How Long Does It Take to Recharge a Fire Extinguisher?

Did you know that fire extinguishers require maintenance? Not many people do, and the last thing you want is to find out during an actual emergency. Even if you’ve never used your fire extinguisher before, it may not be fully charged, and it won’t be able to put out blazes if you don’t keep up with its maintenance. Read on to learn more about the recharging time of a fire extinguisher in Lawrenceville, GA.

When to check your fire extinguisher

Fire extinguishers don’t require a lot of care, but you should make a monthly pressure check part of your to-do list. That’s because, regardless of whether you’ve used it for any reason, air leaks can occur. This lessens the air pressure and will prevent the device from properly working during a fire. The National Fire Protection Association requires an internal maintenance check every six and 12 years, and monthly inspections that you can perform yourself.

You should also check and recharge your fire extinguisher any time it has been used, even if it was only for a second. If you notice that the pressure gauge is low during your monthly checks, be sure to inspect and top off the cylinder immediately.

Remember that your extinguisher can be overcharged or undercharged—you want the needle to point to the green “optimal” area for best results.

Recharging your fire extinguisher

Unless you’re a trained professional, you should never attempt to recharge a fire extinguisher yourself—the contents are under pressure, and mishandling can cause serious injury. The recharging time for fire extinguishers in Lawrenceville, GA is less than a day’s work, so have the number of a reputable fire protection company on hand and call them as soon as you notice an issue.

In some cases, it might be less expensive to replace your fire extinguishers, especially if they’re nearing the end of their lifespan.

The recharging process has several steps. First, the cylinder is depressurized and its contents removed, so the inspector can evaluate the interior, exterior, valves and other components. If everything looks stable and secure, the valve is reassembled and the cylinder is refilled with the pressurizing agent. (This varies depending on what kind of extinguisher you use.)

The cylinder is then pressurized until the gauge needle indicates an optimal charge. Then the inspector will test it for leaks, reattach the hose and complete any other required checks and certifications as necessary.

Keeping your fire extinguisher ready to use is an important part of doing business—having a properly inspected device helps reduce the possibility of an accident turning into a tragedy.

Do you have more questions about the recharging time of fire extinguishers in Lawrenceville, GA? AAA Fire Protection Resources, Inc. has been providing commercial clients across the state of Georgia with the best fire protection products on the market for nearly 40 years. Our team helps clients find the right products, systems and installations that will keep their facilities safe in case of emergency. Call us today to find out which systems might be right for you.

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