Can Old Fire Extinguishers Explode?(Guide)

Can Old Fire Extinguishers Explode?

Old fire extinguishers are time-tested workhorses. While they can’t put out today’s huge, multi-story fires, they still get the job done with smaller, contained blazes.

Yes. Old fire extinguishers can explode and cause injury or death. Most old extinguishers are just metal canisters with compressed CO2 inside, and when they reach the end of their lifespan, the resulting pressure increase can cause an explosion. 

Old extinguishers become dangerous because of pressure buildup over many years of use. Pressure varies according to the extinguisher’s type, age, and maintenance history.

You will find the service pressure stamped on the label, but hose-end extinguishers have replaced most, so you can’t trust that number anymore.

You can handle dangerous old extinguishers like a wrench to prevent them from using either the user or the fire department.

With all the condition and maintenance records of an extinguisher, it’s easy for the fire department to determine if it has been in service or was a “leased” extinguisher or not.

The following is how to tell.

To test whether or not a fire extinguisher might be dangerous, hold your thumb over the end cap and remove it.

If there is no pressure or the extinguisher is soft, no one has ever probably used it. If the canister fully contains CO2, it’s leased and may be dangerous.

If a fire extinguisher has exceeded its service limit of pressure, you will see a different result when you remove the safety cap.

The pressure increases suddenly so that a blast wave of combustion gases and liquid gets released from the container. If you are here, you may have already experienced the result of that.

Can Fire Extinguishers Explode?

Yes. Fire extinguishers can explode when they are over-pressurized. This is often the result of using an extinguisher on a huge fire.

Because fire extinguishers can explode, you should only use them on smaller fires or as backups to another type of extinguishing agent.

A much safer option for tackling large fires is by using water supply lines, which, when ruptured, will put out most types of fires in seconds.

If possible, you should place an extinguisher behind an immovable object such as a desk or table.

Some extinguishers have very tight metal canisters that prevent them from exploding in an over-pressurized situation. But all others will explode if over-pressurized.

Safety Tips For Using Fire Extinguishers

1. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and test fire extinguishers before each use.
2. Check that the extinguisher is in working order every year.
3. Never use an extinguisher for a too-small fire to handle.
4. Always put out the flames and not try to put out the entire fire with the extinguisher.
5. Pressurize by test-firing from dose to half dosage rather than full dosage
6. Only use an appropriate extinguishing agent for the type of fire you are trying to put out .
7. Store your extinguisher securely.
8. Never refill an empty extinguisher with less than half of it’s fill.

Can You leave fire extinguisher in a hot car?

Yes. You can leave a fire extinguisher in a hot car with no adverse effects. But to ensure the best possible results, store it in an area that’s always at or below 80 degrees.

If you have no access to a storage place, securely tie the fire extinguisher down with a bungee cord, rope, zip ties, or strapping tape.

In addition, make sure you fully charge your extinguisher before storing it because adrenaline can cause pressure buildup that could cause an explosion.

As always, be sure to take everything out of the car when you finish with it. You wouldn’t want to get surprised in the morning by an extinguisher that looks like it just went off.

The best time to store a fire extinguisher in your car is on those long road trips you take every summer. The car can become so hot that you may need the fire extinguisher.

Fire extinguisher accidents are common in cars. When more people travel around during the summer months, more fire extinguishers get used, and the number of accidents rises.

Every year, at least three people who misuse a fire extinguisher gets injured.

What Happens If A Fire Extinguisher Falls?

Four main things can happen when a fire extinguisher falls.

First, if an extinguisher falls out of a cart and onto a hard surface, such as tile or concrete, it may burst from the pressure of the impact; A ‘hard fall’ is the name for this.

The pressure of impact activates the safety valve in most modern fire extinguishers and releases gas, which can either put out or spread fire nearby.

This response is powerful enough to injure people and break things nearby, including windows.

On the other hand, if a fire extinguisher falls onto a soft surface, such as carpet or grass, it will not burst from the impact.

The safety valve may still activate and release some of its contents in either of these cases. This could spread any nearby fire without putting it out.

However, if you put out the fire in this way and then use up all the contents to put the fire out again, you will add more fuel to a second fire.

Use the extinguisher to put out the first fire, then call a professional.

If you don’t properly maintain a fire extinguisher and it loses pressure, it may still work for some time after then. A ‘soft fall’ is the name for this.

In the case of a ‘soft fall,’ the discharge pressure will be low, and there will be insufficient gas to put out the fire.

The fire can spread while you are trying to use the extinguishing agent, and you may damage or break things in your nearby house.

In this case, you should not waste any more effort putting out the fire. Call a professional right away.

If a fire extinguisher cannot work because of damage or malfunction and you or someone else tries to use it anyway, a second failure will follow soon afterward.

This is because high pressure caused the first failure. In addition, if you don’t replace it with a new one as soon as possible, the pressure inside will rise and cause more damage.

The more fires you try to put out before replacing the extinguisher, the more damage you will cause.

If you want to put out fire with no extinguisher nearby, use a baking soda or ammonia-water mixture instead.

Baking soda is an acid and will destroy most paper and cloth, so use it only on other flammable materials such as paper books, mattresses, and carpets.

Baking soda mixed with enough water will not cause any burns and quickly stop a fire.

On the other hand, ammonia is a base that won’t destroy any paper or cloth, but it will help put out fires caused by flammable liquids. Use this when dealing with grease fires.

Is A Fire Extinguisher Combustible?

Yes. Fire extinguishers boast combustibility, so using one can contribute to the likelihood of a fire. Even though extinguishers are suitable for safety, they can cause fires.

They’re built with a heat-sensitive chemical that ignites in an emergency.

Most extinguishers burn a chemical called mono ammonium phosphate, also referred to as MAP, a common ingredient in flame-retardant clothing.

While this chemical is useful for stopping things from catching fire, it can be combustible.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has imposed standards on trains and trucks that use mono ammonium phosphate to ensure that it doesn’t contribute to a blaze should the vehicle become involved in an accident.

Since many fire extinguishers heat up when deployed, they can trigger the burning process all over again in a new emergency.

For this reason, fire extinguishers aren’t suitable in homes with wooden structures. When the temperature gets too hot, they can ignite the wood and cause another fire.

However, extinguishers are fine for one to use in buildings made of concrete or metal.

Fire extinguishers also release a toxic substance known as Halon 1301 that can damage the ozone layer.

The Environmental Protection Agency requires the denial of Halon 1301 for use in American fire extinguishers.

Still, the old models remain in many homes because you can’t replace them with newer ones.

Can I Store A Fire Extinguisher In The Garage?

No. Most garages boast highly flammable materials such as gasoline, paint, and cleaning supplies. Experts warn that these items can explode in a fire or other emergency and create a toxic environment for firefighters to work in.

-If you must store your fire extinguisher in your garage, ensure you store it on its side with the handle facing outwards.

-If you have any other flammable materials, store them on the opposite side of the garage, as far away from the fire extinguisher as possible.

-Before using a fire extinguisher, make sure everyone knows where to find it and how to use it.

-If you have children, be sure they know what a fire extinguisher is and where you keep them.

-Place your fire extinguisher in the kitchen, where it’s easily accessible in an emergency.

-Make sure your fire extinguisher indicates dates.They should indicate the date of manufacture and expiry date on the side or end panel of the fire extinguisher.

If you are unsure about its purchase date, throw it out and buy a new one.

-Inspect your fire extinguisher regularly to ensure no cracks, leaks, or missing parts.

-Never place a fire extinguisher in front of an open flame, such as a fireplace, for long periods.

Can You Leave A Fire Extinguisher In A Cold Car?

Yes. While there are some things you should not leave in your car, a fire extinguisher is not one of them.

A fire extinguisher left out in the cold for a few hours won’t be able to put out a raging fire like it would if it was within its safety limits — but it will help keep it from spreading until help arrives.

What Happens If It’s Left Out In The Cold?

You should bring the fire extinguisher inside (and close the windows and doors). You might be able to put out the fire you started, but for good measure, get a neighbor to call 911.

A fire extinguisher does more than just put out fires.

Some models are also foam suppressants that reduce damage from smoke and fumes and provide an immediate cover over smoldering materials.

That’s important if you’re in an attic or garage or leave your car unattended for an extended period (like in the winter), and it could catch on fire with no one there to put it out.

Cold weather is tough on your vehicle. It’s time to ensure you have enough antifreeze in the cooling system so that a fluid system freeze is not as likely to happen.

Can Fire Extinguishers Be On The Floor?

According to experts, the best place for a fire extinguisher is within reach and at least three feet away from any potential ignition source.

For instance, a gas stove or oven poses risks. While it’s not technically illegal to have a fire extinguisher on the ground, it’s often unwise considering its purpose: putting out fires.

Two of the biggest risks are the exact things that fire extinguishers are to avoid: heat and pressure.

If a fire extinguisher is on the floor, it will be susceptible to both these hazards. Unfortunately, it’s often easy to forget about them.

Risks of using a fire extinguisher on the ground include:

• Spilling its contents in a way that doesn’t put out fires.
• Scorching the floor or people’s hands and legs.
• Cracking the casing due to pressure.

The safest place for a fire extinguisher is a wall mount on the ceiling, but you must mount it to the ground if you want to put one on the floor.

The mounting apparatus must be specific for this purpose, and it must stay cool enough to avoid pressure buildup.

Further, while it’s often cool to play with fire extinguishers, remember that they are chemical agents and are potentially dangerous things to play with.

Is A Fire Extinguisher Usable If Overcharged?

No. It will explode. Heat, shock, vibration, or too much charging can detonate an overcharged fire extinguisher.

A properly charged fire extinguisher on charge should contain no more than 10% of its gas volume after the initial charging cycle, and one should not overcharge it for over three minutes.

When cylinder pressure reaches the recommended pressure, an indicator, usually a needle on the front of the cylinder, will rise to show that the charging is complete.

If allowed to overcharge, a fire extinguisher can explode after four or five charges.

Another situation that can cause a fire extinguisher to overcharge is if you mount it in a vehicle and the vehicle has excessive vibration.

If you mount the fire extinguisher in a vehicle, vibration and movement of the vehicle must be minimal for it not to overcharge.

In addition, excessive heat can cause an extinguisher to overheat and subsequently explode.

Usually, this happens when you place the extinguisher in an area exposed to excessive heat, such as near a furnace, under the hood of a car, or beside other hot machinery.

You can also accidentally overcharge a fire extinguisher by accidentally discharging it by exposing it to excessive heat or shock.

When charged too much, the valve assembly can become stressed and leak. In addition, charging too fast creates pressure in the cylinder before all the inert gas expels from the cylinder and into its handle.

Can You Store A Fire Extinguisher Under The Sink?

No. You cannot store a fire extinguisher under the sink. This is because, in the event of a fire, you will not be able to reach the extinguisher quickly.

You should store your fire extinguisher on a flat surface at least three feet off the ground and near an exit. You should also be able to see the extinguisher from any location in your home.

There are some areas in the home where it’s not recommended to place a fire extinguisher. Such places would include a furnace, a stove, or even near anything that may be flammable.

The best place is on your garage floor in an area that everyone can reach easily. You should place a kitchen extinguisher at least three feet away from any heat source and be up high.

Do not place a fire extinguisher in your bedroom or under your desk. If fire occurs, you should be able to get to it this way before the fire can spread. This will also make it easier to use in an emergency.

Contact the company that provides them with more information about where best to place fire extinguishers in your home.

They will be able to ensure that you have the necessary safety precautions in place for your home and family.

Conclusion

Fire extinguisher explosions are not uncommon. If you are unsure about a fire extinguisher, check for cracks and other damage or put it in a safe place to check only after an initial inspection.

You should not store your fire extinguisher under the sink, on the floor of your car, or in any other location where you are likely to forget about it.