Do Fire Extinguishers Expire? How to Check Yours
小编2025-07-04
Yes — fire extinguishers do expire. While they don’t "spoil" like food, they become unreliable over time due to pressure loss, corrosion, or chemical degradation. Knowing when and how to check your extinguisher is essential for safety.
1. Shelf Life of a Fire Extinguisher
Rechargeable models (e.g. 2kg–9kg ABC, CO₂) typically last 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance
Disposable models (commonly 1kg units) last 5 to 6 years, then must be replaced
Foam and wet chemical units may have shorter service life, depending on local regulations and storage conditions
2. How to Check If Your Extinguisher Is Expired
Look for:
Manufacture or expiry date stamped on the body or label
Low pressure — if the needle is outside the green zone
Rust, corrosion, or leaks on the shell or nozzle
Broken safety pin or tamper seal
If any of these signs appear, the extinguisher should be serviced or replaced immediately.
3. Annual Professional Inspection
In commercial settings, law often requires annual servicing by certified technicians, who will tag and date the extinguisher after inspection.
4. Can You Still Use an Expired Extinguisher?
No — even if it looks full, an expired extinguisher may not release pressure correctly or may fail entirely. It should not be relied on in an emergency.
5. Disposal of Expired Extinguishers
Contact your local fire department or hazardous waste center Never throw a full extinguisher in the trash Some units can be safely emptied and recycled after decommissioning
Yes, fire extinguishers expire — and ignoring this puts lives and property at risk. Regularly check your 2kg, 4kg, or 9kg extinguisher for dates and pressure. Replace or service expired units to ensure you're always ready when it counts.
