Fire Extinguisher Recharge Service in MD, DC & VA
Did your most recent fire extinguisher inspection in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC, show that your fire extinguisher is low on pressure or extinguishing chemicals? Have you recently discharged your fire extinguisher, even by just a tiny bit? You might need a fire extinguisher recharge.
Even if your fire extinguisher looks like it’s mostly charged, you should never take chances ― the difference between fully charged and mostly charged could be the difference between life and death.
Trust the Fire Extinguisher Experts at Guardian Fire Protection
At Guardian Fire Protection, we specialize in fire extinguisher recharges. We can help keep your building’s fire extinguishers fully pressurized and ready to protect you in the event of a fire.
Can’t remember the last time you had your fire extinguishers refilled? Contact Guardian Fire Protection for your fire extinguisher recharge in Maryland, DC, or Northern Virginia.
What Is a Fire Extinguisher Recharge?
When a fire extinguisher is discharged, the extinguishing agent inside it is depleted. It must then be refilled to ensure it’s ready for future use. Fire extinguisher recharge is the process of refilling and restoring a fire extinguisher after it has been used or after a certain length of time.
The fire extinguisher recharge process may seem simple. However, it should always be performed by a certified fire protection specialist.
How To Recharge a Fire Extinguisher
Recharging a low-pressure or depleted fire extinguisher ensures the equipment’s readiness and effectiveness in case of a fire emergency at your commercial property.
Fire extinguisher refill steps include:
- Inspection: The technician examines the extinguisher for any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear.
- Discharge: The extinguisher is emptied of any remaining extinguishing agent.
- Cleaning: The extinguisher’s exterior is cleaned, and the nozzle/hose and other components are inspected.
- Refill: The appropriate extinguishing agent is added to the extinguisher, ensuring it matches the type needed for its intended use.
- Pressurization: Use nitrogen gas to add pressure to the extinguisher. A pressure gauge confirms the extinguisher is at the correct pressure level.
- Testing: A functionality test is conducted to check for leaks and ensure the extinguisher operates as it should.
- Labeling: The inspection tag is updated to confirm the extinguisher has been recharged and is ready for use.
How Often Should You Recharge a Fire Extinguisher?
A fire extinguisher needs to be recharged immediately after use to ensure adequate pressure and storage of the extinguishing agent. It should also be recharged periodically to ensure it complies with NFPA 10 standards. In most cases, internal examinations and recharging are performed at the six-year mark and 12 years from the date of manufacture.
If one or more extinguishers at your business show signs of damage, corrosion, or nozzle blockage, or if it has expired, talk to a professional about replacing them.
Call Guardian Fire Protection today to request a quote for fire extinguisher recharge services in Maryland, Northern Virginia, or Washington, DC.
Request a Quote
When you need a fire extinguisher recharge in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC, go with the name you trust for all your fire protection needs. Guardian Fire Protection provides full-service fire extinguisher recharges when you need them, so you can always be confident that your building’s fire protection is covered.
Our experienced fire safety professionals specialize in all aspects of fire protection, including:
- Commercial kitchen fire suppression systems
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Fire alarm systems
- Fire suppression systems
- Emergency lighting
Call Guardian Fire Protection today to schedule your fire extinguisher recharge in Maryland, Northern Virginia, or DC.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Extinguishers
When do I need to recharge or refill my fire extinguisher?
Any time you use your fire extinguisher, even if you accidentally release only a little bit, you need to have your fire extinguisher recharged — losing even just a few milliseconds of pressure or chemical extinguishant could result in faulty fire extinguisher operation.
Keep your employees and customers safe! Call us to schedule your fire extinguisher recharge for your Rockville, MD, business.
How long is a fire extinguisher good for?
Portable fire extinguishers can last anywhere from five to 15 years with appropriate care. Check the tag on each fire extinguisher for dates and the manufacturer’s instructions if you want to know how old your fire extinguishers are. You should have the gauge checked on your fire extinguisher once a month to ensure it’s properly charged. If your fire extinguisher is old or not full, you might need a refill.
Can a fire extinguisher expire?
Fire extinguishers will expire over time. You may notice your fire extinguisher is expired if the neck on the extinguisher has weakened, which allows compressed gas to escape. Getting a fire extinguisher refill for your business is your only option if your extinguisher has leaked over the years.
Unfortunately, fire extinguishers like this will have lost most of their pressure and won’t work well. That’s why it’s essential to schedule regular fire extinguisher inspections and recharge services.
Let us help.
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