Fire extinguishers must be inspected periodically. In fact, routine hydrostatic testing and routine maintenance ensure the functionality of your fire extinguishers. Hence these are regulated throughout the industry. Both hydrostatic testing and 6 YR maintenance are performed under the direction of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Documentation of tests can be seen on hydrotest stickers and six year maintenance labels and are affixed to the fire extinguisher. Please note: Some state fire marshal's require tamper evident material for hydrotest stickers and six year maintenance labels. We offer our Chrome VOID material for such labels. However, new equipment has allowed us to make self-destructing cuts into our vinyl and give another option for tamper evident material.
Hydrotest Stickers
Hydrostatic testing checks for leaks and overall extinguisher strength. Different extinguishers need to be hydro tested in different intervals. Per the NFPA, the most common ABC extinguishers need to be tested every 12 years from date of manufacture. Likewise, class D extinguishers require a hydrostatic test every 12 years. However, class K extinguishers need hydrostatic testing every five. A hydrotest first, includes visually inspecting the interior and exterior of the extinguisher. Next the cylinder gets filled with water and pressure tested between 125 and 150 percent above operational capacity. Finally when the extinguisher passes the test it receives a new hydrotest sticker and is reassembled.
6-YR Maintenance Labels
Those rechargeable extinguishers requiring a hydrostatic test every twelve years, need routine maintenance. Every 6 years the NFPA requires a visual inspection of both the outside and inside of an extinguisher. Of course anytime an extinguisher fires it must be recharged. in turn when an extinguisher is opened up, it warrants inspection. Likewise the 6YR Maintenance requires a new decal be placed stating date of maintenance much like hydrostatic testing.
