Your local Fire & Life Safety experts are here with all of the information you need on fire extinguisher hydrostatic testing intervals.
While we definitely like to live life on the edge, there’s one thing that the team at DynaFire never steers away from, and that’s regulations related to Fire & Life Safety.
Take your fire extinguishers, for example. We know that you rely on portable fire extinguishers to operate safely and correctly in an emergency situation. The best way to do that is by following the correct fire extinguisher hydrostatic testing intervals, keeping up with inspections, and working with a fire extinguisher service provider who follows these standards no matter what.
You Need A Professional For In-Depth Inspections
While visual inspection of your fire extinguisher is important, there’s more to this equipment than meets the eye (see what we did there?). That’s why fire extinguishers need to be thoroughly inspected and tested by a qualified professional.
According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), these inspections need to take place annually, at the time of the hydrostatic test, or when specifically indicated by an inspection discrepancy.
What You Need To Know About Fire Extinguisher Hydrostatic Testing Intervals
Why Conduct A Hydrostatic Test?
This testing is done on rechargeable fire extinguishers to check for the ability of the cylinder to hold pressure. It checks for overall strength as well as any leaks. A fire extinguisher that isn’t able to withstand the pressure during normal operations is a safety hazard and should no longer be in use.
What Happens During Hydrostatic Testing?
During a hydrostatic test, the fire extinguisher is given an internal and external examination, its components are removed, and it is emptied and then filled with water. The cylinder is placed behind a protective barrier and is pressurized according to the requirements of the manufacturer.
During the pressurization, the technician who is conducting the test will observe the test gauge for any loss of pressure. Loss of pressure would indicate a leak and would mean the extinguisher can no longer be used.
What Are The Fire Extinguisher Hydrostatic Testing Intervals?
The timing of hydrostatic testing for your extinguisher depends on the specific type of extinguisher that you have – but all testing is done either
every 5 or 12 years. For a full list of extinguisher types and their hydrostatic test intervals, you can refer to the NFPA 10 table 8.3.1.
Who Can Perform Hydrostatic Testing
Hydrostatic tests can be dangerous if performed incorrectly, which is why they need to be done by a qualified professional.
We’ll make this really easy for you and say that you just need DynaFire for all of your Fire & Life Safety needs. Not only do we provide high-quality inspection and testing services, we make managing your fire protection systems simple through our DynaLink portal, which puts all of the information you need at your fingertips.
With DynaFire, you won’t be left searching for “fire extinguisher hydrostatic testing intervals,” because we’ll coordinate with you to make sure your equipment is in compliance and fully operational. Contact us today to discuss how we can help keep your property safe.
