Fire extinguisher how long

All information is subject to change at any time without notice. Contact us for complete details. Posted on: February 15, Lifespan of a Fire Extinguisher When you purchase a new carbon dioxide, pressurized water, or wet chemical extinguisher, you can expect it to last at least five years. Extending the Lifespan of a Fire Extinguisher As long as you keep up with required hydrostatic testing and the maintenance requirements outlined in NFPA 10, you can expect your fire extinguishers to last for decades.

Make sure they are installed in the proper locations, feature legible labels, have no signs of tampering, and possess a full charge. Schedule professional fire extinguisher inspections once a year. Hydrostatically test your extinguishers every five or 12 years, depending on the type. Perform required six-year maintenance on rechargeable dry chemical fire extinguishers. How to Tell When to Replace a Fire Extinguisher Obviously, you should dispose of a fire extinguisher if it fails a hydrostatic test.

The following problems warrant service or replacement: A broken or leaky seal that prevents the canister from holding a charge. A clogged, cracked, or ripped nozzle or hose , which could cause a malfunction if you attempt to use the extinguisher.

Know the warning signs. If your fire extinguisher is indeed expired or damaged beyond repair, dispose of it properly. Take it to your local hazardous waste collection site find one locally with an online search or local fire department call first to ensure that the station accepts expired extinguisher drop-offs. Never throw a fire extinguisher into the trash or recycling bin, because it still has hazardous, pressurized chemicals inside that can contaminate the earth or even explode. Depending on where you live, improper fire extinguisher disposal may also be subject to a fine.

Disclosure: BobVila. While not all fire extinguishers have gauges, most do. Look for the indicator on top of the handle. It will show you the amount of pressure left in the tank. They usually have a red empty and green full section, so as long as the pointer is in the green area, your equipment should have enough material to function correctly.

Hopefully, you keep your fire extinguisher in a safe environment. Fires can happen anywhere, and you need to keep extinguishers near the most likely places. Such locations are often subject to physical damage or environmental corrosion of your unit. To learn more, or to arrange for your extinguishers to be maintained by our expert technicians, call us today on This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience Use the form below to search for your specific query Search for:.

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