FIRE EXTINGUISHER RECHARGE
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
FIRE EXTINGUISHER RECHARGE
There comes a time in every fire extinguisher’s life when it needs to be recharged. Extinguishers need to be recharged periodically, every 1-6 years depending on the chemical inside the extinguisher. If an extinguisher is used any time before a scheduled maintenance interval it must be immediately recharged. Failure to do so could, and probably will, result in a unit with absolutely no pressure.
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Recharging is the process whereby an extinguisher has its contents expelled in a closed recovery process, its interior examined, all parts examined, is reassembled, recharged, and a maintenance sticker and verification of service collar placed on it.
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Most extinguishers are ABC dry chemical, which can be reused, or even topped off, provided they are free from moisture and contaminants. Wet chemical extinguishers must have their chemical replaced (in intervals of 3-5 years, depending on the chemical). Some extinguishers use CO2 gas or Halon (or clean agent) gases.
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The interior of the shell is inspected for contaminants and corrosion, and then refilled. The extinguisher has few internal parts: a siphon tube, a spring, and a valve stem. These are also examined for corrosion and foreign material, and then reassembled or replaced. Once everything is back together it is recharged with inert gas, typically nitrogen.
This process is entirely independent of the hydrotesting or proof pressure testing, and has its own maintenance sticker. The 6 year maintenance sticker is typically a blue sticker with the words "6 Year Maintenance Record" in bold letters.
If your fire extinguisher does not have a blue 6 year maintenance record and is older than 6 years of age - you must have the six year maintenance performed to meet Georgia Fire Code. This will ensure the proper services were performed on your life safety equipment, providing business owner's peace of mind.
Today, some fire safety companies will take your extinguisher to the parking lot and recharge it. Orion Fire Systems has eliminated the parking lot mess and saves you time. We quickly swap your old extinguisher that needs service with a good extinguisher.
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Enjoy the time saving benefits of our Quick Swap Program and let Orion Fire Systems handle the complicated mess at our facilities.