Table 6-3. Hydrostatic Test Interval for Extinguishers

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

Table 6-3. Hydrostatic Test Interval for

(3) Pails or drums of powder-extinguishing

Extinguishers. (Continued)

agents for scoop or shovel application to metal fires will

be kept full at all times.

Test in-

(4) Each extinguisher will have a durable tag

Extinguisher type

terval

securely attached to show the maintenance or recharge

year

date and the initials or signature of the person who

performs this service.

Wetting agent ................................ ........................

Foam................................ ................................ .....

d. Hydrostatic tests.

Loaded stream................................ .......................

Dry chemical extinguishers with stainless steel .......

(1) If, at any time, an extinguisher shows

shells or soldered-brass shells ...............................

evidence of corrosion or mechanical injury, it will be

Carbon dioxide extinguishers ................................ .

subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test or replaced.

Dry chemical extinguishers with brazed brass ........

(2) For

evaluating

the

condition

shells, mild steel shell, or aluminum shells .............

extinguisher cylinders made to DOT specifications (49

Bromotrifluoromethane ................................ ..........

CFR, chap 1), see the Standard for Visual Inspection of

Dry powder extinguishers for metal fires.................

Compressed Gas Cylinders (CGA C-6), published by the

Compressed Gas Association, 500 Fifth Avenue, New

NOTE

York, NY 10036.

Cylinders under jurisdiction of DOT may

require hydrostatic testing at more frequent

(3) At intervals not exceeding those specified

periods.

in table 6-3 and (4) of this subparagraph, extinguishers

will be hydrostatically tested. The first hydrostatic retest

may be conducted between the fifth and sixth years for

(8) The hydrostatic test date will be recorded

those with a designated test interval of 5 years.

on a record tag of metal or equally durable material, or a

suitable metallized decal which will be affixed (by a

(4) Nitrogen cylinders (or other cylinders used

heatless process) to the shell of an extinguisher which

for insert-gas storage) such as found on wheeled

favorably passes the hydrostatic test. The record tag

extinguishers will be tested at a 5-year interval.

will contain the following information: date of test, test

(5) On those extinguishers, which are

pressure, and name or initials of person or agency

equipped with a shutoff nozzle at the outlet end of the

making the test.

hose, a hydrostatic test will be performed on the hose

(9) For extinguishers subjected to an original

with its couplings (but without the discharge nozzle) at

factory test pressure of 350 psi or greater, the test

the test interval specified for the unit on which the hose

pressure will be 75 percent of the factory test pressure

is installed.

(as noted on the extinguisher nameplate), but in no case

(6) The test pressure for dry chemical and dry

less than 300 psi (see table 6-4). For extinguishers

powder hose assemblies requiring a hydrostatic test will

subjected to an original factory test pressure of less than

be at a test pressure of 300 psi for a 1minute period.

350 psi, the test pressure will be 75 percent of the

Carbon dioxide hose assemblies requiring a hydrostatic

factory test pressure (see table 6-4). Pressure will be

test will be at test pressure of 1,250 psi for a 1-minute

applied at a rate of rise to reach the test pressure in

period.

approximately 1 minute, and the pressure will held for 1

(7) Hydrostatic tests are not required on fire

minute, after which it will be released.

pails, pump-type water or antifreeze extinguishers, and

(10) Carbon dioxide extinguishers, nitrogen

factory-sealed disposable (nonrefillable) containers. If

cylinders, and other cylinders or cartridges used for the

such an extinguisher or water pail shows evidence of

storage of inert, compressed gases will be

corrosion or mechanical injury, it may be unsafe or

hydrostatically tested in accordance with the

unsuitable for further use and will be replaced with a

requirements of DOT (see 49 CFR, parts 171-190).

new unit.

(11) Extinguisher

shells,

cartridges,

cylinders which show leakage or permanent distortion in

Table 6-3. Hydrostatic Test Interval for

excess of specified limits, or which rupture, will be

Extinguishers.

removed from service.

Test in-

Extinguisher type

terval

e. Characteristics of fire extinguishers.

The

year

characteristics of fire extinguishers are summarized in

table 6-5. The table is designed to familiarize the reader

with the various types of extinguishers in use. The table

Cartridge-operated water or antifreeze..................

may also be used as an aid in selecting fire

Stored-pressure water or antifreeze......................

extinguishers.

6-9