Fire Extinguisher Refills – Fire extinguishers are an essential safety tool in schools, factories, vehicles, homes, and many other places, enabling occupants to put out fires quickly, minimizing the risk to lives and property. But what happens when the fire is out? How does that spent fire extinguisher get returned to its ready state so that it’s available for another emergency? Many institutions have a contract with a company to provide that service, but in many cases, it’s up to the management, staff, or homeowner to take care of recharging the extinguisher.
When that responsibility falls to you, don’t worry. Recharging a fire extinguisher is a fairly simple process that is completed in just a few steps. Here’s how it’s done. Click here for the Best-Selling Fire Safety Products.
Release Remaining Pressure & Contents
There are two basic ingredients inside a fire extinguisher: Pressurized gas (typically nitrogen) and some type of extinguishing agent. The leftovers of each need to come out before you refill it, so direct the nozzle into an appropriate capture system. Hold the handle down until the pressure gauge hits zero. This will remove most of the old extinguishing agent and, more importantly, bleed off the pressure so that you can safely disassemble the extinguisher to start the refilling process.
Inspect the Extinguisher
Many extinguishers stand by for years before they’re ever used. During that time, a lot of things can happen. Scuffed paint and moisture can cause the cylinder to rust, leaving it vulnerable to a rupture. The extinguisher could even be dropped on the floor, leaving visible dents or even an invisible weak spot that could fail. Check the extinguisher for such damage. Make sure that all moving parts are in good working order. If someone else operated the extinguisher, ask the user if it worked properly, specifically whether the valve operated smoothly and if the unit gave a strong discharge.
Remove the Hose
The discharge hose is threaded onto the valve. Carefully remove it and make sure it is in good condition. Over time, soft rubber like the hose can become stiff and brittle. If this has happened, the hose could break during use. If you have any doubt about it at all, check into a replacement. Look for any signs of damage on the threads as well. The gasket or O-ring that seals the connection should also be inspected for cracking or dry rot. Remember that all of these parts are subject to high pressure that could shatter them and injure the user.
Remove the Valve Assembly
Use a wrench to carefully loosen the control assembly where it screws onto the cylinder. Be careful not to let it slip and “round off” the connection. If such damage occurs, you will not be able to tighten it enough when you finish. Check the gaskets for any signs of dry rot or other damage. Make sure the siphon tube and other internal components are in good condition. Once you’ve inspected everything, place the assembly somewhere safe to prevent damage while you complete work on the cylinder.
Clean the Valve
There aren’t too many parts in the valve assembly. You can easily take it apart and remove any crusted powder or other debris. This will ensure smooth movement of the valve when the extinguisher is used. Check the condition of all parts during this process, looking for anything that is cracked, bent, warped, or corroded. If everything appears to be in order, carefully reassemble the valve when you’re finished. Again, keep it somewhere safe until the rest of the job is done.
Refill With the Right Amount of the Right Material
There are many different kinds of extinguishing agents. After use, extinguishers must be refilled with the same material that was in them before. (Typically this is a dry chemical agent that looks like yellowish flour.) Once you’ve obtained the correct agent, add the correct amount to the cylinder. Too much powder prevents adequate pressurization, and too little will limit the extinguisher’s output–and that’s the last thing you want when there’s a fire. Get an accurate scale to weigh the material before pouring it in through a funnel
Re-Install the Valve and Re-Pressurize
Check the threads on the valve and the cylinder. If they are clean and free of debris, thread the valve back onto the cylinder. Some models may have a mechanism similar to a car’s gas cap that keeps you from over-tightening it. Check manufacturer specifications and make sure it’s properly torqued. At this point, you’re ready to add pressure back to the cylinder. Use the correct gas for your agent; again, nitrogen is probably best because it’s more stable and because using plain air will provide a burst of oxygen to the fire. Make sure you use a regulated source that will not overfill the cylinder. Connect the hose where the discharge hose was attached, and then fill it to the appropriate pressure.
Check for Leaks
Just as you do with gas lines, you should check your extinguisher for leaks. Spray some soapy water on all the connections and see if any bubbles show up. If they do, recheck all your connections to make sure they’re tight. If a leak persists, you may have damaged components or threads that will need to be replaced. If you don’t see any bubbles, you’re ready to go.
Reattach, Re-Label, and Restore to Service
Your final steps are simple. Reattach the discharge hose, making sure it is fully tightened and properly rotated to be correctly aimed during use. Attach a label that tells the date of service and highlights any repairs or upgrades that were made. Be sure that you include your initials in case there are any questions in the future.
Finally, return the extinguisher to its assigned location, making sure that its bracket or cabinet is in good condition and solid enough to use. It’s that simple. With just a few steps, you can get a used fire extinguisher back on duty protecting your vehicle, workplace, or home.