How to Use a Fire Extinguisher : Maintenance & Testing Fire Extinguishers

[JRSK818]

how do you take of the top part?

[levitdoghollowell]

I love how the pull pin is intact, and tamper seal is on, yet, the extinguisher has leaked off, ???

[samj5664]

Mike,

The pressure gage on mine is in the green, the pin etc. is inntact. However inside the pressure gage there is a small water bubble, Is this OK? (I live in the UK and therefor can not contact the NAFED)

[hedzred]

@samj5664 No, sorry Sam. If there's a bubble inside the gauge, you need to have the gauge replaced. To do that, the extinguisher will need to be recharged.  If it's out of your home and if it's a rechargable unit, more than likely it will need it's 12 year hydro test. If it's a 'throw away' bottle, go get another one man.

Best 'o luck!

[samj5664]

@hedzred Thanks for the reply, however I have since had it recharged and serviced free of charge by my local firestation... They believe it to be a investment as a member of the public can knock out a small fire them selfes before it develops into an uncontrolable fire which would use up many fire fighting resorces and possibly put their lives at risk. For this reason they also issue free smoke alarms and fire safety checks. Thanks again!

[ou812mikey]

Henry

The UL in the States and ULC in Canada have deemed it necessary to replace the agent in dry chemical extinguishers every 6 years. Never invert an extinguisher

This is a myth that for the most part travels with boaters for the old style units that did not have PSI until a gas tube was punctured. Much like a Cartridge unit of today industrial type. Today's dry chem. under pressure do not require inversion as they do not have gas cartridge for activation. Take Care and Stay Safe

Mike

[big9nic]

Mike,

You don't have to replace the chemical every six years...chemical doesn't go bad unless its exposed to moisture. You can recycle it and fluff it. You shouldn't invert it when USING it, other than that..its good. Wrong again!

[ou812mikey]

Henry,

You must never turn a fire extinguisher upside down. This can cause a clog in the tube that the gauge use's to correctly read PSI.

In some Models it can cause the valve to lock as any extinguisher has the safety feature to stop via the check valve if inverted. Turning the extinguisher upside down or inverting it can cause incorrect PSI readings when visually inspecting the extinguisher.

Mike

[big9nic]

Mike,

What if the fire extinguisher is in a vehicle? The vehicle brackets typically have the extinguisher on its side...why then is that OK, and not turning it upside down? I think you are wrong.

[ou812mikey]

Sorry, you are incorrect. The comment was not to invert the ext. and If a fire extinguisher is installed on a vehicle it is suppose to be upright period sorry but if you find them laying on their sides then they may not operate. As for the people who think its ok to turn them upside down to maintain them they are just incorrect also. Hitting upside down with a mallet all of these are incorrect. Contact a the NAFED they will confirm. If you find something to the contrary I would love to see it.

[big9nic]

If you were not supposed to invert the extinguisher, then it would say on the label, "DO NOT INVERT" It does not say that so you are wrong.

[ou812mikey]

I'm sorry but your childish and obviously out of touch reality. Get your Qualifications and get back to me. I've been certified for 24 years and have been trained thought the NAFED on the procedures involved with what you are commenting on. It is you who are incorrect or how you like to say it WRONG! i hope others don't listen to your bogus advice on the matter my friend.

[ou812mikey]

I am curious to know how many makes and models of fire extinguishers you have service manuals for? I carry more than 120 Manuals for every make and model that is maintainable in North America. You?

[ou812mikey]

lol I take it you think you can just shake the extinguisher and the powder is fluffed? sorry it must be replaced every six years as for the recycling part this is true it can be recycled. This is out of NFPA 10

7.3.1.2 Stored-Pressure Types.

7.3.1.2.1* Six-Year Maintenance. Every 6 years, stored-pressure

fire extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test shall

be emptied and subjected to the applicable maintenance procedures

as detailed in the manufacturers service manual.

[hedzred]

@ou812mikey Nice job! The Sentry gauge is still showing that this baby needs recharged.

[extinguisherman98]

it looks like the co2 and the abc dry chemical are empty. the only one that is full is the water extinguisher.