Question:
I've got a 5 kg carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. I'm trying to figure out if it has been pressure tested since it was new. The markings are a bit vague. Does anyone know what the pressure test mark looks like? Suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer: We use one of the 'big name' makes which we get from RS Components. The life is 6 years from date of purchase, after which we buy new ones and put the old ones as extra standbys. Once they reach 10 years we dispose of them. We had a spat with Chubb and the extinguisher makes over testing/checking at the factory. Chubb come once a year, but their guys ALWAYS put down something for renewal, even if we say that it is still under maker's warranty. The last time we called the maker's rep in, who wrote to Chubb and bent their ear about their service engineers. That was when we found out about the 6-year life. Chubb don't come any more.... The testing (as has already been mentioned) is by weight and not pressure, and there is no markings apart from an inspection date and initials of the inspector. If the extinguisher has a pressure gauge then that is also taken into account. If it is something you cannot determine the date of manufacture for, then bin it and get a new one, cheaper than an insurance claim....