Fire Extinguisher Refill in Downey

Once the pin is pulled, the unit is out of service

Any extinguisher that has been discharged needs a refill. That's true even if it was squeezed for only a second. When the valve of a dry chemical unit opens, powder often lodges in the valve seat and lets the propellant leak out slowly, so the gauge can read green today and sit in the red a week later. Treat every used unit as empty.

Fire extinguishers are the most common reason Downey businesses call us. Some callers need more than the yearly service because a few units are already empty. Before the visit, tell us three things:

• How many units are empty or used.
• The size printed on each label.
• The agent type: ABC dry chemical, CO2, water or Class K wet chemical.

That's enough. The technician can bring the right agent.

Fire extinguisher recharge: what the technician does

Refill and recharge are the same job. Here's the usual order:

1. Check the cylinder for dents, rust and damaged threads, then read its hydrostatic test date.
2. Empty whatever agent is left and inspect the valve, stem and O-ring.
3. Refill with the agent the unit is rated for (ABC powder for an ABC unit, wet chemical for a Class K unit).
4. Pressurize to the gauge's operating range and leak check.
5. Seal the pin and hang a dated service tag.

Test dates can change the plan. Dry chemical cylinders need a hydrostatic test every 12 years, and stored-pressure dry chemical units also get an internal teardown every 6 years. CO2, water and wet chemical units are hydro tested every 5 years. If a unit is due for one of these, that work comes first and the recharge follows it. Our hydrostatic testing page for Downey explains how the test works.

Refill it or buy a new one?

Callers ask this a lot. Our answers depend on the unit:

• Ten years old and never serviced: we've advised buying new.
• Close to its 12-year hydro test: compare the cost of the test plus the refill against the price of a new unit before you decide.
• Bought at a store: it can be serviced if the gauge shows a "recharge" marking and the handle is not plastic.
• Brand new: it still needs to be certified. The fire department requires it.

Who checks extinguishers in Downey

Downey isn't covered by LA County Fire. The city has run its own fire department since 1957. That department's Fire Prevention Division, led by the Fire Marshal, does business fire and life safety inspections. On inspection day, the tag on each unit shows when it was last serviced. The California Fire Code covers portable extinguishers in Section 906. Ask the Fire Prevention Division which edition applies to your building.

Who can do the work? In California, extinguisher service has to be done by a firm and a technician licensed by the State Fire Marshal. Our California work is done by Hedrick Fire Protection, which holds C-16 and C-10 contractor licenses and is licensed by the State Fire Marshal under Title 19 for portable extinguisher service.

Check your units once a month. Look for a green gauge, an intact pin and seal, and a clear path to the wall mount. A licensed technician services each unit once a year and puts on a new tag. Our annual extinguisher certification in Downey page covers that visit. If you give staff extinguishers to use, OSHA requires training when they're hired and at least once a year after that. See our fire extinguisher training in Downey.

To book a refill, call (213) 568-0188 or email socal@1profire.com with how many units you have, what type they are, and your Downey address. We cover ZIP codes 90239, 90240, 90241 and 90242. Other Downey services are listed on the Downey fire protection page, including fire extinguisher service and installation. Outside the city limits? See extinguisher refill in Los Angeles County or extinguisher refill in Orange County.