Water extinguisher life expectancy

[lingmoor]

Hi

One for the fire extinguisher experts

How long you can expect a water extingusher to go on for? Some where I work are coming up to 30 years old but continue to pass the annual test (three didn't pass this year as they had water in the pressure gauge) and the 5 yearly extended test. Being this old they are not the European standard red colour, they are silver, but as long as they pass the test they are still legal...right?

ta

[AnthonyB]

They've got to be Amerex......(& you could repair the ones with water in the gauge, I've re-valved a few like that)

As long as it is fit for service structurally and parts are available to carry out BS, ES & Refills they can last indefinitely.

If pre-2002 they don't need the CE mark and if they are pre-EN3 and have a fire rating they can still be used in BS5306-8 cover calculations.

There are a few quality makes still around where a 20+ year service life isn't unreasonable, however they are often still binned at the 5 year ES along with the cheaper short life product.

Not being red doesn't always make them old, stainless steel & polished finish extinguishers are still produced and totally legit to use.

[lingmoor]

Thanks Anthony