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When choosing a Los Angeles fire extinguisher service facility make sure you can trust their work! For over 60 years Tym’s has been dedicated to providing you with safe, effective, and reliable fire extinguishers and extinguisher service. Still family owned and operated, we use the same skill and care in servicing your fire equipment that we provide for our aircraft customers all over the world.
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Fire Extinguisher FAQ's
For specific laws and regulations regarding fire extinguishers please refer to the California Health and Safety Code, Title 19, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), or your local fire department. Information contained here is for general information purposes only for residents of California. Laws vary from state-to-state. Tym’s Inc. is not responsible for decisions made based on the information presented here.
 How often do I need to have my fire extinguishers inspected?
A range of services may be required depending on the age of the fire extinguisher and the date of the last service.
If at any point the extinguisher is low on pressure or weight, shows damage, or has parts missing, a more substantive service may be required.
For Most Dry Chemical (ABC) Extinguishers:
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Year 1: New extinguishers should be inspected and tagged as “new.”
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Years 1-5: An “inspection” is required. Annually, extinguishers are inspected for weight, pressure, and overall condition.
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Year 6: A “recharge” is required, consisting of discharging, dissembling, cleaning, replacing worn parts, and recharging the fire extinguisher. The 6-year time starts anew, requiring annual inspections until year 12.
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Year 12: A “hydro test” is required, consisting of a recharge, as in year 6, including a pressure test of the extinguisher container. Some fire extinguishers must be disposed of after 12 years.
For Water-Pressure Extinguishers:
An annual “recharge” is required, consisting of discharging, dissembling, cleaning, replacing worn parts, and recharging the extinguisher. At the 5th year, the unit must be hydro tested to ensure the integrity of the extinguisher container.
For Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers:
An annual “inspection” is required, including a conductivity test of the hose. At the 5th year, a recharge and hydro test is required.
For Most Halon Extinguishers:
Year 1: New extinguishers should be inspected and tagged as “new.”
Years 1-5: An “inspection” is required. Annually, extinguishers are inspected for weight, pressure and overall condition.
Year 6: A “recharge” is required, consisting of discharging, dissembling, cleaning, replacing worn parts, and recharging the fire extinguisher. The 6-year time starts anew, requiring annual inspections until year 12.
Year 12: A “hydro test” is required, consisting of a recharge, as in year 6, including a pressure test of the fire extinguisher container. Some extinguishers must be disposed of after 12 years.
I just spent tons of money to have my fire extinguishers recharged last year and now they need it again?
Too often, we find customers who spent a lot of money on fire extinguisher service the year prior only to find the extinguishers
were not serviced correctly. In this event we have no choice but to correct the issue in order to certify the extinguisher. Issues we find often are:
- Inspection collar not signed or broken
- Units low on agent weight or not pressurized correctly
- No hydro test performed or hydro test label damaged
- Improper parts used (ex: incorrect gauge installed)
- Labels do not face outward (Due to mismatching valves and containers)
How many, and what type of fire extinguisher do I need?
Always consult your local fire authority for variations in local law and preference. The selection of fire extinguisher size and quantity is subjective in most circumstances. Tym’s can only offer suggestions pertaining to the type, size, and rating required for your specific application.
A general guideline from the California Health and Safety Code is as follows:
Rating for Class “A” fires
Ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and many plastics
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I was told my fire extinguisher is not any good. Why?
There are a variety of reasons your extinguisher may not be serviced:
- Laws require certain types of older extinguishers to be removed from service
- Some extinguishers are so inexpensive that after 12 years it becomes wise to purchase another extinguisher
- Manufacturers go out of business, placing a liability burden on the service facility
- Rust, corrosion, and other damage render an extinguisher unusable
What is special about Halon fire extinguishers?
Halon is a very effective extinguishing agent that leaves no residue or static shock, and
that can penetrate hard to reach areas. It is used in sensitive areas on aircraft, in engine rooms, and other places with highly valued assets. You can have the same protection for your classic car, boat, or airplane!
Legislation has made the manufacture of halon illegal because of environmental concerns, but it can still be used for fire
protection in some circumstances. It is superior to more environmentally friendly replacements such as “Halotron”. Upon servicing,
Halon must be recycled through a special machine before reuse.
Because of its limited availability and expensive reclamation process, Halon costs substantially more than its dry chemical
counterparts but provides the best fire protection without using powders and other agents that can do more damage than the fire itself!
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