Amerex 05616 - Manual (Page 6)

5
COMPLETE MAINTENANCE – SIX YEAR TEARDOWN
[NFPA-10] Every six years, stored pressure extinguishers that require a 12 year hydrostatic test
shall be emptied and subjected to the applicable maintenance procedures. When the applicable
maintenance procedures are performed during periodic recharging or hydrostatic testing, the
six year requirement shall begin from that date.
NOTE: Some states have legislation which requires "Complete Maintenance" on an
annual basis. Please contact your local Amerex Distributor to see if these requirements
apply to you. NFPA 10 recommendation requires that a "verification of service"
external collar tag be installed on the extinguisher whenever a Six Year Maintenance is
performed. The "verification of service" tag can only be installed if the operating valve
has been removed.
1. Discharge chemical and pressure into a "closed" dry chemical recovery system (several are
commercially available). Make sure that the extinguisher is completely empty and
depressurized.
NOTE: A "closed recovery system" is designed to prevent loss of the chemical "fines".
Loss of the "fines" could result in reduced extinguisher efficiency.
2. Clean extinguisher to remove dirt, grease or foreign material. Check to make sure that the
instruction nameplate is securely fastened and legible. Inspect the cylinder for corrosion, abrasion,
dents or weld damage. If any of these conditions are found and you doubt the integrity of the
cylinder, hydrostatically test to factory test pressure marked on the nameplate (label), using the
proof pressure method, in accordance with CGA C-1 and NFPA 10.
NOTE: When cleaning, avoid use of solvents around the pressure gauge. They could
seriously damage the plastic gauge face.
3. Inspect the extinguisher for damaged, missing or substitute parts. Only factory replacement parts
are approved for use on Amerex fire extinguishers.
4. Check the date of manufacture on the extinguisher label (nameplate). Cylinder must be
hydrostatically (proof pressure) tested every 12 years to the test pressure indicated on the
nameplate (720 psi [4964 kPa]).
5. Visually inspect the pressure gauge – if bent, damaged or improper gauge replace with the proper
Amerex pressure gauge (see Parts List).
6. Check ring pin for freedom of movement. Replace if bent or if removal appears difficult.
7. Verify that no pressure remains in the extinguisher. (Operating valve and nozzle shutoff in
open position and there is no discharge).
8. Inspect the discharge lever for any dirt of corrosion which might impair freedom of movement.
Inspect carrying handle for proper installation. If lever, handle or rivets are damaged replace with
factory replacement parts.
9. Remove hose and horn assembly and visually inspect inside valve body. Chemical in the valve
body may indicate that the extinguisher has been partially discharged and should therefore be
recharged. Inspect the hose and horn assembly for damage and replace if necessary. Blow air
through the hose and horn to insure passage is clear of foreign material.
10. Disassemble valve assembly by removing downtube, spring and valve stem assembly. Remove
collar o-ring from valve
11. Complete steps 2 through 13 of Recharge Procedure.