WHAT IS A “SIX-YEAR MAINTENANCE” ON A PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

A Six-Year Maintenance is a required service by our state and local fire Marshall’s. Every six years, specific stored pressure fire extinguishers shall be discharged / emptied and subjected to an internal and external inspection. This service helps to ensure that your fire extinguishers are ready for a fire emergency. This is a very important and practical code requirement for the following reasons: Fire extinguishers are considered life safety equipment. They are manufactured with many different parts and components such as valve assemblies, pressure gauges, nitrogen gas and a specific firefighting chemical. Discharging the fire extinguisher at the six-year interval demonstrates the fire extinguisher is in proper working condition and allows the opportunity to replace worn parts and aged chemicals. After reassembly and recharging the fire extinguisher is ready for six more years of service.