Fire extinguishers expire. Many people aren’t aware, but your fire extinguisher won’t last forever, think of it like milk, with a much longer shelf life. While expiration can take 10+ years, have you checked yours lately?
You likely bought your fire extinguisher, set it aside, and haven’t thought about it again. But if a fire breaks out, an expired fire extinguisher will not work effectively.
That’s why we are going to teach you how long fire extinguishers last, how to check if yours is expired, and when you should replace it — so you will never have to worry about reaching for an expired fire extinguisher when your house is on fire.
Can fire extinguishers actually expire?
YES! They sure can. Fire extinguishers do not have an expiration date, but they will become less effective with age and use. Let’s take a look at how long your fire extinguisher will last you.
If you’re a homeowner, your disposable fire extinguisher will last you about 10–12 years. If you have a rechargeable extinguisher, be sure to have it looked at every 6 years and recharged if necessary.
Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Life Expectancy
Disposable Fire Extinguishers
Lasts about 10 years before needing replacement.
Rechargeable Fire Extinguishers
Rechargeable fire extinguishers can be used multiple times. They last 12+ years with regular 6-year inspections and recharging as needed.
As you can see, there are two types of fire extinguishers, disposable and rechargeable. Keep reading to learn which type of fire extinguisher you have and how long you can expect to use it.
Fire Extinguisher Types: Disposable vs Rechargeable
Disposable fire extinguishers are intended for single use. Once used, dispose of it properly. If it has not been used, you should replace it every 10–12 years.
Rechargeable extinguishers can be refilled after use and should be serviced every 6 years. Typically, replacement is only necessary after 12 years or if the extinguisher fails inspection.
How Long Will Your Fire Extinguisher Last?
Home Usage vs Business Usage
Home Use
If your fire extinguisher is used at home and only when you feel it’s necessary, it should last you the whole time. As long as the manufacturer allows you to, of course. However, if you find that your extinguisher is being used regularly or is in an area with high heat/high humidity, you may need to service it more regularly.
Business Use
Restaurants will need to have their extinguishers serviced regularly because they are used frequently.
Fire Extinguisher Duration
Fire Extinguishers – How long before I need service or replacement?
- Disposable Fire Extinguisher | Replace every 10+ years.
- Rechargeable extinguisher | Should last 12+ years if you follow the routine servicing.
If your extinguisher is used frequently, it will require more regular service.
How to Read the Manufacture Date of Your Fire Extinguisher
Locate the UL nameplate/stamp or the label on the bottom of your fire extinguishers can. You should see a sticker provided that has this information readily available.
If you cannot find the manufacturing date and your extinguisher is over 10 years old, it is time to replace it or have it serviced by a professional.
Still confused? Give Brazas Fire a call, and we’ll help you determine when it was manufactured.
Signs Your Fire Extinguisher is Expired or Bad
Below are signs that indicate whether your fire extinguisher has expired or is unsafe to use.
- The seal has been tampered with, or the pin is missing
- Obvious signs that your fire extinguisher was used include a broken safety seal.
- Cracked or blocked hose
- The pressure gauge is not in the green zone
- Visible rust on the fire extinguisher.
- Expired tag attached to fire extinguisher.
How Often Should You Check Your Fire Extinguishers?
Monthly Visual Checkup
We recommend visually inspecting your fire extinguisher monthly. Ensure it is in the correct spot, hasn’t been damaged, and can be quickly accessed during an emergency.
Yearly Checkup
If your fire extinguisher is used frequently or you own a business, we recommend having it professionally inspected annually. You don’t want to fight a fire with an expired fire extinguisher, risking your or others’ lives.
If you find that your extinguishers are used frequently due to heavy restaurant traffic or fire training, we recommend servicing them every 6 months.
Business Owners
If you own a business, check with your local fire department/building code office to find out how often you should have your fire extinguishers professionally inspected. Some businesses are required to comply with their fire code guidelines. Contact your local fire department for recommended guidelines.
What Happens If I Use an Expired Fire Extinguisher?
- It will not work properly
- Bad pressure
- Hard to operate/misfires.
- It could fail your fire inspection or result in a fine from your local fire department.
Can fire extinguishers for houses expire?
ABSOLUTELY! Home fire extinguishers can expire, too. Replace them every 10 years if you have disposable ones.
We understand that NM doesn’t get super cold in the winter, but we still recommend replacing them often. Because let’s face it, New Mexico can get some extreme heat during the summer months in some cities.
Brazas Fire offers reliable fire extinguisher services in Albuquerque.
We offer fire extinguisher services all throughout Albuquerque and NM. We can inspect your extinguisher and recharge or refill it. If you’re expired, we can sell you certified replacements, too.
Not sure when your fire extinguisher was manufactured? No worries, we can determine that for you.
Commercial Fire Extinguisher Services We Offer
If you own any business, you need fire extinguishers. Brazas Fire can provide you with an annual inspection to ensure they are always in working order.
Residential Fire Extinguisher Services
Just because you don’t own a business doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have yours checked. Brazas Fire offers services all over Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Placitas, Bernalillo, Edgewood, and more!
Fire extinguishers can and will expire, but with Brazas Fire Extinguisher. Call us today to learn more about our fire extinguisher services!
We provide fire extinguisher services throughout Albuquerque, NM, and the greater Albuquerque metro area. That means we can provide you service in Rio Rancho, Placitas, Bernalillo, Edgewood, and all of New Mexico!
Call Brazas Fire Today!
Give us a call or text us to schedule your free inspection or request a quote for replacement fire extinguishers. We are here to help you and answer any questions you may have about fire extinguishers. Call 505-889-8999 to schedule service or ask questions!