Smarter Fire Protection on Patrol: A Look at Element
When you stumble on a fire during a shift (whether it is a crash scene, a brush fire, or an engine bay short) you are acting in seconds. The last thing you need is a tool that gets in your own way.
Here is a quick look at why the Element fire extinguisher makes sense for daily patrol, along with a simple way to bring it up to your Command Staff if you think it fits your department's needs.
Built for the Street: How Element Helps the Officer
Unexpected fires create immediate operational problems. Element tackles those challenges directly with features designed for how patrol actually works:
-
Stays Right in the Cab: Element sticks are less than 12 inches long and weigh under a pound. You can store one right in your door pocket, glove box, or center console. That means no opening the trunk, digging past heavy gear bags, or wrestling with mounting brackets.
-
50 to 100 Seconds of Suppression: Standard small extinguishers empty in a brief flash. The Element E50 discharges continuously for 50 seconds, and the E100 lasts for 100 seconds. That gives you much more time to get a fire under control.
-
Zero Mess: Element uses a potassium aerosol instead of dry chemical powder. It will not ruin sensitive vehicle electronics, and leaves no chemical residue on your gear.
Why Bring This to Your Command Staff?
Suggesting practical gear solutions to your leadership is a great way to show initiative. Presenting a solid option like Element demonstrates that you are thinking about daily officer safety while also respecting the department's budget and fleet limits.
If you agree that Element is the right solution for your patrol car, here is a straightforward framework you can use to pitch it to your CO.
The Pitch: How to Present Element to Your CO
When talking to leadership, speak directly to the operational and financial benefits that matter to them:
-
Eliminates Ongoing Service Costs: Traditional compressed tanks require annual third-party inspections, six-year internal checks, and hydro-testing. Element is non-pressurized with zero moving parts, requiring $0 in annual maintenance fees.
-
No Expiration Dates: Element units have no pressure to lose and no powder to cake up, so they last indefinitely until used. This eliminates forced fleet replacement cycles.
-
Frees Up Trunk and Cab Space: Modern patrol cars are packed. Element takes up a tiny fraction of the space required by traditional equipment, leaving more room for medical kits, spike strips, and tactical gear.
Quick Comparison for Command Staff
| Feature | Standard Fleet Issue Auto ABC | Premium Clean Agent | Element E50 / E100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agent Type | Monoammonium Phosphate (Dry Chemical) | Halotron / Halon Clean Gas | Potassium Aerosol |
| Upfront Cost (retail) |
~$35 - $60 per unit | ~$330 - $470 per unit | ~$80 - $120 per unit |
| Annual Maintenance | Requires yearly checks & tag fees | Requires yearly checks & pressure tests | $0 (Zero maintenance required) |
| Expiration Date | 6 - 12 year lifespan (needs inspection) | Needs periodic pressure verification | No expiration date |
| Discharge Time | ~8 to 12 seconds | ~9 to 10 seconds | 50 to 100 seconds |
| Residue / Mess | Heavy, corrosive powder cloud | None (Clean agent) | None (Clean agent) |
| Cab Storage | Bulky metal tank (usually trunk mounted) | Metal tank (requires heavy mounting) | Under 1 lb / Fits in door pocket |
| 10-Year TCO (Per Vehicle) |
~$280 - $400+ (Includes unit price, annual tag fees, and mandatory 6-year teardown) |
~$700 - $1,100+ (Includes high initial purchase price and premium clean-agent inspection fees) |
~$80 - $120 total (Initial unit cost only, with zero ongoing inspection or teardown expenses) |
Next Steps
Image courtesy of Fayetteville Police Department
If this looks like a tool that would make your shifts safer and easier, print this breakdown or bring it up during your next equipment committee meeting. The goal is simply to open the door to testing a few demo units in your fleet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Element extinguisher expire?
No. It has no pressurized gas or moving parts, meaning Element lasts indefinitely and never expires.
Will Element damage my patrol car's electronics or gear?
No. Element uses a clean agent discharge that leaves zero residue and is completely safe for sensitive electronics.
How long does Element discharge for?
The E50 discharges continuously for 50 seconds, and the E100 for 100 seconds. That is up to 10 times longer than standard pressurized extinguishers.
Do I need to pay for annual maintenance?
No. Element is 100% maintenance-free, saving your department from yearly tag fees and teardown costs.
Is it safe to store in extreme heat or cold?
Yes. Element is tested to safely withstand and operate in temperatures ranging from -58°F to +176°F (-50°C to + 80°C).
What types of fires does it put out?
Element fights Class A fire (solid combustibles), Class B fires (flammable liquids and gases), Class C fires (electrical fires up to 100,000V), and Class K fires (cooking oils and grease).