FE Inspection & Maintenance Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing an annual maintenance on a stored-pressure dry chemical extinguisher, what action is required regarding the agent?
- Replace the agent regardless of condition
- Weigh and inspect the agent; replace only if clumped or moisture-contaminated (Correct answer)
- Add a moisture inhibitor without removing the agent
- Leave the agent undisturbed to avoid settlement
Correct answer: Weigh and inspect the agent; replace only if clumped or moisture-contaminated
NFPA 10 requires the agent be inspected and replaced if it shows signs of moisture absorption or caking, not replaced automatically every year.
Question 2: A CO2 extinguisher is considered to require recharging when its weight loss exceeds what threshold?
- 5% of net agent weight or 1 lb, whichever is less
- 10% of net agent weight or 1 lb, whichever is less (Correct answer)
- Any measurable weight loss
- 15% of net agent weight
Correct answer: 10% of net agent weight or 1 lb, whichever is less
NFPA 10 specifies recharging when CO2 weight loss exceeds 10% of the net listed agent weight or 1 lb, whichever is less.
Question 3: Which component must be replaced during the 6-year maintenance of a stored-pressure dry chemical extinguisher?
- The cylinder shell
- The pressure gauge
- All seals, gaskets, and valve components subject to leakage (Correct answer)
- The hose assembly
Correct answer: All seals, gaskets, and valve components subject to leakage
The 6-year maintenance procedure requires removal and inspection of all internals, including replacement of all seals, gaskets, and O-rings.
Question 4: During an annual maintenance inspection, a technician finds a dry chemical extinguisher with a slightly dented cylinder body. What is the correct action?
- Record the dent and return the unit to service
- Apply a dent filler and hydrotest the cylinder
- Remove from service and condemn if dent affects structural integrity (Correct answer)
- Repaint the area around the dent and return to service
Correct answer: Remove from service and condemn if dent affects structural integrity
NFPA 10 requires cylinders with dents that compromise structural integrity to be removed from service and condemned, not repaired.
Question 5: What interval is required for hydrostatic testing of a dry chemical stored-pressure extinguisher?
- 5 years
- 6 years
- 10 years
- 12 years (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 12 years
NFPA 10 requires hydrostatic testing of stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers every 12 years.
Question 6: Which record must accompany a fire extinguisher after an annual maintenance is completed?
- A color-coded inspection tag indicating the month and year
- A maintenance tag or label showing date, technician identity, and company performing the service (Correct answer)
- A NFPA 10 compliance certificate issued by the AHJ
- A manufacturer warranty card with the technician's signature
Correct answer: A maintenance tag or label showing date, technician identity, and company performing the service
NFPA 10 requires a maintenance tag or label that identifies the date, the technician, and the servicing organization.
Question 7: A water-type extinguisher fails to discharge during an annual maintenance operational test. After verifying the valve is open, what is the most likely cause?
- Insufficient water fill level
- Clogged discharge nozzle or siphon tube (Correct answer)
- Expired pressure gauge
- Incorrect extinguisher orientation during storage
Correct answer: Clogged discharge nozzle or siphon tube
A blocked discharge nozzle or siphon tube is the most common cause of discharge failure in water-type extinguishers after confirming the valve operates.
FE Inspection & Maintenance Procedures 2
When performing an annual maintenance on a stored-pressure dry chemical extinguisher, what action is required regarding the agent?