What is the maximum effective range of a portable AFFF extinguisher?

What is the maximum effective range of a portable AFFF extinguisher?

• A. 15 ft and decreases as pressure decreases
• B. 25 ft
• C. 10 ft
• D. 12 ft

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how far you can reliably reach with a portable AFFF extinguisher. The discharge system and nozzle are designed to propel the foam to about 15 feet. That distance represents the maximum effective range where you can still deliver a solid foam blanket to the base of a small fire and knock it down. If the extinguisher’s pressure drops, the stream loses velocity and its reach shortens, so the effective range gets smaller. Choices like 25 feet are beyond what a portable unit can consistently deliver, while 10 or 12 feet are shorter than the maximum the device is built to provide. So the best answer is the 15-foot range, with the caveat that it decreases as pressure falls.

The main idea here is how far you can reliably reach with a portable AFFF extinguisher. The discharge system and nozzle are designed to propel the foam to about 15 feet. That distance represents the maximum effective range where you can still deliver a solid foam blanket to the base of a small fire and knock it down. If the extinguisher’s pressure drops, the stream loses velocity and its reach shortens, so the effective range gets smaller. Choices like 25 feet are beyond what a portable unit can consistently deliver, while 10 or 12 feet are shorter than the maximum the device is built to provide. So the best answer is the 15-foot range, with the caveat that it decreases as pressure falls.