Your fire extinguisher is the first line of defence against potentially hazardous fire outbreaks. By catching the fire early, you can prevent costly damage and even avoid loss of human life. One of the most dangerous situations you can experience is grabbing your fire extinguisher only to find that it's empty. Knowing how to refill an extinguisher is an important skill for any property owner.
Here are the basic steps you would need to follow when refilling your extinguisher.
1. Make sure all air pressure is removed
When recharging your fire extinguisher, your main goal is to replace the extinguishing agent. You should already know which extinguishing agent you need to use for your particular unit.
Start off by ensuring that the unit is fully depressurized. Air pressure in the unit can cause blockage or other complications when recharging the unit.
2. Disassemble the valves and clean all parts
The next step is to remove the valve assembly on your unit. Start with the main valve and proceed to the down tube assembly. Dissembling the valves will give you access to the main tank so you can properly refill your unit.
After disassembly, make sure you thoroughly clean all parts with clean water. Dust and debris tends to clog fire extinguishers, and this can become a significant risk when attempting to put out a fire. As you clean, pressurize the valves with air or nitrogen. You should also lubricate all components that have dried out over time.
3. Replace the fill tube
After disassembly and cleaning, replace the fill tube with clean water. Ensure the water is as chemically inert as possible, as dissolved salts can result in unwanted chemical reactions. And as you refill, check for any leaks arising from the collar or air-pressurizing valve. Also check the hose and nozzle for any leaks.
4. Pressurize the container with air or nitrogen
Now you can proceed to pressurize the unit with air or nitrogen. Note down how much pressure is required for your unit and don't deviate significantly from manufacturer specifications.
After pressurizing, ensure that the pressure valve cap is firmly back in place. This valve will prevent the unit from leaking during storage or use.
5. Weigh to confirm the unit is properly filled
The final step is to weight your unit. The unit should weigh close to what your manufacturer recommends so you can be sure that the recharging process was successful. Each unit will have its own unique weight based on the extinguishing agent being used and the size of the unit itself.
For more information or help with the process, contact a local supplier of fire extinguishers.
