Understanding Fire Extinguisher Service Requirements

Understanding Fire Extinguisher Service Requirements

A fire extinguisher service company must be knowledgeable about the different classes of fires, and the portable fire extinguishers that are rated to suppress them.  Locating an adequate fire extinguisher in the right location, with the right type of extinguishing agent is crucial.  Extinguishing a fire while it may still be controllable is critical to preventing the spread of a dangerous fire, saving equipment, structures, and lives.  

Type of Fire Extinguishers

An experienced and reputable fire extinguisher company has the knowledge and capability to service all extinguishers, rated for Class A,B,C,D, or K fires.  

The majority of portable fire extinguishers located in public places and businesses are rated for Class A, B & C Fires.  These multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers work by interrupting the chemical reaction happening in the fire.  

Carbon Dioxide extinguisher are rated for Class B & C fires only, and will be ineffective on Class A fire.  NFPA12 details the suggested guidelines for the use and maintenance of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. These should be used on Class B and C fires only, and will not work on Class A fires.  

Class D Fire Extinguishers are similar to the dry chemical extinguisher except that it is a Dry Powder, and works by separating the oxygen from the fuel source, removing the heat.  A Class D fire extinguisher only works on Class D fires, and would be ineffective at suppressing any other type of fire.

Class K fires are fires that ignite from hot grease or oil such as in a restaurant kitchen.  A wet chemical fire extinguisher is used to treat Class K fires, which are often used in an automatic fire extinguisher system such as an overhead kitchen hood.  NFPA17A details fire code guidelines for wet chemical extinguishers.  

All fire extinguisher services must adhere to NFPA10, which details the guidelines for portable fire extinguishers to obtain optimum performance in time of need.  

Expert Fire Extinguisher Service from High Rise Security Systems

HRSS has vast experience with fire safety systems, including following a detailed checklist for fire extinguisher service inspections by licensed technicians.  Our Fire Extinguisher Service includes a visual inspection, checking the weight of the extinguisher for proper chemical level. Checking the pressure gauges, valves and locking pins, check the manufacture date and provide hydrostatic testing when necessary.  All fire extinguishers are required to have a 6-year thorough maintenance service and again at 12-years from manufacture date, including a hydrostatic test.  

HRSS is certified to NICET, the National Institute for Engineering Technologies, and provides complete fire and safety system design for new and existing construction, working with contractors to obtain proper permits related to fire and safety systems.

High Rise Security Systems, LLC is a leader among fire extinguisher companies, providing added services of design and preparation of all data sheets for code compliance and permit approval of your fire detection system.  Contact us today for superior fire extinguisher service in the Chicago area and surrounding localities.