Hydraulic Testing of CO2 Extinguishers

[Mushy]

Hi

Can anyone tell me the frequency of hydraulic testing of CO2 extinguishers?...I seem to recall something like 10 years, 10 years and then 5 years

cheers

[AnthonyB]

Nope - just ever 10 years no with no requirement for extended services at the intervening 5 year intervals.


Much simpler than what it used to be.....

1st test 10 years from new - unless there is a continuous service history in which case it may be extended to 20 years, but if between years 10-20 the extinguisher requires refilling it must be tested before it can be filled.
2nd test: 10 years from 1st test
3rd & subsequent: 5 years from previous test

[Allen Higginson]

What about 45KG fixed extinguishing cylinders?

[Mushy]

Nope - just ever 10 years no with no requirement for extended services at the intervening 5 year intervals.


Much simpler than what it used to be.....

1st test 10 years from new - unless there is a continuous service history in which case it may be extended to 20 years, but if between years 10-20 the extinguisher requires refilling it must be tested before it can be filled.
2nd test: 10 years from 1st test
3rd & subsequent: 5 years from previous test

sorry Anthony I'm having a senior moment

are you saying that example (in bold) above is no longer in ?

[Davo]

Mushy

BS5306:3 2009 page 5 purely says 10 year intervals
Nada else!

davo

[Mushy]

Thanks for the replies...it's appreciated

[AnthonyB]

Nope - just ever 10 years no with no requirement for extended services at the intervening 5 year intervals.


Much simpler than what it used to be.....

1st test 10 years from new - unless there is a continuous service history in which case it may be extended to 20 years, but if between years 10-20 the extinguisher requires refilling it must be tested before it can be filled.
2nd test: 10 years from 1st test
3rd & subsequent: 5 years from previous test

sorry Anthony I'm having a senior moment

are you saying that example (in bold) above is no longer in ?

Yes - the bold is old, not in use.

Current requirements - hydraulic test every 10 years for all cylinders including fixed systems - this is because the testing is a requirement of the various cylinder BS to meet Pressure Safety legislation & not just peculiar to portables

[Allen Higginson]

Cheers Anthony - next question,Does this then apply to halon replacement and other inert gas systems?

[AnthonyB]

If they are high pressure cylinders yes. An easy way to tell is if the neck has stampings on it with the standard, weights, testing house, etc - if so, it's high pressure and subject to retesting.

Clean agent portables go through the same 10 year overhaul, but without the hydraulic test as they are low pressure.

[Psuedonym]

If they are high pressure cylinders yes. An easy way to tell is if the neck has stampings on it with the standard, weights, testing house, etc - if so, it's high pressure and subject to retesting.

Clean agent portables go through the same 10 year overhaul, but without the hydraulic test as they are low pressure.

I'm no longer in the portables game, but just out of interest what are the PED pressure limit requirements ie. low/high definition? Thanks 

[AnthonyB]

I working away for a week so won't be able to look this up for a bit - if anyone else answers in the meantime it would be appreciated.

Certainly the operating pressures of water/foam/powder/wetchem which range from 8 to 18 bar appear not to require retesting in normal circumstances, although according to TG/Chubb (the only people that refurb non CO2 in any appreciable amount these days) they have to re-test any of these types if refurbished..