Refilling old fire extinguishers

[John D.]

A local company in my town said they do not refill or recharge any fire extinguishers older than 1984.
Since so many of you are interesting in the old fire extinguishers lately do you know who sells a kit to do this yourself? Thanks,John D

[Joe C.]

Re: Refilling old fire extinguishers

"Propellant cylinders over 20 years of age are to be taken out of service.........."
This is a DOT requirement. Pressure vessels must also be pressure tested every 5-10 years, IIRC.

Now, I might be able to put you'se in touch with somebody who can...........

Joe

[Joe C.]

Oh, You Wanta Kit?

Get you some baking soda. Next, eat you plenty red beans and rice. Next, uncork the old pressure vessel, pour out the contents, or not. Refill with some fresh fire suppressant. Finally, recharge to 100psig, with natural methane(CH4)gas.
I hope this hepls.

Joe

[John D.]

Re: Oh, You Wanta Kit?

Joe, Hope it works better than you smell. Hepls. Good idea on the refill. I have an original dated 63 fire extinguisher for my 63. Not good for fires though. Just for show. Also have a back up halagon one. Had to say that to avoid boo coo posts. I may have to bribe an employee of a company to get mine charged. Payola goes a long way today. Happy New Year, John

[Dick W.]

Re: Oh, You Wanta Kit?

The reason that they will not recharge the older extinguishers is that the test date on the cannister has expired. Pressure vessels such as this are required to be tested periodically. If you have never seen one of these ruputure, you are in for a show! For safety's sake, do not recharge a 45 y/o extingushier unless you can find someone to do a hydrostatic test on it.

[John D.]

(Message Deleted by Poster)

Message Deleted by Poster

[John D.]

Still wating for a good answer

I still never got an answer. I want to have some old fire extinguishers refilled. I realize it is a safety hazard. Now what. Thanks for your replies but so far no cigar. Happy New Year. John D.

[Chuck S.]

Another "Not So Good" Answer...

John, I don't think you've beat the bushes enough...Type "fire extinguisher recharge" into your brower address line and see what comes up.

Several companies will recharge, hydrostatic test, and certify your extinguishers. If they hydro them , I doubt it'll make any difference on how old they are. Call them up and explain these are "classic" extinguishers and see what they'll do. Once you explain how valuable they are, the "Corvette Fire Extinguisher Tax" may kick in.

They'll probably insist on doing the hydro because of the age of the extinguishers, but this is not a high pressure test...110% of design pressure if I remember correctly. One company is showing $12.50 for the hydro, about $10 to charge, and another $6.00 to certify an extinguisher. This is the only CYA way to do this IMO...besides, you might be tempted to sell one if they're functional.

Below is one company...there are others.




Colorado Alarm

[John D.]

Re: Another "Not So Good" Answer...

Hi Chuck,Thanks for the first good answer. I appreciate it. Happy New Year, John