Will My Fire Extinguisher Stay Charged After I Use It? Answers from Your Fire Extinguisher Service in Lawrenceville, GA
You are aware of the importance of having a fire extinguisher on the premises of all homes, businesses and public buildings. You’re also aware of the danger posed if the extinguisher does not work properly. That’s why it’s essential to understand how a fire extinguisher works and what you can expect from its performance. Following is a quick guide from your fire extinguisher service in Lawrenceville, GA.
How It Works
Fire extinguishers put out fires by separating the oxygen source from the fire. They smother the fire by covering it with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or water. Because the fire can no longer breathe, it goes out.
When you use a fire extinguisher from your fire extinguisher service in Lawrenceville, GA, you release pressurized gas from the container. By squeezing the handle, you open a valve that releases this pressure. Because it is under pressure, the gas quickly expands to push the smothering agent out of the nozzle. It pushes, you aim and the fire goes out.
Will It Work Again?
Once you’ve used a fire extinguisher, it is no longer under full pressure. Even a small, short use affects this essential pressure. The previous discharge may have reduced the pressure enough to prevent future effective use.
If the extinguisher uses dry chemicals, these can also coat the valve stem, which will prevent the tank from fully resealing. The gas can slowly leak out until it’s empty. At this point, the extinguisher will not work at all. If the extinguisher uses carbon dioxide or liquid, this blockage will not occur, but the pressure might still be diminished enough from the first use to render it ineffective.
How Can I Tell if It’s Still Good?
If you’ve used your fire extinguisher, check the pressure gauges to determine if enough pressure remains for future use. The arrow should be pointing to green. If it is not, bring your equipment to a fire extinguisher service in Lawrenceville, GA for refilling and recharging.
Some fire extinguishers are refillable, and others are not. If you have a disposable extinguisher, be sure to replace it after one use. These are not reliable for a second spray. Replace it right away, since fire is always unexpected.
Don’t Take the Risk
If you are unsure of your fire extinguisher’s readiness, don’t wait to find out during a fire. If you have to replace a fire extinguisher after a single use, this is still much more affordable than making repairs after an out-of-control fire. It is worth the investment to bring your reusable extinguisher to a service for recharging or to simply buy a new unit from a fire extinguisher service in Lawrenceville, GA.
Be Ready
Do you have additional questions about your fire extinguisher or other emergency equipment? Don’t hesitate to contact the experts at AAA Fire Protection Resources, Inc. We offer in-depth knowledge of fire protection equipment to answer any questions, provide service and help you obtain the right equipment for your needs. Reach out to the leading fire extinguisher service in Lawrenceville, GA today!
Categorised in: Fire Extinguisher Service
This post was written by Writer