What are the FRA (49 CFR ___?) requirements for diesel-electric locomotive fire extinguishers:

Type: ABC? or BC?

Size: 10 lb minimum? 20 lb?

Locations: 1 in cab, plus 1 on each side of engine/generator compartment? (which was Southern Pacific RR's standard arrangement)

(I searched 49 CFR 229 “Railroad Locomotive Safety Standards”, but could not find answers to these questions. Are diesel locomotive fire extinguishers specified in some other 49 CFR ___?)

Thanks!
- Doug Debs

Do not use an ABC. The "A" ingredients are very abrasive. They can cause engine damge if drawn into a running engine. Any residue left over is very abrasive to all rotating equipment. Like sand blasting it will get into to EVERYTHING! Use a BC only.
We have one 10 pounder in the cab and one in the engine compartment. 10 pounders are easier to use in tight confines like a locomotive. Used properly you can put out most fires with a 10 pounder and you have a second one for back up. if 2 10 pounders don't put it out your in trouble!

I think it might be a good idea to clarify that a BC or ABC extinguisher could both be a dry chemical / dry powder type. What you want is a BC rated - Carbon Dioxide (co2) extinguisher. These cool everything down and leave no residue. One of the Halon replacement extinguishers would certainly work as well, but would be more expensive.

David Farlow
Whitewater Valley Railroad

I found fire extinguisher websites that state:

- Both ABC dry chemical powder (monoammonium phosphate) and BC dry chemical powder (sodium bicarbonate, which is ordinary baking soda) are "non-abrasive".

- Sodium bicarbonate is less corrosive than monoammonium phosphate.

- Ansul's proprietary BC dry chemical mixture "Plus Fifty C" (primarily sodium bicarbonate) is about twice as effective, pound for pound, as CO2 gas. (On the other hand, CO2 is 100% non-abrasive, 100% non-corrosive, and leaves no residue - it just evaporates.)

So.... is BC dry chemical OK for diesel engine / generator compartments?
Thanks! - Doug Debs

I've used more than a few BC Ansul's on locomotive fires and there all still running strong.