New Haven County Fire Extinguisher Service               

All fire extinguishers have a "Born On" date. On the chrome liquid types, that date is usually found on the hanger loop. On the reqular ABC, BC, or Halon extinguishers that date is uaually found on the label, however some manufacturers stamp the date in the "boot" located around the extinguisher base. Some manufacturers stamp the date in the bottom. On the CO2 type extinguishers this date is found stamped around the shoulder near the top.

The answer is YES. Although the extinguisher may feel heavy, like its still full, or still shows some pressure on the gauge (if it has one!) most likely there will no longer be enough pressure to expell the chemical next time something happens and you need it. There are also other problems that need to be checked as well, such as powder stuck in the discharge hose, the valve not seating right, etc. Call us. We will respond to your building with a "loaner" for you to use free of charge while we service and recharge your extinguisher.

There are constantly changes being made in Fire Extinguisher regulations and guidelines. Most of these are governed by NFPA 10. The latest changes are as follows:

CO2 Extinguishers built prior to 1955 are no longer serviceable there for must be taken out of service at the next test

"General" brand CO2 Extinguishers with the copper colored aluminum valve are to be taken out of service at the next test no matter what the age. General is out of business and there are no parts being manufactured for them. Other General brands that are to be taken out of service at the next test are identified with the letter "F" surrounded by a shield stamped into the shoulder or the following  ID number, "6557"

Pressureized Water extinguishers (the Chrome ones) built prior to 1971 must be taken out of service at the next test. In addition, any Pressurized water  extinguisher that has the "winged" nut under the valve must be removed from service at the next test as well

Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers built prior to 1984 must be taken out of service as well at the next test date.

There are a few brands that are currently in use and must be taken out of service at the next test. These have lost their DOT testing status and can be identified with the following code stamped into the basr "DOT4B195"

There is a recall on the large 10 lb size "Kidde" brand extinguisher depending on the age and cylinder style. Our technicians are trained to spot these. These extinguishers must be taken out of service immediately. We will leave you a loaner, and return the extinguisher to the manufacturer who will send us a replacement for it. When we recieve it we will deliver it to you and pick up our loaner.

Clean up of the product is best achieved using a vacuum or wet sweep and shovel. Either method will minimize the generation of dust. Bag or drum the product for disposal. If the product has been used on a fire or has become contaminated, use personal protective equipment and containment means that are appropriate for the composition of the mixture.

All dry chemical type extinguishers as well as water based and CO2 brought in for 6yr maintenance, hydrotest, or recharge will have verification collars attached as proof of depressurization, devalving, and internal maintenace.

Look at your fire extinguisher tag. It will be punched with a month and year. Your extinguishers are due for annual required service 1 year from that date. Dont have a service tag? Call us and we will come out and provide a quick inspection while also placing you in our database.