There’s more to operating a fire extinguisher than point-and-shoot. To keep your building and personnel safe, we’ve compiled our Miami fire extinguisher service’s most frequently asked questions, including, “Do they expire?”

A fire extinguisher doesn’t have an expiration date like a milk carton. You can’t sniff a fire extinguisher to see if it’s gone bad. But there are other ways to know if it’s time to service or replace your fire extinguisher. Our team of Miami fire extinguisher service technicians at DynaFire are here to give you answers to all of your fire extinguisher questions.

How Long Do Fire Extinguishers Last?

That can be a tricky question because the lifespan of a fire extinguisher depends on several factors, including whether it is a disposable or rechargeable model. NFPA recommendations include replacing disposable fire extinguishers every 12 years and recharging rechargeable fire extinguishers every six years.

Fire extinguishers can also become obsolete as technology changes. Obsolete fire extinguishers are effectively expired and should be retired. If you have a fire extinguisher on this list, it’s time to replace it. Another reason to retire your fire extinguisher is if it cannot be serviced according to the manufacturer’s manual or was made by a company that’s no longer in business.

How Can You Tell If Your Fire Extinguisher Needs To Be Replaced?

Other than the age of your fire extinguisher, there are other warning signs that you need to head to the fire extinguisher store (that’s us, by the way) for one or more new models. These warning signs include:

Visible Damage – If your fire extinguisher shows signs of rust or corrosion, give that fire extinguisher a gold watch and retire it. Humid environments (hello, Florida!) can make fire extinguishers age faster than dry environments. Keeping your building at an ideal humidity level will keep your fire extinguisher out of retirement longer.

Failing Tests – Hydrostatic testing ensures that the fire extinguisher’s cylinder is in good working order and can handle constant pressure. Just like when you fail a driving test and you don’t get your license, when a fire extinguisher fails hydrostatic testing, it doesn’t get to keep protecting you. 

Depressurization – If the pressure gauge falls past a safe zone, your fire extinguisher isn’t holding pressure as it should and needs replacing.

Remember that rechargeable fire extinguishers can last much longer than disposable ones, but they must be recharged every six years to ensure proper function. Your fire extinguisher must be replaced if it fails testing or becomes depressurized after a recharge.

How Do You Extend The Life Of Your Fire Extinguishers?

Follow these tips to keep your fire extinguishers protecting you for the maximum number of years.

Regular Inspections – According to Florida statute, a certified fire extinguisher technician must inspect your fire extinguisher once a year. A thorough examination of the fire extinguisher will determine if physical damage or its condition will prevent its operation.

Regular Maintenance – Along with your annual inspection, our technicians must service your fire extinguishers to ensure proper functioning. If any repair or replacement is necessary, and if hydrostatic testing or internal maintenance is required, DynaFire staff will service your fire extinguishers accordingly.

Hydrostatic Testing – Every five and 12 years, your fire extinguisher must be emptied and tested internally and externally according to NFPA-10. All internal parts are replaced, and the dry chemical powder is recycled or replaced as necessary.

Who Should Handle Your Fire Extinguisher Inspections And Maintenance?

That’s an easy one. DynaFire has the knowledge and certified staff to care for your fire extinguishers properly. Our Miami fire extinguisher service will extend the life of your fire extinguishers and ensure that they are a functional part of your Fire & Life Safety plan. Contact us today to set up your inspection.