Fire extinguishers are essential safety devices that can help you put out small fires and prevent them from spreading. However, after using a fire extinguisher, you need to recharge it with a new agent to make sure it is ready for the next emergency. In this article, we will explain how much it costs to refill a fire extinguisher, what factors influence the price, and why you should maintain your fire extinguishers regularly.
Key Takeaways
- The average cost of refilling a fire extinguisher is between $15 and $50, depending on the type and size of the extinguisher.
- The cost of refilling a fire extinguisher may vary depending on the location, the service provider, and the amount of agent needed.
- You should only refill rechargeable fire extinguishers that have a metal gauge and a label indicating they can be recharged.
- You should inspect your fire extinguishers monthly and have them serviced by a certified professional annually or when indicated by an inspection.
- Maintaining your fire extinguishers can ensure their reliability, effectiveness, and safety in case of a fire.
How Much Does It Cost to Refill a Fire Extinguisher?
The cost of refilling a fire extinguisher depends on several factors, such as:
- The type of fire extinguisher: There are different types of fire extinguishers for different classes of fires, such as water, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide, and wet chemical. Each type of fire extinguisher requires a different agent and has a different price for refilling. For example, according to some sources, refilling a dry chemical fire extinguisher can cost anywhere from $20 to $60, while refilling a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher can cost anywhere from $25 to $45.
- The size of the fire extinguisher: Fire extinguishers come in various sizes, ranging from 2.5 to 20 pounds. The larger the fire extinguisher, the more agent it can hold and the more it will cost to refill. For example, according to some sources, refilling an 11-pound dry chemical fire extinguisher can cost around $50, while refilling a 20-pound dry chemical fire extinguisher can cost around $60.
- The location: The cost of refilling a fire extinguisher may vary depending on where you live and where you get the service done. Some areas may have higher or lower prices for labor and materials than others. Some service providers may also charge extra fees for travel, pickup, delivery, or disposal. You should compare prices from different local companies or fire stations before choosing one.
- The service provider: The cost of refilling a fire extinguisher may also depend on who performs the service. You should only hire a certified fire equipment dealer or fire protection company to refill your fire extinguisher. They have the proper training, equipment, and knowledge to do the job safely and correctly. They can also provide you with a warranty and documentation for your records. You should avoid DIY kits or online tutorials that claim to teach you how to refill your own fire extinguisher. They are not reliable, effective, or legal.
Based on these factors, the average cost of refilling a fire extinguisher is between $15 and $50. However, this is only an estimate and the actual price may vary depending on your specific situation. You should always get a quote from the service provider before agreeing to the service.
How Do You Know If Your Fire Extinguisher Needs Refilling?
You should always refill your fire extinguisher after using it, regardless of how much agent was discharged. Even if you only used it for a few seconds, it may have lost some pressure or agent that could affect its performance in the future.
You should also check your fire extinguisher regularly to see if it needs refilling or replacing. You can do this by following these steps:
- Inspect your fire extinguisher monthly: You should look for any signs of damage, corrosion, leakage, or tampering on your fire extinguisher. You should also make sure it is in its designated place, visible, accessible, and secure. You should check the pressure gauge to see if it is in the green zone (operable range). If it is in the red zone (overcharged or undercharged), you need to refill or replace your fire extinguisher. You should also check the pin and tamper seal (if applicable) to see if they are intact. If they are broken or missing, someone may have used or tampered with your fire extinguisher and you need to refill or replace it. You should record the date and the person who performed the inspection on a tag or label attached to the fire extinguisher or on a paper or electronic file.
- Have your fire extinguisher serviced annually: You should have your fire extinguisher serviced by a certified professional at least once a year or when indicated by an inspection. The service provider will perform a thorough examination of your fire extinguisher and perform any necessary repair, recharging, or replacement. They will also test your fire extinguisher for leaks, pressure, and functionality. They will provide you with a service tag or label that shows the date and the person who performed the service. You should keep this tag or label on your fire extinguisher or on a paper or electronic file for your records.
- Have your fire extinguisher hydrostatically tested periodically: You should have your fire extinguisher hydrostatically tested every 5, 6, or 12 years, depending on the type of fire extinguisher. This is a process that involves filling your fire extinguisher with water and pressurizing it to check for any leaks, cracks, or defects in the cylinder. This is done to ensure that your fire extinguisher can withstand the pressure and stress of a fire. The service provider will mark the date and the person who performed the test on your fire extinguisher or on a paper or electronic file for your records.
You should only refill rechargeable fire extinguishers that have a metal gauge and a label indicating they can be recharged. If you have a disposable fire extinguisher that has a plastic gauge and no label, you should not attempt to refill it. You should dispose of it properly and replace it with a new one.
Why Should You Maintain Your Fire Extinguishers Regularly?
Maintaining your fire extinguishers regularly is important for several reasons, such as:
- Ensuring their reliability: By inspecting, servicing, and testing your fire extinguishers regularly, you can make sure they are in good working condition and ready for use in case of a fire. You can avoid any surprises or failures that could put you and others at risk.
- Ensuring their effectiveness: By refilling your fire extinguishers with the right amount and type of agent, you can ensure they can put out the fires they are designed for. You can also prevent any loss of pressure or agent that could reduce their range or duration.
- Ensuring their safety: By repairing or replacing any damaged or defective parts of your fire extinguishers, you can prevent any leaks, explosions, or injuries that could result from using them. You can also avoid any fines or penalties that could result from violating any codes or regulations regarding fire extinguishers.
Conclusion
Fire extinguishers are vital safety devices that can help you fight small fires and prevent them from spreading. However, they need to be refilled and maintained regularly to ensure their reliability, effectiveness, and safety. The average cost of refilling a fire extinguisher is between $15 and $50, depending on the type and size of the extinguisher, the location, the service provider, and the amount of agent needed. You should only refill rechargeable fire extinguishers that have a metal gauge and a label indicating they can be recharged. You should inspect your fire extinguishers monthly and have them serviced by a certified professional annually or when indicated by an inspection. You should also have them hydrostatically tested every 5, 6, or 12 years, depending on the type of fire extinguisher. By following these steps, you can ensure your fire extinguishers are ready for use in case of an emergency.
