Determine what type of fire extinguisher you have. Ratings are shown on the extinguisher faceplate.

• Class A and B extinguishers carry a numerical rating that indicates how large a fire an experienced person can safely put out with that extinguisher.
• Class C extinguishers have only a letter rating to indicate that the extinguishing agent will not conduct electrical current. Class C extinguishers must also carry a Class A or B rating.
• Class D extinguishers carry only a letter rating indicating their effectiveness on certain amounts of specific metals.
• Some extinguishers are marked with multiple ratings such as AB, BC and ABC. These extinguishers are capable of putting out more than one class of fire.
• Multipurpose (ABC-rated) chemical extinguishers leave a residue that can harm sensitive equipment, such as computers and other electronic equipment. Because of this, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguishers are preferred in these instances because they leave very little residue.

This picture shows what a typical extinguisher label will look like.
You will note that the type is on the bottom. It displays in letter and picture form this
one is an ABC type extinguisher. It is designed to extinguish all types of fires you may
encounter in your home.

Has the fire extinguisher ever been used?

•  YOU CANNOT "TEST" A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. DRY CHEMICAL extinguishers will usually NOT hold a charge after partial use. This is also true for all your personal home and vehicle dry
   chemical extinguishers. While the gauge may hold steady in the green immediately after
   a slight use, check it the next day and you'll find the gauge on EMPTY! This is because
   upon use the dry powder gets inside the seals and allows the nitrogen carrier to escape
   over a period of time. After ANY use a BC or ABC extinguisher MUST be serviced and
   recharged. This is very important for home extinguishers also; YOU SHOULD HAVE THE
   EXTINGUISHER REFILLED AFTER ANY USE.
• CO2 and Halon extinguishers will generally hold their pressure after a slight discharge;
   HOWEVER, it is best to always have a full canister in case of an emergency.

Some fire extinguishers are refillable as long as it is up to the current standards.

• Contact a Fire Safety Equipment dealer to determine if your fire extinguisher is
   refillable. There are many in our area.
• Check the Yellow Pages or the internet for local dealers in our area. A Fire Extinguisher
   company has to possess a State License to be able to service fire extinguishers.
   The company places a tag on the fire extinguisher to show that they have inspected it,
   and when the inspection was done. Fire extinguishers have to be inspected annually in
   all commercial occupancies.

To dispose of an old fire extinguisher that cannot be refilled or that you do not wish to refill.

• Release any pressure contained in the canister by shooting a small amount into an open area.
• Let the canister sit for a few days, making sure the pressure has been released.
• Once there is no longer any pressure, dispose in a trash bag in your regular garbage.