We have a dry-chemical (monoammonium phosphate) fire extinguisher in our house that is running somewhat low. Where does one go to get one of these recharged?
We also have an old CO2 unit with an unknown but significant charge (it has no gauge), but I think we’ll leave that one alone.
Check the Yellow Pages under “Fire Extinguisher” to find stores in your area that do it.
friend riker1384,
i work for a medium sized fire alarm and equipment dealer in the midwest.
your yellow pages will have a couple of fire equipment dealers in your city. a recharge is very simple, and can be done while you wait for a nominal fee. there is a date of manufacture on your fire extinguisher. if this date is 12 years ago or more, your extinguisher will need to be hydrostatically tested before it can be recharged. there is an additional fee for this test. it is done to test the integrity of the cylinder and its ability to safely hold a charge under pressure.
the co2 extiguisher has a different hydrostatic test interval (5 years) the lack of a gauge is characteristic of this type of extinguisher. the way to determine if it is charged or not is to weigh it and compare this to the full weight stamped into the head of the cylinder.
hope this was helpful
Just as a price idea, in the San Francisco area, a regular 5-pound 2A:10BC type costs around $15 for a recharge, and $30 for hydro test/recharge.
Thanks. Do you know if it is safe to just leave the CO2 unit as it is and not test it? It is old (at least 15 years) and heavy, and I don’t think we have a great need for 2 of them in this house, though I might buy a small new one for the upper floor when I get the other charged.
friend gotpasswords,
prices are about the same here in omaha.
friend riker 1384,
the extinguiser is safe as long as the pull pin is secure. this pin prevents the handles from being squeezed together prematurely.
I would add that CO2 cilinders are heavy all by themselves.
I can think of few things that would creat a bigger DOH! than trying to fight a fire with a CO2 extinguisher, and when the pin is pulled, it just goes “puff” cause it is empty.
BTW you shouldn’t rely on those gauges. Someone (a doper perhaps) mentioned that they did fire extinguisher checks and always carried around one of those gauges stuck on “OK” to show people.
The CO[sub]2[/sub] extinguishers which I own have gross and tare weights stamped on the valve body such that charge quantity may be readily determined.
I agree completly. Now go back and read post #5. he is relying on the extinguisher being “heavy”. Empty CO[sub]2[/sub] bottles are heavy, so not much help there. If he had mentioned using a scale I would not have posted what I did.
Relying on the bottle feeling “heavy” is an invitation for Mr. Murphy to show up at your house with a box of matches.