Recharging your Fire Extinguisher

More often, fire extinguishers are not always ready as most would like to assume; and this is because they haven’t been properly maintained. There are many cases of people attempting to fight an incident-stage fire with a portable extinguisher, only to realize too late that the extinguisher is not charged: even if it has never been used before.

It is crucial for every homeowner and business owner to understand the importance of fire extinguisher recharging. This process is an important aspect of fire extinguisher service and maintenance, and must not be ignored.

There are several instances where fire extinguisher recharging needs to take place: one that is obvious and some that are less commonly known.

• Fire extinguishers need to be recharged immediately after each use. Even if the extinguishing agent inside was not completely discharged, the extinguisher must be serviced to ensure it’s ready for its next use. Even a minimal discharge will result in leakage and an eventual total loss of pressure needed for proper operation.
• Extinguishers must be internally examined or recharged due to damage or other environmental factors that may result in them becoming depressurized

How to check a fire extinguisher gauge

You should perform a quick fire extinguisher inspection at least once per month, and one of the most important factors to check during this inspection is the pressure gauge. The gauge will tell you whether the unit is undercharged, overcharged or within the operational zone. You want the needle to point within the green area for optimal use.

Fire extinguisher recharging should be performed by a trained professional.  Fire protection companies have the tools, training and knowledge to ensure that your fire extinguishers are in peak working condition and that they have been properly refilled with the correct extinguishing agent.