The CPSC recommends ceasing the use of fire extinguisher balls as they do not work.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is advising consumers to immediately stop using Elide fire extinguishing balls, a product that claims to automatically activate in case of a fire and release fire-retardant chemicals to extinguish it. According to the CPSC, using these fire extinguishing balls can lead to burns, smoke inhalation, serious injuries, and even death as the products may fail to extinguish fires. The agency also noted that the Elide Fire balls lack important features such as a pressure gauge and a locking device to prevent accidental discharge.
The CPSC urges consumers to refrain from purchasing or selling these fire extinguishing balls and to dispose of them at a local fire department or hazardous waste facility. The warning applies to all three models of Elide Fire extinguishing balls, which come in different colors, weights, and sizes and typically retail for $95 to $120. Despite Elide Fire’s claims of meeting European certification standards, the CPSC found that the products did not comply with the UL 299 standard for dry chemical extinguishers and UL 711 fire rating and testing for fire extinguishers, both of which are voluntary safety standards.
The agency recommended that consumers only purchase extinguishers that meet the UL 299 and UL711 standards. Elide Fire, a Thailand-based company, has not complied with the CPSC’s request to recall or remedy the fire extinguishing balls, which the company claims are superior to traditional fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems. E Fire USA, a U.S. company selling a similar patented fire extinguishing ball called “E-Fire Ball,” disagrees with the CPSC’s warning and emphasizes that innovative products like theirs should not be held to the same standards as traditional fire extinguishers.
Despite not being mentioned in the CPSC statement, EFire USA expressed concerns about misinformation regarding their product and stressed that additional fire protection tools are necessary. The company clarified that their product is meant to complement, not replace, traditional fire extinguishers and systems. They believe that there is always a need for more fire protection tools to prevent the spread of fires and support industry innovation.
