Amerex 05608 - Manual (Page 7)

6
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.
CAUTION: These extinguishers operate at 240 psi. Some recovery systems
may require that the pressure be reduced to safely discharge the
chemical and pressure into the system. Use the pressure bleeder
valve on the extinguisher valve to reduce the pressure to a point
registering just below the green operable area on the pressure
gauge. Discharge extinguisher into recovery system. Repressurize
the extinguisher (to no more than 200 psi) to exhaust any chemical
remaining in the extinguisher.
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) in accordance
with CGA C-1 and NFPA 10 and DOT regulations.
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 dome. Cylinder must be hydrostatically (proof
pressure) tested every 12 years (first time), every 7 years thereafter, to the test pressure indicated
on the nameplate (500 psi [3448 kPa]). Cylinder may be hydrostatically tested every 12 years
using the water jacket method.
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). Remove and inspect the agent fill cap for damage or
distortion.