Im having trouble finding some objective data on the life cycle of a typical Kidde 2.75# BCII type fire extinguisher. So far the only info I can find is a recommendation to weigh them annually. These are not the refillable type that can be certified. They have an aluminum cylinder and in a marine environment there must be some kind of max life cycle recommendations from Kidde or USCG? Does any one have a link to a website with that info?
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Fire extinguisher expected lifetime
- Thread starter vic33004
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2009
- RO Number
- 31123
- Messages
- 209
I've never worried about it, Check the engine room one every yr. Portable ones check the charge indicator and look for bubbled up paint, and replace all portable ones every 5 yrs..
They do not expire as long as the indicator is in the green. Take it off the mount about once a month and either shake it vigorously or turn it upside down and whack it several times with a rubber mallot. This keeps the dry chemical from settling and packing down then you are good to go.
I was going to suggest shaking it upside down. I keep a pair of fire extinguishers in the rear boxes just above the swim platform since they get wet the handle and gauge usually don't last 2 years. The others are mounted in dry areas and when in cabinets the cabinette has a label indicating a fire extinguisher is inside. These last about 5 seasons as long as the gauge is good and I can hear powder inside with the inverted shake test. The Fireboy system in the ER is profesionally inspected and tagged annually.
Bill
Bill