If you're wondering how to find the expiration date on your fire extinguisher, look for a date stamp on the inspection tag first. You can also look for a date stamped on the cylinder's body.
Check the pressure gauge to make sure it reads in the green range. Make sure the fire extinguisher is full. This can be verified by lifting the unit or weighing it. Check for any wear or damage on the fire extinguisher, such as on the hose, nozzle, discharge handle or pressure gauge.
A 20-year-old fire extinguisher is generally considered outdated and may not be reliable. Fire extinguishers typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, depending on the type and manufacturer. Here are some steps to determine if it's still usable:
The seal around the neck is weakened or broken down, allowing the compressed air to escape. This will lower the pressure in the fire extinguisher and cause it to malfunction. The chemical powder in your fire extinguisher settles on the bottom of and gets packed down.
If you're wondering how to find the expiration date on your fire extinguisher, look for a date stamp on the inspection tag first. You can also look for a date stamped on the cylinder's body.
Recharging is generally more economical for larger, well-maintained extinguishers. However, replacing a small or damaged extinguisher might be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if frequent recharging is required.
If the fire extinguisher is partially or fully charged, call your fire department to ask if they accept drop-offs. If not, take the canister to a hazardous waste disposal facility.
As a good rule of thumb, you should plan to replace your disposable fire extinguisher every 12 years. If you aren't sure how old your extinguisher is then you can check the pressure gauge on a monthly basis to ensure it's still functional.
The most common 10lb ABC fire extinguishers can cost close to $100. Smaller 5lb fire extinguishers for small spaces go for around $40-$60. Commercial 20lb fire extinguisher can go upwards of around $200.
Here's what to do with an old, damaged, or expired extinguisher: If the fire extinguisher is partially or fully charged, call your fire department to ask if they accept drop-offs. If not, take the canister to a hazardous waste disposal facility.
Any extinguisher manufactured prior to 1955. Any extinguishers with 4B, 6B, 8B, 12B, and 16B fire ratings. Stored-pressure water extinguishers with fiberglass shells (pre-1976)
Rechargeable fire extinguishers can be charged until they need to be replaced, which, by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, is 12 years. There are additional scenarios where fire extinguisher recharge services are necessary.
Examine the extinguisher for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle. Confirm the pressure gauge or indicator is in the operable range or position, and lift the extinguisher to ensure it is still full. Make sure the operating instructions on the nameplate are legible and facing outward.
How to Find the Age of your Fire Extinguisher. There are a number of places you can look to find the manufacturing date of your fire extinguisher. The date should be stamped at the bottom of the cylinder, or be printed as a number below the label.
How to Read a Fire Extinguisher Expiration Date. You can tell when a fire extinguisher expires by looking at the year and month punched on the tag. The extinguisher expires one year after the date indicated on the tag. The expiration date can be found at the bottom of the fire extinguisher tag.
2. Does the Fire Department recharge or maintain portable fire extinguishers? No. However the Fire Department administrative office serves as a drop-off point for citizens requiring the services of a fire extinguisher maintenance company.
To find out if your fire extinguisher is expired, the year it was manufactured is usually stamped on the bottom or some have a year marked next to the Underwriters Lab (UL) label.
The average lifespan of a powder, foam or water extinguisher is usually between 10 and 12 years. This is based on the extinguisher being in good condition with no corrosion or damage. After this time, the fire extinguisher should be replaced with a new one.
Other materials such as plastics and rubber are also recyclable meaning that almost 100% of extinguishers that have reached the end of their life can be recycled. Fire extinguishers cannot be put into your household recycling bin, but you can take them to larger household waste recycling centres for disposal.
One of the best things you can do is a visual inspection of your extinguisher to ensure the gauge is in the green area. If it's in the red, it indicates the extinguisher is in need of a recharge or it has been overcharged.
Recharging a fire extinguisher would cost around $20 to $50 dollars, depending on the size.
If it holds up under high pressure, you can recharge the canister and continue to use it for a few more years. If not, you should replace the fire extinguisher.