When must fire extinguishers be replaced?

Author: Alejandra Hettinger  |  Last update: Sunday, April 6, 2025

When do fire extinguishers expire? Although they don't have a true "expiration date," traditional fire extinguishers generally have a 10-12 year life expectancy. Disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguishers should be replaced every 10 years.

When should fire extinguishers be replaced?

The best bet is to check with the manufacturer of the fire extinguisher. However, a general rule of thumb that's often used in the industry is: Rechargeable fire extinguishers have a 10 to 12-year life expectancy, while non-rechargeable (aka disposable) fire extinguishers can be replaced after every 10 years.

How do I know when my fire extinguisher expires?

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.

How many years is a fire extinguisher good for?

How long do fire extinguishers last? 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.

Do fire extinguishers have to be replaced every 5 years?

BS5306 recommends that Water, Foam and Powder Fire Extinguishers are tested by discharge every 5 years and refilled or replaced and CO2 Fire Extinguishers should be replaced every 10 years. Fire Fighting Equipment should be serviced annually in accordance with BS5306.

How to Inspect a Fire Extinguisher

What year are fire extinguishers obsolete?

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)

Can you service a fire extinguisher yourself?

You are able to conduct fire extinguisher maintenance yourself on a monthly basis - you would check to see whether the apparatus is still in good condition and the pressure gauge is showing there is sufficient pressure.

What do you do with a 20 year old fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers contain chemicals unsafe for typical waste management plants, and they should be disposed of at a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility.

What is the maximum expiry date for a fire extinguisher?

There is no hard and fast rule for an extinguisher's expiry date, however, the average life span is usually between 10-12 years. Checking the manufacturing date can give you an idea if you're due a replacement, and your regular annual services will also be able to advise on this.

What is the shelf life of an ABC fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers, including the ABC type, typically have a recommended service life of 5 to 15 years, depending on the manufacturer and regulatory guidelines. However, it is important to note that this service life refers to the overall lifespan of the fire extinguisher and not just the need for refilling.

How much does it cost to get a fire extinguisher inspected?

A professional fire protection and equipment company must test and certify your fire extinguisher once a year. Inspections typically cost between $40 and $100, depending on the urgency and size of the business.

What happens if you use an expired fire extinguisher?

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.

What is the date stamp on a fire extinguisher?

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.

Is it cheaper to recharge a fire extinguisher or buy a new one?

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.

How do I know if my fire extinguisher is expired?

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.

What signs indicate a fire extinguisher needs to be replaced immediately?

For rechargeable fire extinguishers, you will need to replace them if any of the following issues occur:
  • Device is slowly losing pressure.
  • Hose or nozzle is clogged, cracked, or ripped.
  • Handle is broken or wobbly.
  • Locking pin is broken or detached.
  • Outer shell is damaged.
  • Inspection tag is not attached.
  • Fails hydrostatic test.

Is a 25 year old fire extinguisher still good?

A fire extinguisher's lifespan depends on when it was manufactured and the type of extinguisher. Generally, a fire extinguisher has an expected service life of between 5 and 25 years from the date of manufacture. The environment has much to do with how well the extinguisher holds up.

Is it illegal to not have a fire extinguisher in your house?

Fire extinguishers are required in most commercial, industrial and residential buildings. The only buildings where fire extinguishers are not mandated are family homes.

How to tell if a fire extinguisher is good?

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.

Do fire stations take old fire extinguishers?

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.

What do you do with out of date fire extinguishers?

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.

What is the life limit of fire extinguisher?

Disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguishers should be replaced every 10 years. Rechargeable fire extinguishers should be taken to an experienced fire equipment service company and inspected/recharged every 6 years, especially if used in a commercial application or in an uncontrolled temperature setting.

Does the fire department recharge fire extinguishers?

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.

Are silver fire extinguishers legal?

Yes, chrome extinguishers, also known as stainless steel or polished aluminium extinguishers, are made using the same quality standards as red ones and are legal. They have the same functionality and are as effective when tackling a fire.

How much does a fire extinguisher system cost?

All in all, the cost of dry chemical fire suppression systems can vary widely, depending on the particular system's size, complexity, and extinguishing agents. For a basic system, the typical cost ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, with additional costs for the extinguishing agent and any associated labor costs.

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