Fire Extinguisher Replacement: How Often Should You Do It?

Summary

Along with the fundamentals like being aware of the correct use of a fire extinguisher, it is also important to know whether your fire extinguisher is in a working condition. Fire extinguisher replacement after a certain time is a very important factor in maintaining a safe environment, be it at home or in the workplace. In this post, we are going to discuss the frequency of fire extinguisher replacement, their longevity, and the best practices for their or maintenance and replacement of fire extinguisher units. We will also be telling you where to get them from, and only with an extra reason for Avinash Fire Protection Systems, which is the home of reliable fire safety products on the net!

Introduction

It is considered as simply as getting a fire extinguisher near you as one of the most uncomplicated yet the most powerful ways of stopping a small fire from becoming a calamity. But how can you get to know that it is already the right time to let go of your old fire extinguisher and buy a new one? Very often, fire extinguisher replacement is one of the fire safety issues that people tend to ignore or forget to deal with while it is still necessary to replace your fire safety equipment etc. Earlier in our blog we educated audience about Role of Monitor Modules in Fire Alarm Systems and it helped our readers and fire fighters to enhance their knowledge and improve their fire safety skills.

And today our this post will guide you on all you need to know about how often to replace fire extinguisher, how long they can be used, and the essential nature of timely maintenance. Furthermore, you will be familiar with places to purchase them, with a preference raising for Avinash Fire Protection Systems, a firm that offers not only the best products but also after-sale services.

What is the Recommended Frequency of Fire Extinguisher Replacement?

It is necessary to replace a fire extinguisher regularly to make sure it will be able to perform its function effectively in case of an emergency. Fire extinguishers usually have a lifetime of 5 to 15 years on average and the latter is a detector of the type and level of maintenance they have been subjected to. Nonetheless, the most important thing is to always make sure it is a qualified extinguisher when the time comes to use it and that it has been well maintained.

1. Manufacturer Guidelines

Most manufacturers provide a recommended timeline for fire extinguisher replacement based on the type of fire extinguisher. Such as, dry chemical fire extinguishers have a lifespan usually of 12 years, whereas water or foam extinguishers have as much as a 15 years lifespan. These guidelines are necessary in order to make sure that your extinguisher is well in its prime of use.

2. Visual Inspection

It is important to have your fire extinguisher checked often even though it may still be within the suggested life span. Each month, ensure that the pressure gauge is within the green range, the nozzle is clear and the pin is attached. If any of these are compromised, it may be time for a fire extinguisher replacement.

3. Maintenance and Testing

Besides conducting frequent inspections, you should service your fire extinguisher after every 1-2 years. This will assist in exposing any defect of the internal parts and make sure that the extinguisher is in good working condition. Should you see any form of damages or corrosion, then it is best to replace the extinguisher on the spot.

How Long Do Fire Extinguishers Last?

A question that is always posed more by people is, How long do fire extinguishers last? This will be determined by the extinguisher that has been used and its level of maintenance. However, fire extinguishers have an average lifespan of between 5 and 15 years. We shall subdivide the various categories of fire extinguishers and their approximate durations of lifespan.

1. Dry Chemical Extinguishers

Some of the most commonly used fire extinguishers are dry chemical ones. They are durable, and with proper maintenance will last up to 12 years. However, after that time, the chemical inside may lose its effectiveness, requiring fire extinguisher replacement.

2. CO2 Fire Extinguishers

CO2 extinguishers have a life of approximately 5 to 10 years, based on the usage and storage conditions. When you find that your CO2 extinguisher is leaking or you see it has wear and tear then you should replace it.

3. Water or Foam Extinguishers

The foam fire extinguishers and water-based extinguishers have a lifespan of up to 15 years, as long as they are serviced in terms of the pressure and functionality. Maintenance and replacement of fire extinguisher units are key to ensuring they are ready for use when needed.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Fire Extinguisher

It can be difficult to know when you need to change your fire extinguisher and certain things are obvious to observe. This can expose you and your property to danger by disregarding such warning signs.

1. Expired or Missing Labels

All fire extinguishers are labeled with an expiration date showing the date of change. In case the label is lost or the expiration date is over it is time to change it.

2. Visible Damage

Check against a physical appearance of your extinguisher, whether it has any physical damages (dents, rust, and cracks). A damaged extinguisher will not be reliable in an emergency, so fire extinguisher replacement is necessary.

3. Low Pressure

Reduction in pressure may be as a result of time or inappropriate storage. When the pressure gauge is in the red zone it indicates that the extinguisher is not fully charged anymore hence needs to be replaced.

Maintenance and Replacement of Fire Extinguisher

Proper maintenance and replacement of fire extinguisher units can extend their lifespan and ensure they’re always ready when needed. These are some of the main procedures of keeping your fire extinguisher in good condition:

1. Regular Inspections

Check nozzle, seals and pressure gauge every month to make sure everything is working fine. In case of any problem, then the extinguisher needs to be serviced as soon as possible.

2. Servicing

Your extinguisher must be serviced by a professional after every 1-2 years. This will include a check of the internal components, refilling of the same when needed, and a comprehensive check to verify that all are working as intended.

3. Recharging After Use

If you’ve used your fire extinguisher, even partially, it’s essential to get it recharged. A used extinguisher can’t be relied upon in an emergency until it’s fully recharged.

Where to Buy Fire Extinguishers?

When change of supplier happens or a new fire extinguisher has to be bought it is necessary to select a reliable supplier so that the quality and reliability of the product can be ensured. Avinash Fire Protection Systems is the preferred form of fire extinguishers of the high quality. They provide various high quality products related to fire safety such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and fire safety systems.

Whether it is a personal or commercial grade of extinguisher that you need, Avinash Fire Protection System can offer you the necessary guidance and high quality products to guarantee your safety. Visit their website or contact their team for assistance with fire extinguisher replacement and to find the right extinguisher for your needs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs).