Imagine this situation: a fire has broken out at your property.
Trying not to panic, you grab your fire extinguisher, pull the pin, aim at the fire, and…
Nothing happens.
Despite never using this particular extinguisher before, the extinguishing agent refuses to come out.
Far too late, you discover that your extinguisher also needs regular maintenance to function optimally.
Want to avoid ending up in this situation?
Read on to learn more about why fire extinguisher recharging is so important and how to do it properly!
Why Fire Extinguishers Need Recharging
As your first line of defense against fires, a fire extinguisher must always be in peak condition.
Here are some reasons to keep it recharged at all times.
Refilling Extinguishing Agent
The extinguishing agent in the unit (such as water) may deplete over time.
This is particularly common if the extinguisher is fully or partially discharged.
By recharging it, you ensure an adequate supply of agent for emergencies.
Safety and Reliability
Recharging a fire extinguisher should only be done by trained professionals.
They can inspect the unit for signs of corrosion and damage.
This helps prevent accidents that could result from using a faulty extinguisher.
Maintaining Pressure
Fire extinguishers work by expelling the agent under high pressure.
Over time, this pressure can diminish, and recharging the unit will keep it working as intended.
Some factors that can lead to the pressure diminishing are:
- Extinguishing agent leaks
- Changes in temperature
- Gradual leakage of propellant gas
Compliance With Regulations
All states have specific requirements when it comes to fire safety measures.
Keeping your unit up to date is essential for complying with these regulations and maintaining a safe environment.
Prolonging the Extinguisher’s Lifespan
Proper maintenance (including recharging) can extend the lifespan of most fire extinguishers.
Consistent inspections also help you prevent premature replacements, potentially saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Do All Fire Extinguishers Need Recharging?
No, not all fire extinguishers should be recharged.
Some extinguishers are disposable, i.e. should be discarded after use.
These extinguishers usually have:
- A plastic discharge head
- A pressure gauge that reads full/empty
- An expiration date (usually 10-12 years)
- The non-rechargeable label
The easiest way to identify a rechargeable extinguisher is to look at its pressure gauge.
These gauges have sections that read “recharge” and “overcharged,” as well as a green zone in the middle where the arrow should be.
When Should You Recharge a Fire Extinguisher?
Fire extinguishers tend to have strict recharge rules.
Here are three situations where you should recharge your unit to keep it in tip-top shape.
1. Immediately After Use
Most fire extinguishers need recharging immediately after use.
Even though there’s likely still some extinguishing agent inside the unit, it’s important to service it to ensure it’s ready for subsequent use.
Even if the discharge was minimal, the pressure inside the unit could be significantly reduced.
Without a proper recharge, your extinguisher may start leaking.
In the long run, it may lose the pressure required for proper operation.
2. Periodically Throughout Their Life
According to the NFPA 10 standard, most fire extinguishers require regular recharging throughout their life.
The exact recharge schedule will depend on the type of unit.
Here are the schedules for the common fire extinguisher types:
- ABC dry chemical extinguishers: should be recharged every six years
- Water-based extinguishers: five years
- Foam-based extinguishers: five years
- CO2-based extinguishers: five years
- Wet chemical extinguishers: five years
Keep in mind that these are just the general guidelines.
Check the manufacturer’s label or website for specific instructions.
3. After Noticing the Warning Signs
Beyond regular fire extinguisher maintenance, your unit may sometimes require a bit of extra care.
Here are some common signs you should service it:
- Visible damage or corrosion on the unit
- The pressure gauge is showing low pressure
- The extinguishing agent appears depleted
- The extinguisher has been used, even briefly
Should You Refill a Fire Extinguisher Yourself?
No, you should not try to refill a fire extinguisher yourself.
For several key reasons, this is a task best left to the experts.
For starters, even if you’re following the essential recharging safety tips, a fire extinguisher contains pressurized chemicals.
If handled improperly, these chemicals can be a serious health hazard.
Recharging an extinguisher also requires specialized tools and the correct extinguishing agent.
Most people don’t have this equipment lying around the house, and buying it usually won’t make financial sense.
Finally, certified professionals know exactly what to look for when inspecting and refilling extinguishers.
For example, they’ll know how to maintain the correct pressure in the unit and ensure proper emergency preparation.
The Fire Extinguisher Recharging Process
Though you shouldn’t refill the extinguisher yourself, it helps to know what to expect when the technicians arrive.
Here’s a short overview of this process.
1. Inspecting the Extinguisher
First, the technician will depressurize the unit and remove the agent and discharge valve from the cylinder.
They’ll take out the siphon tube, stem, and spring from the valve before cleaning and reassembling it.
2. Refilling the Agent
Next, the technician will refill the extinguishing agent.
They’ll base it on the weight appropriate for the size of the unit, as well as the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Testing the Unit
The technician will complete a leak test and, if needed, reinstall the discharge hose.
They’ll also install a new tamper seal on the safety pin and attach a recharge tag on the unit.
These show the unit’s weight and the technician’s name.
Need a Fire Extinguisher Recharged?
As you can see, fire extinguisher recharging is far from a simple process.
If you think your unit needs recharging, your best bet is to contact a professional to handle this task as soon as possible.
At Certizona Fire & Safety, we specialize in fire extinguisher maintenance in Maricopa and Yavapai counties.
With 30+ years of experience, we offer on-site recharge services performed exclusively by CSA-certified technicians!
We also offer a variety of specials and discounts for new customers, such as 10% off annual testing!
Contact us right now to request a free quote or schedule our services!
Looking for Fire Extinguisher Inspection in Scottsdale?
Trust Certizona Fire & Safety for expert fire extinguisher inspection services. Our experienced team ensures your fire safety systems are up to code and ready to protect your property in any emergency.
Call (623) 227-2092 or request an online quote today!
