Fire Extinguisher Testing

If you’re considering purchasing a fire extinguisher for your home or business, you’ll need to know a few things about the various types of tests that are required. In this article, we’ll discuss Hydrostatic and Pressure testing, as well as Tamper indicators. We’ll also cover how to properly inspect and maintain your fire extinguisher. Read on for more information! Once you’ve learned the basics, you’ll be better equipped to decide whether or not to buy a fire extinguisher.

Hydrostatic test

If you’re looking for Tauranga fire extinguisher, you need to find out how it works. In addition to its cost, hydrostatic testing is potentially dangerous if performed incorrectly. For safety reasons, you should only let a certified fire safety specialist perform hydrostatic tests. Regardless of whether you’re a business owner or a homeowner, fire safety professionals should be contacted for their expertise.

The first step in the hydrostatic testing process involves discharging the extinguisher, and the technician will inspect the interior of the cylinder for pitting or other flaws. Next, they will fill the cylinder with water, and then place it behind a shield and protective cage to monitor pressure. If the pressure drops, a leak may be present. If it does, you should remove the extinguisher from service and contact a qualified fire safety company.

Pressure test

Performing a hydrostatic test on a fire extinguisher is a crucial safety practice. This test is not to be undertaken by anyone who is not trained and certified. The test must be performed at a specified pressure for 30 seconds, no less than the time required for complete expansion and visual inspection of the cylinder. Before conducting the test, the extinguisher should be emptied of water. The results should be recorded.

The procedure for performing the pressure test is different for different extinguishers. Some manufacturers recommend that a fire extinguisher be inspected every six years. These tests are conducted under the direction of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Additionally, some states require that the hydrotest maintenance label is made from tamper-evident material, which may be chrome VOID polyester or white vinyl.

Discharge test

When purchasing a fire extinguisher, the manufacturer should perform an Effective Discharge test before use. This test is performed in accordance with AS 1841.1 and involves discharges of a fire extinguisher in discrete steps. The mass of the extinguishing agent in the cylinder is determined after each discharge step. If the mass of the agent in the cylinder decreases after discharge, the extinguisher is defective and should be replaced.

When selecting a fire extinguisher, choose a model that is approved for the specific hazard area it protects. Water and foam extinguishers can easily be refilled after a discharge test. Other extinguishers must be taken to a professional testing facility. Once there, the facility will replace the extinguisher with one that has been tested. It is better to purchase a new unit rather than repeatedly refilling the same unit. Furthermore, you should test fire extinguishers regularly to detect damage or rust.

Tamper indicators

A tamper indicator is a device that indicates that a fire extinguisher has been tampered with, and therefore needs to be tested. Tamper indicators are often used as a safety measure, as pressure gauges are not always reliable indicators of discharge. A tamper indicator can be used instead of a pressure gauge, as it is much more difficult to remove a pin when it is tied in a tank.

Regardless of whether the fire extinguisher is rechargeable or not, it should be inspected at least once every six months or annually. To make sure the safety of the device, it should have a locking device or pull pin and be kept free of obstructions. When removing the seal, it must be checked for tamper indicators and the date it was last serviced. Tamper indicators should be checked every six months, so you can be sure the fire extinguisher is in good working order.