When Does my Fire Extinguisher Expire?

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Fire extinguishers do not last forever. No matter what type of fire extinguisher you have, the manufacturing date should be featured somewhere on the canister. It might be printed on the extinguisher label or stamped into the cylinder body. If you don't readily see a date stamp, check under the plastic ring around the neck of the extinguisher or beneath the rubber boot at the base of the cylinder. If the paint has obscured the numbers, remove it with emery cloth so you can read the date.

Different types of fire extinguishers exist. For example, those using compressed gas can progressively lose contents as their seals deteriorate, while those using ammonium phosphate can freeze over time, rendering the device useless. By asking this question, you're being proactive and putting your safety first, and the answers could be the difference between successfully reacting to an emergency and getting caught empty-handed.