Fire Extinguisher Maintenance...

by John_the_Builder in Workshop > Repair

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Fire Extinguisher Maintenance...

This could save your Life!

So you bought a fire extinguisher for your home or shop. Great investment, but now what? You hang it up, maybe eyeball the gauge once a year to see if it's still good. Well, I bet you didn't know that most ABC fire extinguishers require regular maintenance to stay in peak working condition.... Don't worry, it's super simple and can be done by anyone, even without tools.

Sadly, most people don't realize that fire extinguishers will fail if not regularly maintained. Most household extinguishers contain a white powdery substance with the consistency of sand mixed with an inert gas propellant. When properly used the powder is forced out through the extinguisher nozzle, thus coating and smothering the fuel that feeds the flames.
(This maintenance procedure only applies to common household, and some car and boat extinguishers that use a dry powder chemical (ABC).

Over time, that powdered substance collects in the bottom of the extinguisher and solidifies into a useless solid lump. In this state the chemical will simply not pass through the extinguisher nozzle. You may be left scratching your head wondering why nothing came out when you pulled the trigger.

To insure your extinguisher is always ready to perform at it's peak, you must take steps to prevent it's contents from clumping. Don't worry, it's pretty simple..

Look Listen...

First, Insure that your safety pin is in place (never remove the pin until you are ready to use the extinguisher).    Hold the canister with both hands, place your ear close the cylinder and slowly turn it over (So that the bottom is facing up).     What you are listening for is the sound of the contents sliding around freely inside the canister (it should sound a bit like sand shifting).

Didn't hear anything? Chances are that the contents of your extinguisher have already settled to the bottom, but don't fret..   Often you can still break the material up simply by turning the fire extinguisher over repeatedly.   In most cases this will break up the fire retardant powder to where your extinguisher will function properly.

In more persistent cases, you may need to resort to firmly striking the bottom of the extinguisher with your gloved palm several times. Try turning it over gain, and if necessary strike it again.     I personally use a soft rubber mallet since I have several extinguishers (Believe me, it's much easier on your hands).    Never bang the extinguisher on the floor, or strike it with anything hard. The contents are under high pressure and could explode in your face (not good).

Almost Done!

Once you begin to hear the contents slide around, start to turn the fire extinguisher end over end. After a dozen or so rotations, you will begin to notice that the contents will break up and slide freely. Once the contents begin to sound like sand moving back and forth, you are done. Great job!

I suggest performing this maintenance monthly. Doing so will keep the fire extinguisher at it's peak operating performance, and ready to put out any nasty fires that you may start while building your next Instructables project.

If you find this information helpful, please provide feedback below.. Maybe you'll inspire me to share more useful safety facts.