Is It Better To Replace Or Recharge Fire Extinguishers?
You already know that handheld fire extinguishers are a vital part of your business’s re
safety plan. Of course, the extinguishers in your building can only be effective if they’re fully charged
and in the good condition. If you newly discharged the fire extinguisher to fight the blaze, you have two options: you can either recharge it or replace the entire canister.
When To Recharge A Fire Extinguisher?
Most of the time, recharging a fire extinguisher is the best choice, so always explore this option
first. You should recharge your fire extinguisher:
If the canister is in good condition:
Most high-quality fire extinguishers are designed to last many years with proper maintenance.
As long as the exterior shell and other components of your fire extinguisher are in good condition, plan to recharge it. This choice reduces waste and saves you money.
Even when only a small amount has been discharged:
Whether you emptied the whole canister fighting a fire or you released just a small amount of
pressure, you need to recharge the fire extinguisher. Even a tiny bit of pressure loss could make
it harder to fight a fire next time.
Every 10 years:
The durable construction of portable fire extinguishers helps them hold a charge for years. Still,
the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires rechargeable fire extinguishers to be
recharged every 10 years.
10 years.
When To Replace A Fire Extinguisher?
While you should always explore recharging options first, sometimes a replacement is best.
You should replace your fire extinguisher:
If the canister is slowly losing its charge:
If you haven’t used your fire extinguisher in a long time, but the pressure gauge is slowly going
down, the nozzle may be leaky, or the shell cracked. Either way, a slow pressure loss is a reason
enough to replace the fire extinguisher.
If any other parts are damaged:
The fire extinguisher may still hold a charge, but if the handle is wobbly or the pin is broken or
missing, the extinguisher may not work properly when you need it to fight a fire. Monthly self-inspections should reveal these kinds of problems so you can replace the fire extinguisher.
If the inspection tag is missing:
This tag discloses the maintenance history of the fire extinguisher. Without it, you have no idea
how long it’s been since the last inspection or what condition the canister is in. It’s not worth endangering your building and the people inside when you can easily replace the fire
extinguisher with a new one you know is reliable.
When it’s the more economical choice:
Sometimes, replacing the whole unit is less expensive than recharging it, which is especially
likely with small canisters. Look into your pricing options to find out for sure.
Every 12 years:
Perhaps you have a disposable fire extinguisher that can’t be recharged. The NFPA requires you
to replace these canisters every 12 years.