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where do you find the expiration date on a first alert fire extinguisher

by Dr. Mae Cormier Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

The year of manufacture is located on the UL nameplate/label on the fire extinguisher canister.

Full Answer

Where is the expiration date on First Alert smoke detectors?

The date of manufacture for your alarm is printed in date format on the back of your alarm: YYYY, Month, DD. First Alert's Smoke/CO Warranty begins at the date of retail purchase--not the date of manufacture. Some alarms manufactured prior to July of 2013, like the P1000 or Atom, have their date of manufacture listed differently.

How to safely dispose of expired fire extinguishers?

Some signs that the fire extinguisher needs to be replaced include:

  • Slow loss of pressure
  • Rust or corrosion
  • Excessive damage
  • Illegible instructions

Is there an expiration date on a home fire extinguisher?

The truth is that most fire extinguishers do not come with an expiration date, and it can be challenging to know exactly when to replace your fire extinguisher. There is no exact, set number of years that you can have an extinguisher before it is considered “expired.”

When activated a fire extinguisher will last for?

Secondly, when activated a fire extinguisher will last for how many minutes? They range in size from 2 - 30 pounds, spray about 5-20 feet and last for about 10-25 seconds. Accordingly, is there an expiry date on fire extinguishers? Fire extinguisher does not have an expiry date, but not having an expiry date does not

When does my alarm expire?

After an alarm is turned on for the first time, it should last approximately 7-10 years in normal operating conditions . This can vary slightly based on the model you own. Check your alarm's manual for the exact warranty period. If your alarm is more than 10 years old, it's time for a replacement.

What happens if my alarm stops working before it reaches the usual expiration time (7-10 years after activation)?

If your alarm is still under warranty and is having problems, check out our troubleshooting guides to diagnose the issue:

Is the date on an alarm an expiration date?

The date printed on the back of your alarm is not an expiration date. It is the day your unit was manufactured. Learn more in our guide, Find an Alarm's Model # or Date of Manufacture .

Where to find the serial number of an extinguisher?

Find an extinguisher's serial number: The serial number can be found in a black box after the word, "No.". In the example above, EX3622 is not a model number or serial number. It is the UL listing number.

How long do fire extinguishers last?

Most fire extinguishers have a life expectancy of about 10 years after manufacture. First Alert's warranty covers you from the date of purchase. Note : First Alert's warranty service begins at the date of purchase--not the date of manufacture.

Where is the model number on a fire extinguisher?

The model number of your fire extinguisher is located on your unit's label in bold type . This number usually starts with "FE" and is located a few lines above the copyright symbol (©). The model number can be helpful if you are searching online for a product manual, or troubleshooting with First Alert Support.

When to Replace If There is No Fire Extinguisher Expiration?

Even though there is no expiry date , but you must replace the extinguishers if you find the following conditions:

How long can you use a fire extinguisher?

The exception is only for a non-rechargeable fire extinguisher. It should be disposed of 12 years after the manufacturing date.

Do you need to know the expiration date of a fire extinguisher?

No matter what fire extinguisher brand you are using – Kidde, First Alert, etc – you need to know the manufacturing date in order to determine its expiry date if any.

Does a PPE have an expiration date?

Now, we will check whether there is an expiry date or not associated with the usage of extinguishers. As you might already know PPE like the safety helmet has an expiry date.

Can a fire extinguisher be repaired?

the extinguisher has been repaired for several times. the extinguisher service agent says that it is impossible to repair it. the manufacturer is no longer in the business.

Does the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety regulate how long a fire extinguisher will expire?

The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety ( ccohs.ca) does not regulate how long a fire extinguisher will expire.

Is the expiration date of fire extinguishers determined by OSHA?

The expiration date is also not determined by OSHA. There is no special part of OSHA 1910.157 – Portable fire extinguishers – that mention about this topic.

Where is the expiration date on fire extinguishers?

But it does tend to show up in one of the following spots: On the body of the cylinder. Underneath the plastic ring near the neck. The label.

What to do if fire extinguisher is expired?

If your fire extinguisher has expired, you must dispose of it correctly. Your first course of action is to call your nearby fire department, as there is a good chance they will accept expired extinguishers. If not, bring it to your local dump and make sure to place it with the hazardous waste.

What Does the Expiration Date Mean?

This can be a major cause for concern when homeowners have a false sense of security with a 20-year-old fire extinguisher in their possession.

How long do fire extinguishers last?

Some fire extinguishers may last longer than 10 years, but that is a good rule of thumb as to when you should replace them. It is not dangerous to use an expired fire extinguisher, but it will not effectively put out a fire. This is because its pressure declines over time.

When should fire extinguishers be available in 2021?

March 18th, 2021. Every home should have fire extinguishers. Ideally, they should have multiple. It’s one of the single most important things you can do to reduce the risk of a house fire dramatically. In spite of this, as many as 25% of homeowners don’t even have one—and even more have fire extinguishers that have expired. ...

Can you recycle an empty fire extinguisher?

If you know for sure that your extinguisher is empty, however, you may be able to recycle it. Bring it to your closest recycling facility and ask if they can accept an empty steel fire extinguisher shell.

Can you use an expired fire extinguisher to put out a fire?

Simply put, you should never use an expired fire extinguisher to try to put out a fire. While it’s not as though a fire extinguisher will be in working order one day and completely unusable the next, it will gradually become less effective as the years go on.

Where is the date stamp on a fire extinguisher?

Sometimes the date stamp is hidden under the plastic ring around the neck of an extinguisher or under the plastic boot of the extinguisher. If paint has obscured the date stamp the paint needs to be rubbed off with emery cloth.

How to find out when an extinguisher was commissioned?

To find out when an extinguisher was commissioned, simply check on the maintenance label of the extinguisher.

What is the number to call to service fire extinguishers?

Contact us now to book your extinguisher servicing on 0800 612 4827.

Why is the date of manufacture of CO2 extinguishers irrelevant?

In the case of the CO2 extinguishers it is irrelevant when the extinguisher was commissioned or even when it was assembled by the manufacturer. The only date that is relevant in this specific case is the cylinder manufacturing date. This is because of the high pressure in CO2 extinguishers, which makes the cylinders fall into regulation ...

How long is a CO2 extinguisher good for?

The manufacturing date of an extinguisher is important when it comes to refilling (powder, foam, water extinguishers) or refurbishing (CO2 extinguishers), also called extended extinguisher service. The extended service of foam, water and powder extinguishers is due either 5 years from initial commissioning or 6 years after manufacture, whatever comes first. The refurbishment of CO2 extinguishers is due after 10 years from the cylinder manufacture. In the case of the CO2 extinguishers it is irrelevant when the extinguisher was commissioned or even when it was assembled by the manufacturer. The only date that is relevant in this specific case is the cylinder manufacturing date. This is because of the high pressure in CO2 extinguishers, which makes the cylinders fall into regulation for high pressure cylinders.

How do I find the date of manufacture on my extinguishers?

To determine the date of a fire extinguisher's manufacture, you can typically find the year of manufacture on the UL nameplate. Learn more in our guide, Find the Model #, Serial #, or Manufacture Date for a Fire Extinguisher.

What do I do if the pin does not pop back up on my unused fire extinguisher?

If you have an unused disposable fire extinguisher and the pin does not pop back up, the unit should be replaced. If it is a First Alert Fire Extinguisher and it is still under warranty, contact our Support Team for warranty service. Please note: if you have trigger-test your First Alert disposable fire extinguisher, your warranty will be void.

Do First Alert fire extinguishers come with a mounting bracket and mounting hardware?

While a fire extinguisher mounting bracket is included on some First Alert fire extinguishers, mounting hardware is not included. Depending on where the fire extinguisher will be installed (wood, metal, drywall), different hardware is needed (wood screws, metal screws, toggle/anchor screws). These are readily available at your local hardware store. Please note that the plastic straps on the brackets can sometimes be hard to snap together. Take a flat edge screwdriver and insert it through the loop on one strap, then place it over the catch on the other strap to pull them together and latch.

Can First Alert send a replacement safety tag?

Unfortunately, First Alert cannot send a replacement safety tag. Proper tagging is a critical component of a fire extinguisher meeting proper safety standards. The fire extinguisher's safety tag is installed at the factory, or by a certified service person after confirming the integrity of the fire extinguisher. Contact your local fire extinguisher service provider to confirm the integrity of your extinguisher first.

How do you recommend to clean fire extinguisher residue after using a fire extinguisher?

To clean fire extinguisher residue after using an extinguisher, sweep and vacuum up as much of the residue as possible . Then use a damp cloth to wipe up the remaining residue.

Can you store fire extinguishers horizontally?

A modern fire extinguisher can be stored horizontally. The contents are under pressure, and the angle of storage will not cause the system to leak. Proper fire extinguisher storage includes using the appropriate mounting brackets, and being sure that you do not allow your extinguishers to freeze. It is also proper to be sure to store your fire extinguisher within easy reach of areas where there is more fire danger, such as within easy reach of the kitchen stove, or near the door of your garage.

Do fire extinguishers need to be pressurized?

For rechargeable fire extinguishers, as long as the arrow is in the green, the fire extinguisher is fully pressurized. If you have discharged a non-rechargeable fire extinguisher, it is recommended that you replace the unit.

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