SF-SB5 Standard BC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher – 5 lb. Portable Protection for Flammable Liquids and Electrical Hazards
The Strike First SF-SB5 is a 5 lb. portable BC dry chemical fire extinguisher engineered for professional use in environments where flammable liquids, gases, and energized electrical equipment present fire risk. Rated 10-B:C by UL and ULC, and U.S.C.G. approved as Type B:C Size I, it is built to meet or exceed ANSI/UL 299, ANSI/UL 711, CAN/ULC-S504, and CAN/ULC-S508 standards. With an operating temperature range of -65°F to 120°F and a 195 PSI charge, this unit is suited for contractors, fleet vehicles, marine applications, and industrial facilities requiring a compact, reliable first-response extinguisher. Strike First has been manufacturing fire equipment for over 35 years, and the SF-SB5 reflects that experience in every design detail.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | SF-SB5 |
| Capacity | 5 lbs. |
| UL/ULC Rating | 10-B:C |
| U.S.C.G. Approval | Type B:C Size I |
| Range | 8–10 ft (2.5–3 m) |
| Temperature Range | -65°F to 120°F (-54°C to 49°C) |
| Discharge Time | 13 sec. |
| PSI | 195 |
| Height | 15 1/4" (39 cm) |
| Width | 6 3/4" (17 cm) |
| Diameter | 4 1/4" (11 cm) |
| Weight | 10 1/2 lbs. (4.8 kg) |
| Fire Class | Class B (flammable liquids and gases), Class C (electrical equipment) |
| Standards | ANSI/UL 299, ANSI/UL 711, CAN/ULC-S504, CAN/ULC-S508 |
| Compliance | Complies with NFPA 10 Standard; Meets D.O.T. Requirements |
| Approval | UL Listed, ULC Listed, U.S.C.G. Approved (bracket listed on label) |
| Cylinder | Steel |
| Finish | Super durable polyester powder paint with superior corrosion resistance |
| Gauge | Waterproof stainless steel |
| Handle | Reinforced, full grip hardcoat anodized aluminum |
| Standard Bracket | Wall or Vehicle / Marine |
| Chrome Option | Not available (see SF-SB275 or SF-SB10) |
| Warranty | 6 Year |
Available Models – BC Dry Chemical Regular Series
| Specification | SF-SB275 (2.75 lb) | SF-SB5 (5 lb) | SF-SB10 (10 lb) | SF-SB20 (20 lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UL/ULC Rating | 10-B:C | 10-B:C | 60-B:C | 80-B:C |
| U.S.C.G. Approval | Type B:C Size I | Type B:C Size I | Type B:C Size II | Type B:C Size III |
| Range | 8–10 ft (2.5–3 m) | 8–10 ft (2.5–3 m) | 10–15 ft (3–4.5 m) | 10–15 ft (3–4.5 m) |
| Discharge Time | 9 sec | 13 sec | 15 sec | 28 sec |
| PSI | 150 | 195 | 235 | 235 |
| Height | 15 1/4" (39 cm) | 15 1/4" (39 cm) | 21 1/4" (54 cm) | 24" (61 cm) |
| Width | 3 3/4" (9.5 cm) | 6 3/4" (17 cm) | 8" (20.3 cm) | 9 1/2" (24 cm) |
| Diameter | 3 1/8" (8 cm) | 4 1/4" (11 cm) | 5 1/8" (13 cm) | 7 1/8" (18 cm) |
| Weight | 4 3/4 lb (2.2 kg) | 10 1/2 lb (4.8 kg) | 19 1/4 lb (8.8 kg) | 35 1/4 lb (16.1 kg) |
| Chrome Option | YES | – | YES | – |
| Standard Bracket | Vehicle | Wall or Vehicle / Marine | Wall / VB | Wall / VB |
| Optional Brackets | Wall | UP2, UP-DB, UB5, UB5-DB, UP5-MD, HDVB-1 | UP-10MD, HDVB-2 | HDVB-3 |
The SF-SB5 distinguishes itself from generic extinguishers through its modified universal valve body that accepts both pin and fork wall hooks, its hardcoat anodized aluminum handle, and its waterproof stainless steel gauge — construction-grade details that hold up in demanding jobsite and vehicle environments. The oversized pull pin with retaining strap enables faster activation under stress, and color and bar-coded labels simplify accurate service and inspection compliance.
Key Features & Benefits
Modified Universal Valve Body
Accepts both pin and fork wall hooks, giving contractors flexibility in how and where the unit is mounted — on a vehicle, a wall bracket, or a marine vessel. This eliminates the need for separate hardware when transitioning between mounting configurations.
Super Durable Polyester Powder Paint Finish
The steel cylinder is coated with a polyester powder paint finish engineered for superior corrosion resistance, making it suitable for outdoor, marine, and high-humidity jobsite environments. This finish helps maintain the unit's integrity and appearance over its service life.
Waterproof Stainless Steel Gauge
The stainless steel pressure gauge is waterproof, ensuring reliable pressure readings even in wet or exposed conditions. Contractors can perform quick visual inspections without concern for gauge failure due to moisture ingress.
Reinforced Full Grip Hardcoat Anodized Aluminum Handle
The handle is reinforced and features a full grip hardcoat anodized aluminum construction, providing a secure, durable grip during deployment. This is critical when seconds count and the operator may be wearing gloves or working in adverse conditions.
Oversized Pull Pin with Retaining Strap
The oversized pull pin with retaining strap is designed for easier and faster activation, reducing fumbling during an emergency. This feature is especially valuable for workers who may not regularly handle fire extinguishers.
Color and Bar Coded Labels
Labels are color and bar coded to support accurate service, inspection, and record-keeping. This simplifies compliance with NFPA 10 maintenance requirements and helps service technicians quickly identify the unit type and service history.
Wide Operating Temperature Range
Rated for use from -65°F to 120°F (-54°C to 49°C), the SF-SB5 remains operational in extreme cold and heat — from northern Canadian winters to hot industrial environments. This range makes it a reliable choice for year-round outdoor and vehicle-mounted applications.
6-Year Warranty
Backed by a 6-year warranty from a manufacturer with over 35 years of fire equipment production experience, the SF-SB5 represents a long-term investment in jobsite safety compliance.
Common Applications
Commercial and Industrial Vehicles
The SF-SB5's standard vehicle bracket and compact 15 1/4" height make it well suited for mounting in trucks, vans, and heavy equipment cabs where flammable fuel and electrical systems present fire risk.
Marine Vessels
U.S.C.G. approved as Type B:C Size I with a marine-compatible bracket, the SF-SB5 meets the requirements for onboard fire suppression on qualifying vessels where flammable fuel and electrical fires are primary concerns.
Manufacturing Facilities
Designed for manufacturing environments where flammable liquids, gases, and energized equipment are present, the SF-SB5 provides first-response capability at workstations and along production lines.
Construction Jobsites
Portable and wall-mountable, the SF-SB5 is appropriate for placement in site trailers, near generators, and at fuel storage areas on active construction sites.
Wall-Mounted Building Installation
Compatible with wall brackets (including optional UP2, UP-DB, UB5, UB5-DB, UP5-MD, and HDVB-1), the SF-SB5 can be installed in commercial buildings, warehouses, and garages to meet fire code requirements for Class B and C hazard areas.
Compatible Materials
- Flammable liquids (Class B fires)
- Flammable gases (Class B fires)
- Energized electrical equipment (Class C fires)
Product Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What fire classes does the SF-SB5 cover?
A: The SF-SB5 is rated for Class B fires (flammable liquids and gases) and Class C fires (energized electrical equipment). It is not rated for Class A fires involving ordinary combustibles.
Q: Is the SF-SB5 approved for use on boats or marine vessels?
A: Yes. The SF-SB5 carries U.S.C.G. approval as Type B:C Size I, and the standard bracket is listed on the label for marine use.
Q: What mounting options are available for the SF-SB5?
A: The standard bracket supports wall or vehicle/marine mounting. Optional brackets include UP2, UP-DB, UB5, UB5-DB, UP5-MD, and HDVB-1.
Q: Does the SF-SB5 comply with NFPA 10?
A: Yes. The SF-SB5 complies with the NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, as stated on the product datasheet.
Q: What is the operating temperature range of the SF-SB5?
A: The SF-SB5 is rated for operation from -65°F to 120°F (-54°C to 49°C), making it suitable for extreme cold and hot environments.
Q: How does the SF-SB5 compare to other models in the BC Regular series?
A: The SF-SB5 offers the same 10-B:C UL/ULC rating and Type B:C Size I U.S.C.G. approval as the smaller SF-SB275, but with a longer 13-second discharge time and higher 195 PSI operating pressure. For higher-rated protection, the SF-SB10 (60-B:C) and SF-SB20 (80-B:C) are available in the same series.