher to the
agent fill weight noted on the nameplate USING ONLY CLEAN UNCONTAMINATED HALOTRON l
AGENT. [see detailed instructions on your recharging system]
CAUTION: AVOID LIQUID HALOTRON L CONTACT WITH THE EXTERNAL EXTINGUISHER
CYLINDER.
6. Pressurize to the extinguisher operating pressure with ARGON only. Repeatedly rock the extinguisher to
thoroughly mix the ARGON pressurizing gas until proper pressure is reached. Add additional Argon as
necessary until the pressure stabilizes.
7. Check extinguisher for leaks at the valve orifice, around the collar seal, and gauge using a Halogen Leak
Detector. The alternate method is to apply leak detecting fluid or a solution of soapy water to these areas.
Thoroughly remove all leak detection fluid residue using dry nitrogen to blow all liquid residue out of the
valve and wipe the extinguisher to dry the exterior. DO NOT LEAVE ANY LIQUID INSIDE THE VALVE
BODY. Remove the recharge adapter.
CAUTION: If you use a Halogen type leak detector: A residual amount of Halotron l will remain in
the valve body until the liquid evaporates. To properly leak test using the Halogen leak
detector it is recommended that the extinguisher be set aside a minimum of 24 hours
after recharging, then leak tested.

PN 16672 04/2020
8. Install pull pin and new tamper seal.
9. Install hose assembly, with shut-off nozzle attached, to the extinguisher cylinder discharge valve. Tighten
hose coupling ¼ turn after contact with hose gasket. Coil hose onto the hose rack and install nozzle into
mount.
10. Weigh extinguisher to confirm that the total weight is within the tolerances indicated in the maintenance
section on the extinguisher nameplate.
11. Record recharge date and attach new recharge tag in accordance with the requirements of the "Authority
Having Jurisdiction".
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
WARNING: DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF A LEAK BEFORE THE EXTINGUISHER IS
DEPRESSURIZED. THE EXTINGUISHER MUST BE COMPLETELY DEPRESSURIZED BEFORE ANY
ATTEMPT IS MADE TO REMOVE THE VALVE ASSEMBLY AND CORRECT THE LEAKAGE PROBLEM.
SEE INSTRUCTIONS PACKAGE WITH THE AMEREX HALOTRON l RECHARGE KIT PN 14538 FOR THE
PROPER METHOD OF DEPRESSURIZING THE EXTINGUISHER TO AVOID UNNECESSARY
DISCHARGE AND MINIMUM AGENT LOSS.
PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION
1. Pressure gauge reads high or
low
Pressure variances in the gauge reading may be found if the extin-
guisher has been subjected to extremes of heat or cold. High tem-
peratures can cause high gauge readings and low temperatures,
low readings. When in doubt, condition the extinguisher to 70ºF
(21ºC) for several hours to obtain more accurate pressure gauge
readings.
2. Leak through valve Remove valve assembly, downtube, spring and valve stem assem-
bly. Install new valve stem (GREEN SEAL) assembly. Check valve
seat for scratches or foreign matter.
3. Leak at collar o-ring Remove valve assembly, clean collar o-ring seating surface thor-
oughly and lubricate lightly with V-711. Install new collar o-ring
(GREEN) after lubricating with V-711.
4. Leak around gauge threads Remove gauge* and reinstall using Teflon tape on the gauge
threads.
5. Defective gauge Remove defective gauge* and install a new gauge using Teflon
tape on the gauge threads.
6. Leak in cylinder Contact Amerex if under warranty, otherwise mark “REJECTED”
and return to owner.
7. Visible deterioration of dis-
charge hose
Replace hose assembly. Extinguishing agent has been stored in
hose for a prolonged time. See Caution in Shut-Down procedures.
*Pressure gauge threads are coated with a special epoxy at the factory. For easy removal soak the
valve assembly in hot water (180° F/82°C) for two to four minutes. Remove gauge with a 7/16” open
end wrench.
FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS SEE THE AMEREX PORTABLE AND WHEELED
PARTS BOOK PN 27277 AVAILABLE AT http://www.amerex-fire.com UNDER
MANUALS OF THE RESOURCE SELECTION.