DISCLAIMERS AND INFORMATION

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© NAFED 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


CARTRIDGE OPERATED FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

A SERVICE GUIDE TO INSPECTION,

MAINTENANCE, RECHARGE


DISCLAIMERS AND

INFORMATION

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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.

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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.


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.

NOTES

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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.

NFPA DEFINITIONS


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.

STANDARDS


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.

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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

PHOTO FROM ANSUL

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UNIT BEING PRESSURIZED

PHOTO FROM ANSUL


HOW IS A CARTRIDGE CONSTRUCTED?


CARTRIDGE COMPONENTS

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DISCLAIMERS AND

INFORMATION


Located In Its Proper Location And Position?

LOCATION

Mounting Height Correct?

Is It Obstructed…Is The Unit Blocked?


Pick The Unit Up. Check Weight By Hefting. If Any Doubt, Weigh The Unit.

HEFTING

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CHECK MOUNTING BRACKET

If using a vehicle type bracket, make certain all parts of the bracket are working correctly and the bracket is securely attached

Make sure the mounting bracket is firmly secured and correctly mounted


Broken Seal Means Do A Full Maintenance

CHECK SAFETY SEAL


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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

Different models may have a date in a different location

Check the date of manufacture or if the

unit has been hydrotested

THIS DATE IS 1968


Frequently the unit has been hydrotested

recently. Look for the hydro sticker or

label

MAINTENANCE – CHECK THE HYDROSTATIC TEST DATE OR DATE OF MANUFACTURE

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HYDROTEST INTERVAL IS 12 YEARS

MAXIMUM FOR THE SHELL


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

CORROSION

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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.

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

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CORROSION


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


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.

MAINTENANCE – THE BEGINNING

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Break Seal And Remove Hose From Behind Receiver

MAINTENANCE – BREAK THE SEAL


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 – CHECK FOR PRESSURE


Remove The Cartridge Guard And Set Aside Replace Hose Behind Receiver

MAINTENANCE – REMOVE CARTRIDGE GUARD

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Remove The Cartridge Itself – Noting Direction Of Threads Some Cartridges Have Left Threads, Others Have Right

MAINTENANCE – REMOVE CARTRIDGE ITSELF


Verify seal is intact and that seal complies with manufacturer's manual.

Check threads for damage.

PUNCTURED

INTACT

MEETS MFG MANUAL

Check Condition Of Threads

MAINTENANCE – EXAMINE CARTRIDGE


Verify Weight Of Cartridge

Full Weight Is Stamped On Each Cartridge Allowance Is Made For 10% +/- Of The CO2 Weight

MAINTENANCE – CHECK WEIGHT OF CARTRIDGE AND CAP

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Place Cap On Cartridge

Put Cartridge In Cover (So It Won’t Roll Away)

MAINTENANCE – PLACE CAP ON CARTRIDGE


SAFETY ALERT

ALWAYS PLACE THE SAFETY CAP ON A

CARTRIDGE WHEN IT IS REMOVED FROM THE

EXTINGUISHER


Check Underside Of Shell Looking For Dirt, Corrosion Or Damage

CHECK UNDERSIDE OF SHELL

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Invert unit and remove receiver gasket. Clean and lubricate with manufacturer approved lubricant, and reinstall.

Check pin and operation.

MAINTENANCE – CHECK RECEIVER GASKET AND PIN


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.


Check Condition Of Hose By Flexing Throughout Length

MAINTENANCE – CHECK HOSE CONDITION

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ANY CRACKS IN THE HOSE MEANS

REPLACE HOSE


Remove Nozzle Tip

Check For Blockages

Operate Discharge Nozzle

MAINTENANCE – REMOVE NOZZLE TIP (IF EQUIPPED)


Remove Hose Using Adjustable Or Fixed Wrench

MAINTENANCE – REMOVE HOSE

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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


Remove o-ring and check. Lubricate with the manufacturer’s recommended lubricant.

Reinstall hose with correct bursting disk.

MAINTENANCE – CHECK O-RING AND LUBRICATE

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Reinstall Hose And Return Unit To A Vertical Position

MAINTENANCE – REPLACE HOSE


A Wrench May Be Needed To Loosen Cap

Never Use A Hammer!

MAINTENANCE – REMOVE FILL CAP


Check Collar Threads

MAINTENANCE – CHECK COLLAR THREADS

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Check Type And Quality Of Agent

MAINTENANCE – CHECK QUALITY AND TYPE 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


If lumps are found, perform the “drop test”.

6 IN

CH

ES Hold the lump 6 inches above A hard

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.

CHECKING “LUMPS”

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Remove O-ring And Cap Gaskets

Clean And Lube With Manufacturer Recommended

Lubricant

MAINTENANCE – REMOVE O-RING AND CAP GASKET


Check Collar Threads For Damage

MAINTENANCE – CLEAN CAP THREADS AND LUBRICATE


Check Operation Of Indicator Stem – If Equipped

Be Sure To Leave In Correct Position

MAINTENANCE – CHECK COLLAR THREADS

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Replace The O-ring And Gaskets

MAINTENANCE – REPLACE GASKETS


Clean Shell Collar Threads

MAINTENANCE – CLEAN SHELL COLLAR THREADS


Apply Lubricant To Threads

Install Cap Hand Tight

MAINTENANCE – REINSTALL CAP HAND TIGHT

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Replace Hose Behind Receiver

MAINTENANCE – REPLACE HOSE BEHIND RECEIVER


Lube Threads And Reinstall Cartridge

Pay Attention To Rotation

MAINTENANCE – REINSTALL CARTRIDGE


Replace Cartridge Guard

Install Nozzle In Holster

MAINTENANCE – REINSTALL CARTRIDGE

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NFPA-10 Now Requires A Listed Seal

NOTE: YELLOW SEAL SHOWN FOR CLARITY ONLY

MAINTENANCE – RESEAL UNIT


Some cartridge units also have additional safety pin. This should be sealed separately.

MAINTENANCE – REINSTALL PIN IF REQUIRED


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.

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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.

MAINTENANCE – TAG AND DOCUMENTATION


RECHARGE OF CARTRIDGE

OPERATED UNITS


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.

FILLING PROCEDURES

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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


Always Check For Pressure

RECHARGE OF CARTRIDGE OPERATED UNITS

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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)


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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


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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.


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SPECIAL THANKS TO

Koorsen ® Fire & Security Randy Koorsen

Billy Findley

Danny Brindley

For production assistance and location.


NAFED MEMBERS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THIS PRESENTATION

Technical Review and Support by…

Jeff Martin, RFPT NAFED Staff

Produced and directed by…

George E. Seymour, CFPS, SET

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Documents

DISCLAIMERS AND INFORMATION