Maintenance of domestic fire extinguishers: guide and frequency

When it comes to home security, the fire extinguisher appears to be essential equipment. But how to choose the right material? How to install it and above all, how to maintain it? In this article, we will answer all these questions to help you ensure optimal security in your home.

The need for fire extinguishers at home: why and which ones to choose

Why have a fire extinguisher at home?

Fire is a major risk in all homes. The causes can be numerous: electrical short circuit, blocked ventilation, lit candle, etc. A fire extinguisher can quickly put out the start of a fire and thus avoid a disaster.

What type of fire extinguisher to choose?

There are several types of fire extinguishers, suitable for different types of fires. We advise you to choose your fire extinguisher carefully based on the specific risks of your home.. For example, for fires of electrical origin, it will be recommended to use a CO2 extinguisher.

• Powder: ideal for solid, liquid and gas fires.
• Additive water: effective on solid fires.
• CO2: recommended for electrical fires.
• Mousse : mainly used for liquid fires.

After highlighting the need for a fire extinguisher at home, it is essential to discuss the basic rules for its installation.

Basic rules for installing fire extinguishers at home

Where to install your fire extinguisher?

The location of the fire extinguisher is essential for a rapid and effective response. It must be easily accessible and visible. It is generally recommended to place it near exits, in the kitchen or in the garage.

How to install your fire extinguisher?

A fire extinguisher should always be installed vertically, whether on a wall mount or on the floor. The important thing is that it is stable and will not fall.

It is therefore clear that the installation rules must be strictly respected to ensure the effectiveness of a fire extinguisher. However, this is not enough: regular maintenance of the equipment is just as crucial.

Maintaining fire extinguishers: a priority for home safety

Why maintain your fire extinguisher?

Without regular maintenance, your fire extinguisher may lose effectiveness or even become unusable. In addition, some insurance companies will require proof of regular maintenance in the event of a claim.

How to maintain your fire extinguisher?

Maintaining a fire extinguisher goes through several stages: checking the expiration date, checking the weight, inspecting the pressure gauge and seals. All these points will be detailed in the following paragraph.

Having understood the importance of maintaining a fire extinguisher, it is now appropriate to look at the inspection methods.

Periodic Check: How to Inspect Your Fire Extinguishers at Home

Verification steps

Checking a fire extinguisher requires examining several elements:

• Sell-by date : it is indicated on the label. A fire extinguisher has a lifespan of approximately 10 years.
• The weight : it must correspond to the weight indicated on the label.
• The pressure gauge: it must be in the green zone.
• Joints : they must be in good condition.

However, certain situations require the intervention of a professional to ensure optimal maintenance.

When to call a professional for fire extinguisher maintenance

The intervention of an expert

In some cases, a simple visual inspection is not enough. For example, if your pressure gauge is not in the green zone or if you have used your fire extinguisher, it is recommended to call a professional. This will carry out a complete diagnosis of your equipment and can, if necessary, recharge or replace it.

Now that we’ve explored the importance of calling in an expert when needed, it’s time to address the question of the ideal frequency for checking and maintaining fire extinguishers.

Recommended frequency for checking and maintaining fire extinguishers

How often should you check your fire extinguisher?

It is generally advisable to check your fire extinguisher once a month to ensure that it is still operational.

Finally, let’s see what to do when your equipment is no longer usable.

What to do with your old equipment? Tips for Recycling or Disposing of a Fire Extinguisher

How to throw away an old fire extinguisher?

When a fire extinguisher is expired or damaged, it must not be thrown away with household waste. You can return it to your supplier or to a recycling center which will take care of its recovery.

In summary, having a fire extinguisher at home is essential to guarantee the safety of the home. However, it is important to choose the right equipment, to know the installation rules and above all to ensure regular maintenance. Finally, in the event of an expired or damaged device, do not hesitate to call a professional and adopt the right actions in terms of recycling to preserve the environment.