![Man inspecting a fire extinguisher](/cm/dpl/images/create/Where-Are-Your-Tenants-Fire-Extinguishers.jpg)
Red and ready, or past its prime? Most of us buy a fire extinguisher with the best intentions---to be prepared for the unthinkable. But then, life gets busy, and that red canister tucked away in the corner fades away from our minds. We hope we'll never need it, but when a fire strikes, seconds count.
In this blog post, we'll cut to the chase: How long can you expect your fire extinguisher to last when in use? Read on for a complete breakdown of how long they typically discharge and the essential maintenance steps to keep your extinguisher in top firefighting shape.
Understanding the Shelf Life of a Fire Extinguisher
While fire extinguishers have a shelf life ranging from five to 15 years, depending on the type it, they could be more complex. It's not as straightforward as a carton of milk.
With proper care, portable extinguishers can last for a significantly longer time. Here's what determines how long your fire extinguisher will stay reliable:
Manufacturer's Instructions and Dates
When you first purchase an extinguisher, the manufacturer's tag is your roadmap. It provides crucial details on proper maintenance and the estimated lifespan with proper care.
Pressure Gauge Monitoring
For extinguishers with a pressure gauge, monthly checks are essential. The needle should be firmly in the green zone, indicating proper charge for operation.
Regular Professional Inspection
If your extinguisher lacks a pressure gauge, it requires annual inspections by a qualified professional. This ensures all internal components are functioning correctly and the extinguisher is ready for action.
Maintenance Records
Reputable professionals will provide a hangtag documenting their services and maintenance performed. Keep this record for easy reference and to track upcoming service intervals.
Dispelling the Myth: Portable Extinguishers with Proper Care Can Last
Unlike disposable extinguishers, which have a limited lifespan, portable extinguishers can theoretically last for an extended period with proper care. This longevity hinges on a crucial process called hydrostatic testing.
What Is Hydrostatic Testing?
Imagine your fire extinguisher as a high-pressure vessel. It needs to be structurally sound to contain the extinguishing agent and propel it effectively. Hydrostatic testing simulates this pressure by exposing the extinguisher shell to a controlled, high-pressure environment. If the shell passes this rigorous test, it signifies the extinguisher is still structurally sound and can be refilled for continued service. This typically extends its lifespan for several years.
How to do Hydrostatic Testing
It's important to note that you should not attempt hydrostatic testing yourself as it's a complex procedure that should only be performed by a qualified and licensed professional. Here's a general overview of the process to give you an idea of what's involved:
-
Prep Work: A technician will first discharge any remaining extinguishing agent from the extinguisher to thoroughly inspect the extinguisher for any visible signs of damage or corrosion.
-
Test Chamber & Water Bath: The extinguisher is placed inside a secure pressure chamber, which is then filled with water, completely submerging the extinguisher.
-
Pressurization: A pump forces pressurized water into the extinguisher cylinder, exceeding its normal operating pressure by a specific percentage (typically 125-150%).
-
Holding & Inspection: The extinguisher is held at this high pressure for a designated period, allowing for close observation of any leaks, bulging, or deformations in the shell.
-
Pressure Release & Inspection: After the holding period, pressure is slowly released. A technician will then inspect the extinguisher for any signs of permanent damage or leaks that might have occurred during the test.
-
Pass or Fail: If the extinguisher exhibits no signs of weakness or leaks, it successfully passes the hydrostatic test. This signifies it can be refilled and returned to service. However, if any issues are detected, the extinguisher will fail the test and may require repairs or replacement.
Knowing your fire extinguisher needs a hydrostatic test is vital, but the process can be challenging. Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service offers expert inspections by certified professionals, so you don't have to risk a railing extinguisher in a fire. Contact us today to schedule your test.
Signs Your Fire Extinguisher Needs Attention
Even with proper maintenance, certain signs indicate an extinguisher might be nearing the end of its usable life expectancy of your fire extinguisher. While routine maintenance extends the lifespan of a portable fire extinguisher considerably compared to disposable models, it's crucial to stay vigilant for these warning signs:
Leaking or Faulty Seal
Each extinguisher has a seal around the neck. Over time, this seal can break down or weaken, allowing compressed air to escape and lowering the internal pressure. A compromised seal renders the extinguisher inoperable, necessitating replacement.
Cracked or Blocked Hose
A cracked or debris-blocked hose impedes the flow of the extinguishing agent, making the extinguisher useless.
Missing or Broken Components
Essential components like a missing locking pin, a broken handle, or a lost hangtag documenting service history all indicate that the extinguisher needs repair or replacement.
Prioritize Safety & Invest in Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
Maintaining your fire extinguisher isn't just about extending its lifespan; it's about ensuring your safety and the safety of your loved ones. A neglected extinguisher can fail you in a critical moment, potentially leading to devastating consequences.
Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service Is Your Partner in Fire Safety
At Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service, we understand the importance of fire preparedness. We offer comprehensive maintenance services for all types of fire extinguishers, ensuring they remain reliable and ready for action.
Let our trained professionals handle the critical task of maintaining your fire extinguishers. Contact us today for a consultation and professional service to keep your home or business equipped for any fire emergency.
Fire safety is of the utmost importance in the workplace. Quickly knowing a fire is present in the building is vital to ensuring the health and safety of everyone in your office. Choosing a suitable fire alarm system can be...
A fire safety plan can be defined a formal document that contains details of the procedures that should be followed in case there is a fire. Ideally, the fire safety plan should suit the resources of a given building. A fire safety plan does not...
One of the most vital safety devices any home can have, there are few items in your home more important than a fire extinguisher. Nevertheless, the average person seems to have no clue with regards to how and when they need to be serviced. That...
All residential and commercial buildings should have measures of protection in place against smoke and fire. One example of an excellent preventative measure is installing a fire sprinkler system. However, many people struggle to choose a fire...
To avoid hazardous accidents caused due to fire, your home alarm system should work fine. The key is to check the fire alarm system as per the expert recommendation to keep it functioning properly and to see if there is a need of a battery...
Never underestimate the importance of performing regular fire drills in the home, workplace, or school. Always remember that when a real fire happens, the time to react can be measured in seconds! Performing regular fire drills are essential for...
While a fire can start anywhere at any time, below is a list of the top four most common causes of fires. This information may even help you to prevent starting a fire.
1. In the United States, the most common type of fire starts in the...
Thousands of fires occur every year and sometimes they are fatal. Fires are serious whether they are major or minor. When a fire occurs, a lot of damage can take place. Read on for five simple safety tips you can follow to keep you,...
Before the Fire Starts
Preventing a grease fire is far more easy than starting one. If you are cooking with grease or oil, always maintain supervision of the liquid. Watch for warning signs like a change in smell or visible smoke vapors; Turn...
Despite the vast improvements in fire safety codes and procedures in recent decades, fires still manage to devastate homes and businesses on a regular basis. Fires cause millions of dollars of property damage and cost thousands of lives every...
When you’re working in the fast-paced atmosphere of a modern office, it’s easy to let something like fire safety slip through the cracks. After all, why would you waste time thinking about something that has such a small likelihood...
Owners of large, commercial buildings have many concerns related to general and preventative maintenance, rent, insurance, and more. One of the biggest causes of concern for owners of large buildings is possible fire damage. Without adequate...
Owners of residential buildings need to take several precautionary steps in order to ensure the safety of the residents, especially when it comes to fire safety. Fires can start quickly, and for that reason, it is important to have a...
If you own a business, you should take the time to examine your fire prevention plans and policies that you have in place. If you do not have a commercial fire extinguisher system, or if your system is outdated, it may be time to consider buying...
It is very important to have health and safety take priority in the workplace. Most deaths and injuries from fires are the result of people not knowing the proper fire safety and exit strategies to follow. It is up to every employer to...
An automatic fire suppression system can not only control a fire in a building, but it can also extinguish fires well before the fire department can arrive on scene. It does this without the need for any human intervention. Automatic fire...
According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), there are approximately 3,350 office fires per year in the United States. The 3,350 annual office fires result in approximately 112 million in property damage to business...
Electrical fires can happen very quickly, but at times, there are some warning signs that should be heeded. Electrical fires can happen as a result of faulty wiring and by overloading circuits. Electrical fires can also happen as a...
A fire extinguisher is something that we see all the time. They’re prominently displayed in every public building, as well as most houses and apartments. In fact, we’re so used to seeing them that we don’t usually notice when one is in the...
All commercial property owners are required to undergo an annual fire safety inspection in order to assess and diminish the potential for life threatening hazards in buildings.
The best way to ensure that you pass your inspection from...
Whether you pay close attention or not, you’ve probably seen fire sprinklers in most of the commercial buildings you’ve entered. Mounted on the ceiling, they are designed to drench an area with water to put off a fire before it spreads....
Restaurants present a considerable fire risk, with open flames, hot equipment, electrical appliances, and oil all coming together in a small, hectic environment. Fire can be devastating to a business, leading to lost revenue, permanent damage...
A well functioning fire alarm system is essential to the safety of your family, employees, or tenants. Having well-functioning fire alarm system and fire protection equipment is not only common sense—it’s a legal requirement in...
Have you ever dumped water on a kitchen fire only to see the flames grow even larger? This is because water actually causes flames from oil, fat, and grease to spread and grow. Since all fires are not created equally, there are a...
You probably don’t think much about your fire extinguisher until you really need it — and that’s the worst time to discover that it no longer functions. In most commercial and public facilities, the law requires that you have yearly...
When receiving an inspection of your kitchen fire suppression system, there are a few things you should know to ensure the safety of your property, employees and yourself. The following questions can assist restaurant owners in assessing the...
We've added great new features and updated our content to bring you the most up to date information about our company. Check back often for updates.