Modder’s Tools: Canned Fire

Canned air is a staple in computer maintenance. Everyone knows what this stuff is: it delivers concentrated, cool, dry air into small spaces, and is often kept within arm’s reach of your desktop.

However, some people may not know how flammable this stuff is. For example, the MSDS for classic Dust-Off is rated a 4 on the flammability scale, aka 1 unit higher than gasoline.

This is why canned air should never be used around open flame, very hot metal, or open electrical arcs. This sounds obvious, but it’s worth considering when working with non-computer equipment. Relays, motors, and engines are just a few examples of things that can serve as ignition sources. It’s also something to keep in mind in case there’s ever an emergency: it would be catastrophic to grab a can in the hopes of blowing out a flame!

Taken from the Dust-Off site

Flammability

While none of Falcon’s dusters can be ignited during normal use, Dust-Off® General Use dusters (dusters containing Dymel 152A – Difluoroethane) should NOT be used near potential ignition sources, such as open flames, hot surfaces, or spark producing equipment (such as paper shredders).

If a duster is a preferred cleaning tool in an area where flammability is a concern, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that a Dust-Off® Special Application duster (dusters that contain Dymel 134A – Tetrafluoroethane) be used. Our Special Application dusters, and all dusters containing pure 134A, are completely non-flammable.

For more information, view the “Dusters and Flammability” video regarding aerosol flammability and how aerosol products are tested view the demonstration video.