5LB Amerex B402 - ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher - OEM

The Amerex B402 is a 5 lb ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher that sets the industry benchmark for reliability and extinguishing power. While many 5 lb extinguishers carry a standard 2-A rating, the Amerex B402 is engineered with a 3-A:40-B:C UL rating, providing 50% more firefighting capability on Class A hazards — wood, paper, and trash — than the industry average for its size.

Manufactured in the USA, this unit is designed for environments where failure is not an option, from commercial kitchens and warehouses to specialized service vehicle fleets. Built with an all-metal valve assembly and a high-strength steel cylinder, the B402 is a stored-pressure unit that offers the perfect synergy of portability and industrial-strength performance. Unlike plastic-head consumer models found in big-box stores, the B402 is a professional life-safety tool that is fully rechargeable and designed to last for decades with proper maintenance.

High-Performance Fire Class Protection

The Amerex B402 utilizes a specially fluidized and siliconized monoammonium phosphate dry chemical. This agent chemically insulates Class A fires by melting at approximately 350°F and coating the surface to which it is applied. It also smothers and breaks the chain reaction of Class B fires and does not conduct electricity back to the operator.

• Class A (Ordinary Combustibles): High-capacity 3-A rating for wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and plastics.
• Class B (Flammable Liquids): 40-B rating effectively suppresses gasoline, oil, and grease fires.
• Class C (Electrical Equipment): Safe for use on energized electrical equipment.

The Amerex Advantage

• Large Loop Stainless Steel Pull Pin: Designed for easy removal even while wearing thick work gloves, ensuring rapid deployment in high-stress situations.
• Bar-Coded Labels: Every B402 features a permanent bar-coded label for easy maintenance tracking, a feature favored by facility managers using digital inspection software.
• Corrosion-Resistant Finish: Amerex uses a specialized polyester and epoxy powder coating that is significantly more resistant to salt spray and UV fading than standard paints.
• All-Metal Construction: Many competitors have moved to nylon or plastic handles. Amerex remains committed to heavy-duty chrome-plated brass or aluminum valves for maximum durability.

Per NFPA 10, the B402 is ideally suited for light hazard and ordinary hazard occupancies. Its 3-A rating allows it to cover a larger floor area per unit compared to a 2-A model, potentially reducing the total number of units required to meet code in large facilities.

• Commercial Fleets: The B402 is the preferred model for delivery trucks and service vans when paired with a vehicle bracket.
• Retail and Hospitality: Its clean, professional red finish fits seamlessly into customer-facing areas while providing robust protection.
• Manufacturing and Warehousing: High enough capacity for pallet storage areas and mechanical rooms.

The Amerex B402 is a serviceable investment. To maintain its UL listing and ensure it performs when called upon, the following maintenance cycle is required by NFPA 10:

• Monthly Visual Inspection: Verify the needle is in the green zone on the pressure gauge and the safety seal is unbroken.
• Annual Maintenance: A professional external maintenance inspection by a certified fire safety technician.
• 6-Year Internal Maintenance: The unit must be emptied and subjected to a full internal examination.
• 12-Year Hydrostatic Test: A pressure test of the cylinder to verify structural integrity.

What is the difference between the Amerex B402 and a 5 lb extinguisher from a hardware store?

The B402 is a commercial-grade unit with an all-metal valve and a higher UL rating (3-A vs 2-A). Consumer models often use plastic valves that cannot be recharged once used and are more prone to leaking over time.

Does this unit include a vehicle bracket?

The B402 comes standard with a wall bracket. If you are installing this in a truck or van, you will need to purchase a heavy-duty vehicle bracket — Amerex part number 818 or 861 — to prevent the unit from becoming a projectile in a collision.

How do I know when the extinguisher was manufactured?

Amerex stamps the year of manufacture into the bottom of the steel cylinder. This date is critical for calculating your 6-year and 12-year maintenance deadlines.