Amerex B571 User guide

PN 05619 04/2020
PART TITLE DATE CREATED CREATED BY REV. CK’D
05619 MANUAL OWNERS SERVICE B571 7/10/98 MS E
THIS DRAWING IS THE EXCLUSIVE AND CONFIDENTIAL PROPERTY OF AMEREX
CORPORATION. IT SHALL NOT BE DUPLICATED, USED OR DISCLOSED TO OTHERS
REV DRAWING CHANGE BY ECN# DATE
EPUBLISHER FILE CREATED; REFRESHED LAYOUT DESIGN CT B002026 4/29/20
COVER SHEET
DO NOT PRINT THIS PAGE FOR ACTUAL MANUAL. INTERNAL USE ONLY.
#NOTES
1THIS COVERSHEET FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY - DO NOT PRINT THIS PAGE IN MANUAL.
2DESCRIPTION: MANUAL OWNER’S SERVICE FOR MODEL B571 PORTABLE EXTINGUISHER
3ACTUAL PRINTED MATERIAL TO CONSIST OF ATTACHED
4OVERALL SIZE OF PRINTED DOCUMENT PAGES: 8-1/2” X 11” ON 20 LB PAPER
5PRINTED MATERIAL TO MATCH ATTACHED IN SADDLE STITCHED BOOKLET FORM
6PRINT MATERIAL IS TO BE HOLE PUNCHED 3 EACH 1/4” HOLES DOWN LEFT SIDE FOR STD 3-RING BINDER
7CURENT REVISION DATE: 4/20

PN 05619 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, which are manufactured to exacting tolerances. All parts meet precise
specifications and are subjected to multiple in-house inspections and tests for acceptability. There are
substitute parts available which are incorrectly labeled as U/L component parts, some are advertised as
Amerex type. None of these meet U/L requirements, and all of them void the Amerex extinguisher warranty
and U/L listing. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE.
RECHARGE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IMMEDIATELY AFTER ANY USE
OWNER’S SERVICE MANUAL
INSTALLATION, OPERATING & SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS
MANUAL PN 05619
CLASS D COPPER PORTABLE EXTINGUISHER
MODEL B571
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.
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,
Building M-58 Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6 Canada

PN 05619 04/2020
INTRODUCTION
The Amerex Model 571/B571 30-lb. Stored-Pressure Class-D fire extinguisher contains a specially formulated
copper powder developed by and for the U.S. Navy specifically for combating LITHIUM and LITHIUM ALLOY
fires. The heavy-duty cylinder, valve assembly, and hose/extension wand have been designed with innovative
and dependable fire-fighting capabilities as well as long life and ease of service. The unique soft-flow
extension applicator allows a continuous, even distribution of the dry powder agent while the operator stands
four to five feet from the burning material. Easy-to-read instruction labels provide a quick and convenient
guide to proper use. To provide optimum extinguisher reliability, recharging shall be performed by persons
trained in fire extinguisher maintenance and servicing. This manual shall be used as a guide for installing,
servicing and operating these Amerex extinguishers. The best place to have your extinguishers serviced and
recharged is your "Authorized Amerex Distributor" who has the professional experience and equipment to do
it properly.
WARNINGS
USE THIS EXTINGUISHER ONLY ON CLASS-D BURNING METALS. (At the date of this printing, the Model
571/B571 has been laboratory tested and approved for molten LITHIUM fires only.)
CLASS-D FIRES NORMALLY GENERATE EXTREMELY HIGH HEAT. AMEREX RECOMMENDS THE USE
OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS WHILE OPERATING
THIS EXTINGUISHER.
TO AVOID RE-IGNITION AFTER A METAL FIRE HAS BEEN EXTINGUISHED, DO NOT MOVE THE
REMAINS UNTIL THE METAL HAS COOLED.
NEVER USE WATER ON A COMBUSTIBLE METAL FIRE. CHEMICAL AND PRESSURIZING GAS MUST
BE MOISTURE FREE.
THIS EXTINGUISHER SHALL BE PRESSURZIED WITH DRY ARGON ONLY.
PREPARING YOUR NEW EXTINGUISHER FOR USE
THIS MANUAL IS PACKAGED WITH EVERY NEW EXTINGUISHER SHIPPED FROM THE FACTORY. IT
CONTAINS VALUABLE INFORMATION THAT SHALL BE STUDIED BY EVERYONE WHO WILL USE OR
SERVICE THE EXTINGUISHER. THE MANUAL SHALL BE STORED IN A CONVENIENT LOCATION FOR
EASY REFERENCE.
1. Remove the model 571/B57, and discharge hose assembly from the shipping carton. Examine both for
shipping damage.
2. Connect the wand assembly to the extinguisher hose male connector by retracting the locking sleeve on
the wand female swivel coupling. Push the female coupling firmly onto the male swivel adapter, and
release the locking sleeve. Tug firmly on the wand to verify that the swivel coupling is completely
engaged.
3. Arrange the discharge hose and extension applicator assembly in the retaining clips as shown in the
installation diagrams on Page 8.
4. Install your extinguisher in an accessible location with the top of the handle no more than 3½ feet (6 m)
above the floor, the base at least 4 inches (.1m) above the floor, and near a doorway. DO NOT INSTALL
THE EXTINGUISHER WHERE YOU WOULD HAVE TO WALK THROUGH A POTENTIAL FIRE
LOCATION TO REACH IT.
5. Do not place this extinguisher close to a potential fire hazard. Amerex recommends location no less than
a 50-foot from the hazard, leaving unobstructed access. Avoid placing it in an extremely hot or cold place.
The operational temperature range is -40° to +120°F (-40° to +49°C). Adequately protect the extinguisher
if temperatures outside 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 it to gradually lose pressure and
become ineffective. Never throw any extinguisher in a fire as it could explode from heat/pressure buildup.
.

PN 05619 04/2020
NOTE: 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 70°F (21°
C) for several hours to obtain more accurate pressure gauge reading.
6. Record the date the extinguisher is placed into service on the inspection tag, and attach it to the
extinguisher.
OPERATION
CAUTION: Persons expected to use this extinguisher shall be trained in initiating its operation and in
the proper fire-fighting technique. "Hands-on" training will prepare personnel with the feel
for this stored pressure extinguisher so that the most effective application can be utilized
in an emergency situation. The basic operating instructions are contained in the pictogram
portion of every extinguisher nameplate (label). The following elaborates on these
instructions.
1. Hold the extinguisher upright. Twist and pull the pull pin snapping the tamper seal.
2. Extend the bell-shaped nozzle over the fire.
3. Keep the extinguisher upright. Squeeze the lever to discharge the extinguisher. Cover all burning metal
with dry powder until the fire is extinguished. NOTE: If greater range is required, disconnect the wand
assembly at the quick connect and use the hose to lob the chemical onto the fire. Be careful not to spread
the fire surface when using this technique.
4. Reapply powder to visible hot spots.
5. To avoid re-ignition, allow metal to cool before cleanup.
6. Evacuate and ventilate the area immediately after use. The fumes and smoke from any fire may be
hazardous and can be deadly.
Model 571/B571
Discharge time (approximate): 24 seconds
Effective range of the extinguisher: 3-6 feet (with applicator)
8-10 feet (with nozzle)
INSPECTION
Ispection is a "quick check intended to give reasonable assurance that the extinguisher is fully charged and
operable. This is done by seeing 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 operation.
PERIODIC INSPECTION PROCEDURES
(Monthly or more often if circumstances dictate)
A "quick check" shall be made of the extinguisher for the following:
1. Located in designated place.
2. No obstructions to access or visibility.
3. Operating instructions on nameplate and facing outward.
4. Tamper seal not broken or missing.
5. Determine fullness by weighing or "hefting".
6. Examine for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle.
7. Pressure gauge reading in the operable area.

PN 05619 04/2020
MAINTENANCE
At least once a year (or more frequently if indicated by any inspection), Maintenance is a "thorough check" of
an extinguisher. It is intended to give maximum assurance that an extinguisher will operate effectively and
safely. It includes a thorough examination and any necessary repair or replacement. It will normally reveal the
need for hydrostatic testing.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE
1. Clean extinguisher to remove dirt, grease, or foreign material. Check to make sure that the instruction
nameplate and FM manifest are securely fastened and legible. Inspect the cylinder for corrosion,
abrasion, 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 (585 psi [4035 kPa]), using the proof-pressure
method, in accordance with CGA Pamphlet C-6 and NFPA 10. See proper method of depressurizing and
reclaiming chemical in "Recharge Procedures". NOTE: When cleaning, avoid use of solvents around the
pressure gauge. They could seriously 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 "Weight block" section on the nameplate
(label). Recharge the extinguisher if weight is not within indicated allowable tolerances. (See instructions
in "Recharge Procedure".)
4. Check the date of manufacture stamped on the bottom of the extinguisher for model B571 and on the wall
hanger loop for model 571. Cylinder must be hydrostatically (proof-pressure) tested every 12 years to the
test pressure indicated on the nameplate (585 psi [4035 kPa]).
5. Visually inspect the pressure gauge:
a. if bent, damaged or improper gauge, depressurize and replace.
b. if pressure is low, check for leaks.
c. if over pressurized (overcharged), depressurize the extinguisher and follow recharge instructions.
6. Remove and check pull pin for freedom of movement. Replace if bent or if removal appears difficult.
7. Inspect the discharge lever for dirt or corrosion that might impair free movement. Inspect carrying
handle for proper installation. If lever, handle, or rivets are damaged, replace with proper Amerex
parts.
8. Remove the hose and extension applicator by detaching the female swivel adapter from the hose and
hose from the discharge valve. Inspect the hose, female swivel, and extension applicator for damage.
Make sure that the rubber O-ring inside the female swivel coupling is in place and in good condition.
Replace damaged parts as necessary. Blow air through the hose and extension applicator assembly
to insure that the passage is clear of foreign material and powder residue. Inspect the diffuser in the
extension applicator horn - it must be tight to allow proper discharge characteristics.
9. Visually inspect the inside of the valve body (through the hose connection orifice). Appearance of
powder in the valve may indicate that the extinguisher has been partially discharged and shall be
recharged.
10. Inspect the valve body for signs of corrosion or damage to the hose thread connection. Replace valve
assembly as necessary following the depressurizing and recharge procedures. If valve removal is
required, complete all steps in the "Recharge Procedure".

PN 05619 04/2020
11. Reconnect the extension applicator to the discharge hose male swivel coupling. Rotate the hose
assembly several times to verify that the swivel operates freely (disconnect again and clean the inside of
the female swivel with a small brush and compressed air if the rotation is impeded). Arrange the hose
and extension applicator assembly according to the installation instructions on page 10.
12. Install new tamper seal, and record service data on the extinguisher inspection tag.
13. Return to its proper location. Install on/in wall hanger bracket, vehicle bracket, or dolly cart making sure it
fits properly. Replace mounting bracket if necessary.
RECHARGE
Recharging is the replacement of the extinguishing agent and also includes the expellant for this type of
extinguisher.
WARNING:
1. Before attempting to recharge be sure the extinguisher is completely depressurized.
2. Never have any part of your body over the extinguisher while removing the valve assembly.
3. Use a protective shield between you and the pressure gauge while charging an extinguisher. Do not stand
in front of the gauge if a shield is not available.
4. Use a regulated pressurizing source of ARGON ONLY. Set the regulator to not more than 220 psi (1520
kPa).
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Do not mix types of chemicals in extinguishers, recharge, or recovery systems. Mixing ABC, regular,
Purple-K, Super-K, or Monnex dry chemicals with a dry-powder agent could cause a serious flare up or
explosion if the dry chemical were to contact a combustible metal fire.
RECHARGE PROCEDURE
1. Perform steps 1 through 4 of the "Complete Maintenance (Six-Year Teardown)" section including those
required in the "Maintenance Procedure".
2. Thoroughly clean all parts with a soft bristle brush or soft cloth. Blow the valve and downtube out with air
or argon. Inspect the collar O-ring, valve stem, spring, and downtube assembly – replace parts if worn or
damaged. Lubricate the collar O-ring and small O-ring on the valve stem with V-711. DO NOT
LUBRICATE THE VALVE STEM SEAL.
3. Reassemble the valve assembly, including downtube, and set aside.
4. Remove any dry powder remaining in the cylinder. Properly dispose of any dry powder that is
contaminated or caked.
5. Inspect the cylinder interior following CGA Visual Inspection Standard, Pamphlet C-6.
6. Fill the cylinder with 30 lbs. (13.6 kg) of Amerex Copper Powder, which has been kept free of moisture
and contamination.

PN 05619 04/2020
7. Clean cylinder O-ring seat and threads inside of cylinder collar with a small brush and wipe surfaces with
a clean damp cloth to remove dust. Lightly brush the collar O-ring seat with V-711. Install the operating
valve/downtube assembly hand tight.
8. Attach the charging adapter to the valve discharge port.
WARNING: THIS EXTINGUISHER IS FACTORY PRESSURIZED USING ARGON. ARGON IS AN
INERT GAS THAT WILL NOT ADVERSELY REACT WITH COMBUSTIBLE METALS.
NITROGEN PRESSURIZING GAS COULD CAUSE A REACTION WHEN USED ON
CERTAIN TYPES OF COMBUSTIBLE METAL FIRES. DRY-AIR PRESSURIZATION
SHALL NEVER BE USED AS EVEN THE SLIGHTEST AMOUNT OF MOISTURE WILL
CAUSE A VIOLENT REACTION WITH CLASS-D METALS.
9. With the extinguisher properly secured in an upright position, connect your Argon pressurizing line with a
quick connect to the charging adapter. Set the Argon supply cylinder regulator to no more than 220 psi
(1520 kPa). Depress the extinguisher operating valve lever, and pressurize the extinguisher with Argon to
195 psi (1345 kPa). When the desired pressure has been reached, release the operating lever. Shut off
Argon supply, and remove the quick connect.
10. Remove the charging adapter. Check extinguisher for leaks by applying leak detecting fluid or a solution
of soapy water to the valve, discharge orifice, around the collar O-ring sealing area, cylinder welds, and
gauge. Remove leak-detecting fluid from valve assembly by blowing out with air or Argon. Wipe exterior of
extinguisher to remove any remaining residue.
11. Install the hose assembly to the operating valve. Reconnect the female swivel on the extension applicator
to the male swivel on the hose. Rotate the hose assembly several times to verify that the swivel operates
freely. Disconnect and clean the inside of the female swivel with a small brush and compressed air if
rotation is impeded. Install hose and extension applicator according to instructions on page 10.
12. Install ring pin and tamper seal. Record recharge date, and attach new recharge tag.
13. Weigh assembled extinguisher, and confirm that the total weight is within the allowable tolerances
indicated in the "Maintenance" section of the nameplate (label).
COMPLETE MAINTENANCE (SIX-YEAR TEARDOWN)
Every 6 years, stored-pressure extinguishers shall be emptied and subjected to the applicable maintenance
procedures. When the applicable maintenance procedures are performed during periodic recharging, the six-
year requirement shall begin from that date.
NOTE: Some states require Complete Maintenance on an Annual Basis. Check with your Amerex
servicing distributor to see if this applies to you. NFPA 10 requires that a "verification of
service" external collar tag be installed on the extinguisher whenever "Six-Year
Maintenance" is performed. The "verification of service" tag can only be installed if the
operating valve has been removed. A "Six-Year Maintenance" service decal must also be
attached to the extinguisher cylinder.
COMPLETE MAINTENANCE (SIX YEAR TEARDOWN) PROCEDURE
1. Discharge powder and pressure into a "closed" dry-powder recovery system (several are commercially
available). Make sure that the extinguisher is completely empty and depressurized.
CAUTION: DO NOT CONTAMINATE BY MIXING WITH OTHER TYPES OF DRY POWDER OR DRY
CHEMICAL.

PN 05619 04/2020
2. Perform all required maintenance in Steps 1 through 8 of "Maintenance Procedure" (Annual).
3. VERIFY THAT NO PRESSURE REMAINS IN THE EXTINGUISHER (slowly squeeze discharge lever,
aiming away from persons or objects which might be injured or damaged). Remove the valve assembly
from the cylinder, and inspect it for signs of corrosion or damage to the threads. Replace parts as
necessary.
4. Disassemble valve assembly by removing the downtube, spring, and valve stem assembly. Remove the
collar O-ring from the valve assembly.
5. Complete steps 2 through 13 of Recharge Procedure.
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
WARNING: CHECK TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF A LEAK BEFORE THE EXTINGUISHER IS
DEPRESSURIZED. LEAKAGE REPAIRS WILL REQUIRE DEPRESSURIZATION OF THE
EXTINGUISHER AND REMOVAL OF THE VALVE ASSEMBLY. DEPRESSURIZE BY
HOLDING THE EXTINGUISHER IN AN INVERTED POSITION AND SLOWLY SQUEEZING
THE DISCHARGE LEVER. SOME POWDER REMAINING IN THE DOWNTUBE WILL BE
EXPELLED SO CARE SHALL BE TAKEN IN THE AREA BEING USED FOR
DEPRESSURIZING. DO NOT DIRECT DISCHARGE TOWARD ANY PERSON OR OBJECT
THAT COULD BE INJURED OR DAMAGED. THOROUGHLY CLEAN ALL VALVE PARTS
AFTER DEPRESSURIZATION AND VALVE REMOVAL.
Problem Corrective action
1. Leak at operating valve collar O-ring Remove valve assembly, clean collar
thoroughly, and install new collar O-ring.
Lubricate with Bluestar V-711
2. Leak through valve Check valve seat for stretches or foreign matter.
Install new valve stem assembly.
3. Leak around gauge threads Remove gauge*, and reinstall using Teflon tape
on the gauge threads.
4. Defective gauge. Remove defective gauge*, and install new PN
03965 195 psi (1345 kPa) gauge using Teflon
tape on the gauge threads.
5. Leak in cylinder Contact Amerex if under warranty, otherwise–
mark “Rejected” and remove from service or
return to owner.
* 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 1/16" 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.