Having overcharged fire extinguishers can be a serious danger for many reasons.
Fire extinguishers are meant to keep homes and businesses safe from fire emergencies. When these extinguishers are in good condition, that’s exactly what they do, but there are things that can go wrong with the extinguishers that you have. One of these problems is when they are overcharged. Having overcharged fire extinguishers can be a serious danger for many reasons.
Carbon Dioxide Can Be Leaked
If you have a CO2 fire extinguisher, a problem with having it overcharged is that you could rupture the burst disc. This causes carbon dioxide to leak out of your extinguisher. You likely won’t have to experience a strong explosion, but there will be an increased risk of suffocating if the carbon dioxide gets leaked inside of an enclosed space. If your extinguisher has a CO2 explosion, you’ll have to replace your burst disc. You might also have to get the entire valve replaced as well.
Water Extinguishers and Compressed Air Extinguishers
Do you use fire extinguishers that rely on water or compressed air? If you do, these extinguishers are less likely to result in any significant damage. With that said, the relief valve is still at risk of being damaged due to the extinguisher being overcharged. Be prepared to get that relief valve replaced if this ends up happening to you.
Nitrogen Fire Extinguishers
Maybe you have dry chemical fire extinguishers that you use. These extinguishers rely on pressurized nitrogen to combat fires. When your extinguisher has too much pressure, it can blow the relief valve in a similar manner to water and compressed air extinguishers. That also means that the solution is the same, which is to get that relief valve replaced if it’s ever blown off.
Something else to keep in mind, however, is that nitrogen replaces oxygen in the air. This means that you’ll have a suffocation risk if you’re in an enclosed area.
KEEP YOURSELF SAFE WITH ANDERSON FIRE PROTECTION, INC.
Anderson Fire Protection, Inc. has the expertise and skill to help your home or commercial property for all your fire protection needs. We have been working in the Maryland, Northern Virginia, Southern Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. areas for over 25 years. We are known for our top-notch customer service and high-quality results. If you are ready for fantastic fire prevention and protection services, from fire sprinkler installation to fire alarm design and to consult, give us a call at (410) 796-4915 or visit us online.