How to Recharge a Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers may be the only difference between a close call and a deadly accident when it comes to fire emergencies. You can see why there is a need to ensure that your fire extinguishers are in good working order is such an important priority. In this blog post, we’ll go through how to recharge a fire extinguisher, and give you some reasons for doing so. Comparable to changing the oil in your car, recharging a fire extinguisher entails draining it completely or refilling it with the appropriate firefighting agent or refilling it.

Reasons to Recharge Fire Extinguishers

An undercharged, expired, or depressurized fire extinguisher might put your employees and assets in danger. Trained firefighters must recharge fire extinguishers to meet state regulations, OSHA standards, and insurance company recommendations.

Only a qualified fire protection company has the necessary tools, training, and knowledge to maintain fire extinguishers properly. They should also be refilled with the right extinguishing agent and maintained in good working condition. A reputable provider will have deep expertise in recharging all types of fire extinguishers, including:

  • Carbon dioxide
  • ABC dry chemical
  • Water
  • Wet chemical
  • Foam

Fire Extinguisher Recharging Process

A trained professional should always perform fire extinguisher recharge and refilling, as they have the tools and experience necessary to do so. Fire protection companies know how to properly maintain your fire extinguishers to work at their best in the event of a fire. A fully charged fire extinguisher will behave as follows. It’s simply an illustration of the procedure for you to comprehend it better.

  • Ensure that the extinguisher is completely depressurized and that the chemical has been removed from the cylinder.
  • Remove the discharge valve from the cylinder.
  • Remove the spring and valve stem, as well as the siphon tube and valve stem.
  • To clean the valve and reassemble it with a new stem, meaning proper seating and preventing future pressure loss.
  • Fill the unit with the respective extinguishing agent (water, carbon dioxide or dry chemical) by following its dimensions and instructions.
  • To recharge the unit, follow the instructions for pressurizing it with the appropriate gas and at the correct pressure.
  • The technician completes the following steps to detect a leak: They perform a leak test and then reinstall the discharge nozzle/ hose.
  • To ensure that the extinguisher’s weight is within the specified limits, manufacturers weigh it a second time.
  • The old tamper seal is replaced with a fresh one. Each unit is equipped with a recharge tag that indicates the total weight of the device as well as the technician’s name and responsibility.

It’s as simple as ensuring your fire extinguishers are in good working order to avoid fires in the early phases of their development.

Summary

Having someone else recharge your fire extinguisher is a good idea. It is preferable to visit for repairs and maintenance of your fire extinguisher. A fire department or a certified fire extinguisher specialist are the ideal places to recharge your extinguisher. It may be performed regularly or whenever you need to ensure that it is fully prepared in an emergency.

Need a hand with your fire extinguisher? Contact Fire-Alert today to discuss your needs!