Fire extinguishers must be inspected periodically. This ensures extinguishers work when needed. In other words, the reliability of an extinguisher directly relates to routine maintenance and testing. Both hydrotest and 6-YR maintenance tests are performed under the direction of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Some state fire marshals require tamper evident material for hydrotest maintenance labels.
We offer both tamper-evident chrome VOID polyester and white vinyl for your hydrotest maintenance labels.
Hydrotest
Hydrostatic testing checks for leaks and overall extinguisher strength. Different extinguishers need to be hydrotested in different intervals. Per the NFPA the most common ABC extinguishers need to be tested every 12 years from the date of manufacture. Likewise, class D extinguishers require a hydrotest every 12 years. However class K extinguishers need hydrostatic testing every five years. A hydrotest includes visually inspecting the interior and exterior of the extinguisher. The cylinder gets filled with water and pressure tested between 125 and 150 percent above operational capacity. When the extinguisher passes the test it receives a new hydrotest label and is reassembled.
6-YR Maintenance
Rechargeable extinguishers requiring a hydrostatic test every twelve years also need routine maintenance. The NFPA requires visual inspection of both the outside and inside of an extinguisher every six years. Of course when an extinguisher fires it must be recharged. Any time an extinguisher is opened up, it must be inspected. Like the hydrotest, upon reassembly similarly the 6YR Maintenance requires a new decal be placed stating date of maintenance.
