FE FE Recharging & Hydrostatic Testing 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under NFPA 10, how often must stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers with stainless steel shells undergo hydrostatic testing?
- Every 5 years
- Every 6 years
- Every 12 years (Correct answer)
- Every 10 years
Correct answer: Every 12 years
Stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers with stainless steel shells must be hydrostatically tested every 12 years per NFPA 10.
Question 2: What is the required hydrostatic test interval for CO2 fire extinguishers?
- 5 years (Correct answer)
- 6 years
- 10 years
- 12 years
Correct answer: 5 years
CO2 extinguishers must be hydrostatically tested every 5 years because they operate at very high pressure.
Question 3: After a fire extinguisher has been used partially, what is the correct action per NFPA 10?
- Return to service if gauge still reads in the green
- Recharge immediately regardless of how much agent was used (Correct answer)
- Replace the pull pin and return to service
- Leave it in service until annual inspection
Correct answer: Recharge immediately regardless of how much agent was used
NFPA 10 requires that any extinguisher that has been used, even partially, be recharged or replaced immediately.
Question 4: What test is required before recharging a fire extinguisher that has been discharged but is past its hydrostatic test date?
- Leak test only
- Hydrostatic test before recharging (Correct answer)
- Visual inspection only
- Weight verification only
Correct answer: Hydrostatic test before recharging
An extinguisher that is past its hydrostatic test date must be tested hydrostatically before being recharged and returned to service.
Question 5: Which type of portable fire extinguisher requires internal examination at every 6-year interval?
- CO2 extinguishers
- Stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers (Correct answer)
- Wet chemical extinguishers
- Halotron extinguishers
Correct answer: Stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers
NFPA 10 requires a 6-year internal inspection of stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers, coinciding with the 6-year maintenance service.
Question 6: When recharging a dry chemical extinguisher, what must always be done before applying nitrogen pressure?
- Heat the cylinder to 70°F
- Verify the valve stem O-ring is seated and the fill cap is secure (Correct answer)
- Weigh the empty cylinder only
- Paint the cylinder with current date
Correct answer: Verify the valve stem O-ring is seated and the fill cap is secure
Before pressurizing, the technician must confirm all seals and caps are properly seated to prevent dangerous gas leakage or ejection.
FE FE Recharging & Hydrostatic Testing 1
Under NFPA 10, how often must stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers with stainless steel shells undergo hydrostatic testing?