Manufacturers say most extinguishers should work for 5 to 15 years, but you might not know if you got yours three years ago or 13. If your fire extinguisher was made in Mexico, the printed number will read like this: L2103071146. 103 = Day of the year. Most people who own portable fire extinguishers already know the importance of regular fire extinguisher inspections and testing. Fire extinguisher expiration is an important aspect associated with fire extinguisher operation.. Both with safety issues and the fire department. If the fire extinguisher fails this test, it is unusable and should be replaced immediately. 1146 = Time. The fire safety technician will also conduct hydrostatic testing to measure the integrity of the fire extinguisher’s cylinder. Sometimes, I still heard people asking this question, “How many years is a fire extinguisher good for? 901-531-6550 Look for the tag (typically located at the bottom of the fire extinguisher); for the expiration date and manufacturer's instructions. Posted on: January 18, 2011. If not, take the canister to a hazardous waste disposal facility. Products ; Smoke Alarms CO Alarms Combination Smoke/CO Alarms Fire Extinguishers Escape Ladders Auxiliary Devices Shelf Life of a Fire Extinguisher A fire extinguisher's shelf life will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer – it can last anywhere from 3 to 12 years. Yes the 07 or any two digit number stamped on the bottom is the manufacture year. The information in the Vessel Safety Check Manual COMDTINST M16796.8A regarding fire extinguisher inspection is the current, most accurate guidance. When to Replace a Fire Extinguisher Even if there's no expiration date, it won't last forever. The certification tag on a Fire Extinguisher lists the months of the year across the bottom of the tag and our service technician marks the month that the fire extinguisher was certified and it is certified for the entire year and month that the tag is punched for. Now, below you can see everything that you need to know to make sure that your fire extinguisher will be in perfect conditions when you need it. last I heard any extinguisher made before 1984 are " expired" the extinguishers need to be serviced every 6 years and hydro-tested every 12 for standard ABC dry chem. When Does a Fire Extinguisher Expire? How to Dispose of a Fire Extinguisher. So how can you be sure it will fire away? Find out the lifespan of a fire extinguisher and how to extend its lifespan here! extinguishers. L2 = Production line. A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Your fire extinguishers have no expiration dates on them, so you may be wondering how long they last. 07 = Year. Back to Support Center. Many manufacturers do not explicitly state when it the expiration date for their fire extinguisher model. Atlanta fire chief Dennis L. Rubin recommends checking the pressure gauge monthly. If the fire extinguisher is empty, squeeze the lever to ensure no pressure remains inside. A fire extinguisher is a must-have in every business building is the most used way to douse a fire and prevent its spread. the 12 year fire extinguisher expiration requirement) and the Vessel Safety Check, the following guidance has been provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety. Re: Fire extinguisher safety: expiration date rules? Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely. However, most people hold the misconception that once you buy a fire extinguisher, it stays with you for life. In fact, the manufacture date of an extinguisher is extremely important when it comes to refilling or refurbishing. The 5-15 Years Rule. But even if you stay current with all of the required inspections and maintenance, how long will it take before your fire extinguisher expires? Here’s what to do with an old, damaged, or expired extinguisher: If the fire extinguisher is partially or fully charged, call your fire department to ask if they accept drop-offs.