When buying a fire extinguisher what should I look for?
How often do I need to have my extinguisher inspected?
How long is a fire extinguisher good for? (Life expectancy)
I have an old fire extinguisher that has been around for years. Will it still work?
I have been told that I need a “2A10BC” fire extinguisher- what does this mean?
What is that “collar” around the neck of my fire extinguisher? I noticed it there after I had it serviced.
I have a fire extinguisher that does not have a gauge. How do I know it will work and what type is it?
The pull pin was removed but the gauge still reads in the “green”- should I test the extinguisher to see if it works?
When buying a fire extinguisher what should I look for?
Talk to an experienced and knowledgeable person when making your selection. There are different types of fires and different types and sizes of fire extinguishers available.
In addition to the basic considerations of hazards, risk factors, space and the area you are protecting, you should also consider its “usability”- can you operate it? And its serviceability-can it be serviced locally? Or is a disposable adequate?
Certainly, when it comes to putting out a fire, more fighting power is good-however if you cannot lift the extinguisher to operate it-it is of little to no use.
Look for a metal headed (top) fire extinguisher; these are usually serviceable. Purchasing a good quality fire extinguisher and keeping it maintained, should give you years of dependable service.
Does the extinguisher have a charge in it? Your new fire extinguisher should be ready for use. Before putting a fire extinguisher into service the NFPA-10 requires it to be tagged by an authorized person.
How often do I need to have my extinguisher inspected?
You, the owner, should check it monthly. Once a year have the unit checked by a reputable, licensed fire extinguisher service technician. This is called a “maintenance inspection”. They are able to pick up on problems that the inexperienced person may not.
How long is a fire extinguisher good for? (Life expectancy)
Good maintenance practices will help insure not only that the fire extinguisher should work when required but a licensed fire extinguisher service technician can tell you when it needs to be replaced either due to code requirements or outside factors such as rust.
I have an old fire extinguisher that has been around for years. Will it still work?
Like any mechanical device, good maintenance will help to ensure the unit works when required. Have it checked by a reputable, licensed fire extinguisher service technician.
I have been told that I need a “2A10BC” fire extinguisher- what does this mean?
Each fire extinguisher is “rated” and stated on its label. If you have been told that you need a fire extinguisher with a “2A-10BC” “rating” this would be the minimum requirement to comply.
These ratings are assigned by UL or ULC (an independent body) as a means of measuring the effectiveness of the unit, for each class/type of fire.
This “rating” will act as guide in selecting a suitable fire extinguisher for your situation. You can determine from this “rating” that you require a multi-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher. When you check the label, you will find that most 5lb ABC fire extinguishers will meet or exceed this rating, where anything smaller-will not. For example the rating “3A-10BC” will have a greater fire fighting capability than the rating “2A-10BC”, for class “A” fires-wood, paper, trash.
What is that “collar” around the neck of my fire extinguisher? I noticed it there after I had it serviced.
This is called the “Verification of Service” collar and is required by NFPA-10. This is a close fitted “collar” that is installed after the “head” or top of the fire extinguisher is removed and service performed. It should fit, as a solid ring; it cannot be installed or removed while the extinguisher is assembled. Information on the collar will tell you when and by whom the service was done; a very useful indicator of service quality.
I have a fire extinguisher that does not have a gauge. How do I know it will work and what type is it?
Currently, there are three possibilities for extinguishers without a gauge.
CO2 extinguishers create their own pressure with a full weight indicated on the unit. These units are weighted to insure if it is full or not.
Cartridge operated extinguishers have a sealed cartridge used to contain the pressurizing agent- either CO2 or nitrogen gas. These sealed cartridges are weighted to determine if they will work.
Some “low cost” plastic headed extinguishers have an indicator device to determine if there is pressure in the unit. These units are disposable and must be discarded after use or when the indicator pin does not respond properly.
The pull pin was removed but the gauge still reads in the “green”- should I test the extinguisher to see if it works?
No, do not test. Carefully replace the pull pin where it should go and take it to a licensed fire extinguisher technician. The technician will check to see if the unit has been discharged. A unit that has been discharged (even a little) sometimes takes 2-3 days for it to lose the balance of its charge causing the gauge to show low pressure. An extinguisher with no “pressure” in the unit, will not work-have it serviced.
See also: Consumer – Be Aware, in our Facts and Tips section.