Also, keep in mind that most fire extinguishers are good for 5 to 15 years, according to BobVila.com. Check the extinguisher's label or a paper tag for the expiration or last maintenance date. If it's 10 or more years ago, you may want to get a new fire extinguisher.
A 20-year-old fire extinguisher is generally considered outdated and may not be reliable.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:
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.
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.
Although fire extinguishers don't actually have expiry dates and don't technically become expired, extinguishers can require recharging after a certain amount of time or need further maintenance for continued safe operation… but this only usually an option for newer extinguishers (less than five years old).
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. Check the manufacturer's website for details on locating the fire extinguishers expiration date.
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.
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.
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.
Note: NFPA allows the maintenance to take place in any month of the year on the nameplate. Is there a fire extinguisher that doesn't expire? As previously discussed, a UL-listed rechargeable extinguisher can have an indefinite shelf life as long as the maintenance schedule is followed.
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.
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)
Check the pressure gauge – Examine where the gauge needle is. A needle within the green zone is good. A needle in the left red zone means that the fire extinguisher is undercharged and warrants a recharge, while a needle in the right red zone signals a danger of being overcharged. 4.
Your fire extinguishers should only be recharged by a certified fire equipment dealer or fire protection company. Once a year, a certified fire equipment dealer, in accordance with the service manual identified on the product label, should perform maintenance on the fire extinguisher.
First Alert Heavy Duty Professional Grade Fire Extinguisher, 5 lbs | Costco.
Minor damages or factory errors could cause fire extinguishers to release pressure over time, which diminishes its effectiveness in an emergency.
Further, some local governments in California treat all fire extinguishers as hazardous waste—empty or full. But a local fire equipment company, government facility, or waste management company may be willing to take them at little or no cost.
Standard dry powder fire extinguishers are very versatile and can put out virtually every kind of fire. However, they aren't recommended for use in enclosed spaces. See the link for a full article explaining the correct use of fire extinguishers in confined spaces.
Recharging a fire extinguisher would cost around $20 to $50 dollars, depending on the size.
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.
All fire extinguishers should last a minimum of five to 12 years. It's at these intervals that extinguishers are hydrostatically tested, depending on the type you have. Hydrostatic testing is when the cylinder is emptied, filled with colored water, and brought up to a high pressure for a brief time.
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.
You will see a month and year hole punched out that show when the last inspection took place. Unless required differently by your local inspector/AHJ, your tag is good for 1-year from that month and date. So, an extinguisher punched for January 2023 is good until the end of January 2024.