Handout-Servicing Cartridge Operated Fire Extinguishers

© NAFED 2016.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
CARTRIDGE OPERATED
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
A SERVICE GUIDE TO
INSPECTION,
MAINTENANCE,
RECHARGE
© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
DISCLAIMERS
AND
INFORMATION
1
The NAFED Online Fire Extinguisher Service Training Program is a
practical training program that must be a supplement to actual hands-on
training provided by the service company.
This program was written by NAFED members utilizing their own
experiences to provide proper procedures for the servicing and maintenance
of portable fire extinguishers.
NAFED strongly suggests that all service personnel procure a copy of
NFPA-10, Portable Fire Extinguishers, current edition. This standard is
available from the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org.
This is the internationally recognized standard for the selection,
maintenance, and testing of portable fire extinguisher equipment. Its
content should be familiar to all service personnel in the fire protection
equipment industry.
These programs are intended to be a general guide to the servicing of
portable fire extinguishers. All service personnel should secure
manufacturers’ service manuals for specific types of extinguishers and be
familiar with state and local ordinances regarding extinguishers.
It is important that all service personnel follow the manufacturers’

recommended procedures when servicing any type of portable fire
equipment. The information and servicing procedures presented in this
program have been compiled from educated sources and currently available
information.
However, the suggested practices explained in this program generally reflect
the minimum maintenance requirements expressed in NFPA-10. Please
review the specific requirements of your own authority having jurisdiction,
since different jurisdictions require different procedures.
NAFED assumes no liability or responsibility in connection with the

information, procedures, and recommendations contained herein and
expressly disclaims any liability for damages, compensatory, consequential
or other, in contract or in tort, arising out of or related to the use of any
information in this program. The information herein is general, and not
specific to any manufacturers’ products. It should not be assumed that every
acceptable safety procedure or method, precaution, equipment, or device is
contained within, or that unusual circumstances may not require further
procedures or requirements.
Photographs used in this program are included strictly to illustrate specific
training points. Use of these photos does not constitute an endorsement by
NAFED of any product or equipment shown.
2
There are multiple brands of cartridge operated
fire extinguishers available. The servicing
procedures for all are similar based upon NFPA-10
standard requirements. Refer to the individual
manufacturer’s service manual for details.
NOTES
While Ansul units are shown in this

presentation, they are used for
illustration and examples only.
Similar procedures should be followed
with any brands as listed in that
brand’s service manual.
NOTES
Throughout this presentation, the term

“UL” also refers to CAN/ULC.
The terms “state” or “local” also refer
to Canadian provinces or provincial
regulations.
3
NFPA DEFINITIONS
INSPECTION is a “quick check” that a fire
extinguisher is available and will operate, and is
designed to give reasonable assurance that the
extinguisher is fully charged and will operated as
intended.
MAINTENANCE is a thorough examination of the

extinguisher and its parts and is designed to give
maximum assurance that the unit will operate as
intended. This procedure also includes preventative
maintenance procedures.
STANDARDS
NFPA 10, currently published edition, is the standard
for maintaining and servicing fire extinguishers.
Local regulations, as well as those of the fire marshal,
or other authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), shall also
be followed.
SAFETY GLASSES AND OTHER REQUIRED

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
(PPE) SHALL BE WORN FOR ALL
INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND
RECHARGE PROCEDURES AT ALL TIMES.
Cartridge operated extinguishers

are not stored pressure units, and
have different components,
operating means, inspection and
maintenance requirements, etc.
These requirements are also
covered under NFPA-10.
4
The cartridge unit may contain any of
three common dry chemicals
• ABC Type
• Purple K
• Regular BC
Or any one of the available dry powders for

Class D fires
Note that Class D powder is suitable for only

the specific type of Class D fire intended
TYPICAL COMPONENTS
© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PHOTO FROM ANSUL
5
UNIT BEING PRESSURIZED
© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PHOTO FROM ANSUL
HOW IS A CARTRIDGE CONSTRUCTED?
CARTRIDGE COMPONENTS
6
DISCLAIMERS
AND
INFORMATION
LOCATION
Located In Its Proper Location
And Position?
Mounting Height Correct?
Is It Obstructed…Is The Unit

Blocked?
HEFTING
Pick The Unit Up. Check

Weight By Hefting. If
Any Doubt, Weigh The
Unit.
7
CHECK MOUNTING
BRACKET
Make sure the mounting
bracket is firmly secured
and correctly mounted
If using a vehicle type bracket,

make certain all parts of the
bracket are working correctly
and the bracket is securely
attached
CHECK SAFETY
SEAL
Broken Seal
Means Do A Full
Maintenance
Note: Throughout this presentation we are

using plain yellow seals for clarity. Always
use seals meeting the requirements of
NFPA-10.
NFPA-10 requires seals to be listed.
Some AHJ or local jurisdiction also may
require dates, certain colors, etc. Check with
your company to determine your specific
requirements.
8
CHECK PRESSURE INDICATOR
Some models are equipped with a pressure indicator.
Verify that this is in the correct position. If not, a full
maintenance is needed.
CHECK OVERALL CONDITION
Check The Overall

Condition Of The Unit
Looking For Damage,
Corrosion, Etc.
CHECK NAMEPLATES FRONT AND REAR
Check Condition Of All

Nameplates To Ensure
Readability
Pay Attention To The UL

Manifest And Condition
9
CHECK UNDERSIDE OF SHELL
Check Underside
Of Shell Looking
For Dirt,
Corrosion Or
Damage
CHECK DISCHARGE HOSE CONDITION
Check Condition
Of Hose
CHECK OPERATION OF DISCHARGE NOZZLE
Check Operation
Of The Discharge
Nozzle
Return Nozzle To
Holder
10
RETURN UNIT TO SERVICE
Return The Unit To Its Proper

Location
Complete The Service Tag

And Other Documentation
As Required.
Note: States and other jurisdictions may

have specific tag formats. They may also
require certain specific pieces of
information, such as gross weight, serial
number, etc.
Check with your company for your local

regulations
MAINTENANCE
OVERVIEW
11
Maintenance will involve all
of the steps from an
inspection, plus several
other steps and preventative
maintenance actions.
MAINTENANCE – CHECK THE HYDROSTATIC

TEST DATE OR DATE OF MANUFACTURE
Check the date of

manufacture or if the
unit has been THIS DATE IS 1968
hydrotested
Different models may have a date in a

different location
MAINTENANCE – CHECK THE HYDROSTATIC

TEST DATE OR DATE OF MANUFACTURE
Frequently the unit

has been hydrotested
recently. Look for
the hydro sticker or
label
12
HYDROTEST
INTERVAL IS 12 YEARS
MAXIMUM FOR THE
SHELL
CORROSION
A serious problem with cartridge operated
extinguishers mounted outside is corrosion. These
are pressure vessels with normally no pressure.
When activated, they go from “zero” pressure to

+250 psi instantly.
Shells can fail catastrophically - causing serious
injury.
CORROSION
NFPA-10 is very specific on the criteria to FAIL or CONDEMN a
fire extinguisher (excerpts)
8.4.2* Examination of Cylinder Condition. Where a fire extinguisher cylinder or shell
has one or more of the following conditions, it shall not be hydrostatically tested but
shall be condemned or destroyed by the owner or at the owner’s direction:
(2) Where the cylinder threads are worn, corroded, broken, cracked, or nicked
(3) Where corrosion has caused pitting, including pitting under a removable nameplate
or name band assembly
(7) Where the depth of a dent exceeds 1⁄10 of the greatest dimension of the dent if
not in a weld or exceeds 1⁄4 in. (6 mm) if the dent includes a weld
(8) Where any local or general corrosion,

cuts, gouges, or dings have
removed more than 10 percent of the minimum cylinder wall
thickness
13
CORROSION
With modern drawn cylinders, the wall thickness may
actually vary some, making the “10%” or a precision
measurement difficult.
Most manufacturers will state that when any of the metal

is removed by corrosion, the shell should be condemned.
This means anything greater than simple surface rust or

flash corrosion.
Many cartridge units are spun cylinders with a uniform

wall thickness. An example is shown below.
Even with this information, if any of the base metal has been
removed, it is wise to condemn the shell.
CORROSION
14
CORROSION
MAINTENANCE
Remember to always check

for the date of manufacture or
hydro and signs of corrosion
as the first step in the annual
maintenance procedure.
MAINTENANCE – THE BEGINNING
Pick the unit up.

Check visually and check
for weigh by hefting.
Full weight is marked on
the nameplate and the
unit should be weighed to
verify.
15
MAINTENANCE – BREAK THE SEAL
Break Seal And

Remove Hose
From Behind
Receiver
MAINTENANCE – CHECK FOR PRESSURE
Always check for pressure

by pointing the unit in a
safe direction and slowly
opening the discharge
nozzle.
It is common to find small

“puffs” of air discharged.
MAINTENANCE – REMOVE CARTRIDGE GUARD
Remove The
Cartridge Guard
And Set Aside
Replace Hose
Behind Receiver
16
MAINTENANCE – REMOVE CARTRIDGE ITSELF
Remove The Cartridge

Itself – Noting Direction
Of Threads
Some Cartridges Have

Left Threads, Others
Have Right
MAINTENANCE – EXAMINE CARTRIDGE

Verify seal is intact and that seal
complies with manufacturer's manual.
Check threads for damage.
INTACT
MEETS MFG
PUNCTURED
MANUAL
Check Condition Of Threads

MAINTENANCE – CHECK WEIGHT OF

CARTRIDGE AND CAP
Verify Weight Of Cartridge
Full Weight Is Stamped On

Each Cartridge
Allowance Is Made For 10%

+/- Of The CO2 Weight
17
MAINTENANCE – PLACE CAP ON CARTRIDGE
Place Cap On Cartridge
Put Cartridge In
Cover (So It
Won’t Roll Away)
SAFETY ALERT
ALWAYS PLACE THE
SAFETY CAP ON A
CARTRIDGE WHEN IT IS
REMOVED FROM THE
EXTINGUISHER
CHECK UNDERSIDE OF SHELL
Check Underside Of
Shell Looking For
Dirt, Corrosion Or
Damage
18
MAINTENANCE – CHECK RECEIVER
GASKET AND PIN
Invert unit and remove

receiver gasket. Clean
and lubricate with
manufacturer approved
lubricant, and reinstall.
Check pin and operation.
Note: Always replace damaged or

worn parts with correct replacement
parts as listed in the manufacturer’s
manual.
Never use tools that could damage
fittings, gaskets, etc.
MAINTENANCE – CHECK HOSE CONDITION
Check Condition Of
Hose By Flexing
Throughout Length
19
ANY CRACKS IN THE
HOSE MEANS
REPLACE HOSE
MAINTENANCE – REMOVE NOZZLE TIP

(IF EQUIPPED)
Remove Nozzle Tip

Check For Blockages
Operate Discharge
Nozzle
MAINTENANCE – REMOVE HOSE
Remove Hose Using

Adjustable Or Fixed
Wrench
20
IF THE HOSE IS
BLOCKED, YOU
MUST CLEAR THE
DRY CHEMICAL OR
REPLACE THE HOSE
Straightening hose and flexing with nozzle open

will usually remove any excess dry chemical.
Tapping nozzle on solid surface will also work.
Do not put your

mouth on the nozzle
and try to blow
through the hose
MAINTENANCE – CHECK O-RING AND

LUBRICATE
Remove o-ring and check.

Lubricate with the
manufacturer’s
recommended lubricant.
Reinstall hose with correct
bursting disk.
21
MAINTENANCE – REPLACE HOSE
Reinstall Hose And

Return Unit To A
Vertical Position
MAINTENANCE – REMOVE FILL CAP
A Wrench May
Be Needed To
Loosen Cap
Never Use A
Hammer!
MAINTENANCE – CHECK COLLAR THREADS
Check Collar
Threads
22
MAINTENANCE – CHECK QUALITY AND
TYPE OF AGENT
Check Type
And Quality
Of Agent
PACKING VS CAKING
Packing is physical compression that does not
change the chemical nature of the agent.
Caking forms hard lumps (rocks) that changes the
chemical nature of the agent. When “lumps” are
found that will not completely break easily with
your fingers, replace the agent.
If different types of dry chemical are mixed in the
shell, replace all agent with correct type
CHECKING “LUMPS”
If lumps are found, perform the “drop
test”.
Hold the lump 6 inches above A hard

6 INCHES
surface and drop.
If the lump shatters – then the chemical

is safe to use.
If the lump does not shatter – remove

and replace all of the chemical.
23
MAINTENANCE – REMOVE O-RING AND
CAP GASKET
Remove O-ring
And Cap Gaskets
Clean And Lube With

Manufacturer Recommended
Lubricant
MAINTENANCE – CLEAN CAP THREADS

AND LUBRICATE
Check Collar Threads For Damage

MAINTENANCE – CHECK COLLAR THREADS
Check Operation Of
Indicator Stem – If
Equipped
Be Sure To Leave In
Correct Position
24
MAINTENANCE – REPLACE GASKETS
Replace The
O-ring And
Gaskets
MAINTENANCE – CLEAN SHELL COLLAR

THREADS
Clean Shell Collar Threads

MAINTENANCE – REINSTALL CAP HAND TIGHT
Apply
Lubricant To
Threads
Install Cap
Hand Tight
25
MAINTENANCE – REPLACE HOSE BEHIND
RECEIVER
Replace Hose
Behind
Receiver
MAINTENANCE – REINSTALL CARTRIDGE
Lube Threads And

Reinstall Cartridge
Pay Attention To
Rotation
MAINTENANCE – REINSTALL CARTRIDGE
Replace Cartridge Guard

Install Nozzle In Holster
26
MAINTENANCE – RESEAL UNIT
NFPA-10 Now
Requires A
Listed Seal
NOTE: YELLOW SEAL SHOWN FOR

CLARITY ONLY
MAINTENANCE – REINSTALL PIN IF

REQUIRED
Some cartridge units

also have additional
safety pin. This
should be sealed
separately.
Note: Some AHJ require that the seal be

dated as well.
Other jurisdictions require the seal
match the tag color.
Check with your company for your
specific local requirements.
27
MAINTENANCE – TAG
AND DOCUMENTATION
Proper and complete documentation is essential.

Various jurisdictions have specific service tag
requirements in addition to NFPA-10 requirements.
Service reports can also vary.
Check with your company to determine your local
requirements.
RECHARGE OF
CARTRIDGE
OPERATED UNITS
FILLING PROCEDURES
Note that there are multiple filling methods that may

be used in recharging these extinguishers.
They include:
• Vacu-fill or similar machines
• Direct fill with scoop or funnel
• Shop, vehicle or field recharge
In all cases, units are filled by weight. Refer to the
manufacturer’s manuals for details.
28
The use of specialized filling
machines and procedures is
covered in detail in the
“recharge” presentation
Remember to verify the correct

agent to be used by reading the
nameplate
Remaining agent, if checked and

found suitable, may be reused
RECHARGE OF CARTRIDGE
OPERATED UNITS
Always Check
For Pressure
29
RECHARGE OF CARTRIDGE OPERATED UNITS
Check hydro date (12 yrs) or

date of manufacturer and
perform a full visual inspection
Remove cartridge
and place shipping
cap on cartridge
Remove fill cap

Do not use hammer. If
difficult to remove, check
again for pressure
Also check threads, etc. And

agent condition
Ensure hose is cleared,

remove, lubricate and
install burst disk (if
equipped)
30
Cartridge operated units maybe

filled with a scoop and funnel.
In all cases, they must be filled by

weight according to the
nameplate.
Check Discharge
Indicator
Remember To Check
And Lubricate Quad
And O-rings
Clean Threads
Replace Fill Cap – Hand
Tighten Only
Reinstall Hose Behind
Guard
Install Nozzle In Holster
31
Check Cartridge, Receiver

And Threads And Lubricate
Reinstall Cartridge Hand
Tight
Install Guard
Re-seal With Listed Seal

Conforming To All Local
Regulations
Attach Completed
Service Tag
Wipe Unit Clean
YELLOW SEAL SHOWN FOR CLARITY
COMPLETE
DOCUMENTATION
This includes service tag, reports, and other
paperwork.
Refer to your company for specific details
required in your area.
32
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Koorsen ® Fire & Security

Randy Koorsen
Billy Findley
Danny Brindley
For production assistance and
location.
SPECIAL THANKS TO
NAFED MEMBERS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO
THIS PRESENTATION
Produced and directed by…
George E. Seymour, CFPS, SET
Technical Review and Support by…
Jeff Martin, RFPT NAFED Staff
33

Handout-Servicing Cartridge Operated Fire Extinguishers

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Handout-Servicing Cartridge Operated Fire Extinguishers

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

© NAFED 2016.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

It is important that all service personnel follow the manufacturers’

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

NAFED assumes no liability or responsibility in connection with the

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

While Ansul units are shown in this

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Throughout this presentation, the term

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MAINTENANCE is a thorough examination of the

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SAFETY GLASSES AND OTHER REQUIRED

Cartridge operated extinguishers

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Or any one of the available dry powders for

Note that Class D powder is suitable for only

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PHOTO FROM ANSUL

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PHOTO FROM ANSUL

HOW IS A CARTRIDGE CONSTRUCTED?

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Mounting Height Correct?

Is It Obstructed…Is The Unit

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Pick The Unit Up. Check

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

If using a vehicle type bracket,

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: Throughout this presentation we are

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

CHECK OVERALL CONDITION

Check The Overall

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

CHECK NAMEPLATES FRONT AND REAR

Check Condition Of All

Pay Attention To The UL

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

CHECK DISCHARGE HOSE CONDITION

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

CHECK OPERATION OF DISCHARGE NOZZLE

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Return The Unit To Its Proper

Complete The Service Tag

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: States and other jurisdictions may

Check with your company for your local

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MAINTENANCE – CHECK THE HYDROSTATIC

Check the date of

Different models may have a date in a

MAINTENANCE – CHECK THE HYDROSTATIC

Frequently the unit