FAQ

Frequently Asked Fire Safety Questions

  • How can I find the manufacturing date of a fire extinguisher

    To determine the manufacturing date of fire extinguisher, you can typically find the year of manufacture on the UL nameplate. The UL nameplate is the label on the fire extinguisher canister. The date of manufacture can be found next to the Underwriters Laboratories logo.

  • How do you read the fire extinguisher ratings

    A fire extinguisher is rated according to the kind of fire it is designed to extinguish. Fire extinguisher ratings are printed on the canister of the extinguisher.

  • Can a fire extinguisher be stored in an automobile

    A fire extinguisher can be stored in an automobile if the ambient (usual / average) temperature does not exceed the UL rating listing in the owner's manual (usually -40 to 120 degrees F.) Many manufactures make automobile fire extinguishers specifically designed for easy mounting and storage in your automobile or vehicle.

  • Can fire extinguishers be stored in a horizontal position What is proper fire extinguisher storage

    A modern fire extinguisher can be stored horizontally. The contents are under pressure, and the angle of storage will not cause the system to leak. Proper fire extinguisher storage includes using the appropriate mounting brackets, and being sure that you do not allow for your fire extinguishers to freeze. It is also proper to be sure to store your fire extinguisher within easy reach of areas where there is more fire danger, such as within easy reach of the kitchen stove, or near the door of your garage.

  • Where can I recharge my rechargeable fire extinguisher

    A certified fire equipment dealer or service company should recharge your rechargeable fire extinguishers.

  • What is the difference between a rechargeable and non rechargeable fire extinguisher

    It is important to understand the difference between rechargeable fire extinguishers and non-rechargeable fore extinguishers. Non-rechargeable fire extinguishers are intended for one-time use only. If you use your non-rechargeable fire extinguisher even once, you must replace it. It will not be effective in fighting a fire. Never test a fire extinguisher by using it. Once used, it will gradually lose pressure and will not be fully charged for use in an emergency. Rechargeable fire extinguishers are intended to be recharged once they are used, or when it loses pressure over time. Once a year or according to your local fire codes, rechargeable fire extinguishers in business or commercial applications should be serviced by a certified fire equipment dealer, in accordance with the service manual and as is identified on the fire extinguisher label. If it is discharged, a certified fire equipment dealer must refill a rechargeable fire extinguisher, regardless of how much of the contents were used.

  • The gauge on my unused fire extinguisher is in the red What should I do

    If a fire-extinguisher pressure gauge shows that the charge is in the red zone, a disposable fire extinguisher should be replaced. Please note: completely empty the unit before shipping. Turn the extinguisher upside down and the agent will run out. Since the unit is no longer pressurized, no shipping precautions are necessary. If any of your rechargeable fire extinguishers show a pressure gauge reading in the red, they should be taken to a local fire-extinguisher service business to be recharged and serviced, if necessary.

  • My fire extinguisher appears to be almost empty Will it still work

    For rechargeable fire extinguishers, as long as the needle is in the green, the fire extinguisher is fully pressurized. If you have discharged a non-rechargeable fire extinguisher, it is recommended that you replace the unit.

  • Can I test my fire extinguisher by discharging a small amount

    Do not test a fire extinguisher by discharging it at all. If you do discharge any amount of product to test your fire extinguisher, your warranty will be void. This is not the recommended way to check your fire extinguisher. If any amount is discharged, the unit should be replaced. The recommended way to test fire extinguishers with the pressure pin on top is to press in the pin. If it pops back up, your extinguisher is still pressurized. On models with a pressure gauge, if the needle is in the green, the unit is pressurized

  • What is a Class A B C and D fire

    A Class “A” fire is one involving ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper and rubber, as well as many plastics. A Class “B” fire is one involving petroleum based products, flammable liquids, greases, gases and rubber. A Class “C” fire is one involving energized electrical equipment, as long as electricity is flowing to and through the electrical appliance. Remember, when the electricity is shut off, the fire becomes a Class “A” fire and usually goes out unless it has gained enough headway at the time of electricity shut-off that it has transmitted the fire to other substances. A Class “D” fire is one involving combustible metals or metals that generate their own oxygen, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium and potassium.

  • Do extinguishers really need to be serviced every year

    They may not need to be serviced, but even if an extinguisher hasn't been used, it still needs to be inspected to make sure there's no corrosion, that nothing has been damaged, and that everything is set for it to operate properly when needed. In many cases, they just need to be examined and / or weighed (CO2 extinguishers). However, depending on extinguisher type and age (usually every six years for those over 12 year old) they must be taken apart, inspected internally or pressure-tested, then reassembled, recharged and permanently marked with a label indicating the service date

  • With a charged extinguisher how often do extinguishers need to be inspected tested or serviced

    Extinguishers, fire hoses and other fire safety equipment (alarms, exit signs, emergency lights) need to be checked on a regular basis to ensure they are in working condition. Typically, a quick visual check should be done at least monthly by an employee or the monitor in the area. Under law (an OSHA regulation for NMSU), extinguishers and hoses must be checked and documented at least once a year by a qualified inspector. They also must have a sign-off tag (or other documentation) to verify that they have been inspected.

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