Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What services does Firematic provide?
We service all types portable fire extinguishers, as well as fire hose, emergency lighting signs, bulbs, and batteries. We also stock hanging scales used for monthly Quick Checks.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept credit and debit cards, (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express), Purchase Orders with established credit, checks, or cash. Note, for online purchases we only accept debit or credit cards.
Do you provide and install fire equipment?
Yes. We sell all types of portable fire extinguishers, fire extinguisher cabinets, hose, and fire safety signs. We also install surface-mounted portable extinguishers. Please contact our office at 631-924-3181 for pricing and availability for installations or other products.
Can you provide quotes for items that are not on your website?
Yes. Please contact our sales staff for any quote large or small. We will work with you to provide a quick quote and delivery date for any item you may need. If we do not have the item you need, we will steer you in the right direction to obtain the item. We have an established network of contacts in the safety and fire protection industries to fill your needs. Your satisfaction is our goal.
Why do I need fire extinguishers installed in my business?
They are required to protect your business (building and contents) and the occupants (employees, tenants, or customers) from a major loss or injury due to a fire. Most fires start small and can easily be extinguished, without serious property damage or injury to occupants, if the proper fire extinguisher is readily available. Also, they are probably required by your liability insurance carrier, and are they required by law: OSHA 1910.157, Suffolk County Law 18-2004 and Nassau County Law 56-1962 Article 23
Who is responsible for maintaining the fire extinguishers?
You are responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and recharging of the fire extinguishers. NFPA 10 Section 7.1.1
Why are there different types of fire extinguishers?
There are different types of fires which are classified by the type of flammable material or hazard they present. Different types of flammable material and fires require different extinguishing agents to effectively extinguish the fire:
Classes of fire:
CLASS A: Fires in ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics.
CLASS B: Fires in flammable or combustible liquids, such as oils, greases, tars, oil base paints, lacquers, and flammable gases.
CLASS C: Fires involving energized electrical equipment when electrical non-conductivity of the extinguishing media is of importance.
CLASS D: Fires in combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, lithium, and potassium.
CLASS K: Fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).
For more information, and to see the symbols used for each class, visit The ABCs of Fire Extinguishers
Fire Protection Rating.
The classification of extinguishers shall consist of a LETTER which indicates the class of fire on which an extinguisher has been found to be effective, preceded by a rating NUMBER (Class A and B only) which indicates the relative extinguishing effectiveness such as 2:A-10:BC. NFPA 10 Section 4.1-4.1.3 and Annex G Section G.1-G.2
EXCEPTION: Extinguishers classified for use on Class C, Class D, or Class K hazards shall not be required to have a number preceding the classification letter.
What types of fire extinguishers do I need for my business?
The types of extinguishers needed are determined by three factors:
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The type of flammable materials or potential fire hazards present in your business.
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The risk of a potential fire or injury to occupants from a fire.
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State and Local Fire Codes that apply to your business. NFPA 10 Sections 6.1-6.6.3, Suffolk County Law 18-2004, Nassau County Law 56-1962 Article 23.
How many fire extinguishers do I need for my business?
Most fire marshals have adopted standardized codes to define the minimum requirements.
| |
Light (Low)
Hazard Occupancy |
Ordinary (Moderate)
Hazard Occupancy |
Extra (High)
Hazard Occupancy |
|
Minimum rated single extinguisher
|
2-A |
2-A |
4-A |
|
Maximum floor area per unit of A
|
3,000 sq ft |
1,500 sq ft |
1,000 sq ft |
|
Maximum floor area for extinguisher
|
11,250 sq ft |
11,250 sq ft |
11,250 sq ft |
|
Maximum travel distance to extinguisher
|
75 ft |
75 ft |
75 ft |
In summary, to be considered acceptable in most locales, a minimum 2:A-10:BC 5 Lb Multipurpose Dry Chemical fire extinguisher is required. Some locales require the minimum rating to be 3:A-40:BC. Check with your local fire marshal to determine the requirements for your location.
Why are there so many labels and tags on my fire extinguishers?
The labels and tags on your fire extinguishers serve a number of purposes. Federal, State, or Local laws and regulations require these labels. A brief description of the various labels is listed below. Some may not be present on all fire extinguishers – they are only installed after a specific service or test has been done, such as hydrostatic testing.
Manufacturer’s Label: NFPA 10 Section 4.1-4.3.2
The Manufacturer’s Label must be on the front of the fire extinguisher and contains:
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The Class (A, B, C, D, K) of fire that the extinguisher is designed to extinguish.
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The Numeric Rating of the size of fire the extinguisher can put out (such as 2:A-10:BC).
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The written and pictorial operating instructions.
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The chemical type and weight of the extinguishing agent or charge and the overall weight of the charged cylinder. It may also include the weight of the empty cylinder.
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The operating pressure and maximum charge pressure of the cylinder.
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The date of manufacture and other safety, maintenance, and test information specific to that particular fire extinguisher, and required to properly maintain the extinguisher.
Monthly Inspection Tag: NFPA 10 Section 7.2-7.2.4.2.3
This is typically found on the reverse side of the Annual Inspection Tag.
The Monthly Inspection Tag contains:
The identity of the owner and space to record the date and status of the eleven (11) required monthly inspections performed on the extinguisher by the owner.
It is replaced annually at the time of the Annual Inspection.
Annual Inspection Tag:
The Annual Inspection Tag will be attached to the fire extinguisher, near the handle on all fire extinguishers.
The Annual Inspection Tag contains: NFPA 10 Section 7.3
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Information about the company and service technician providing the annual inspection, as required by the local fire marshal, or AHJ (Authorities Having Jurisdiction).
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The date (Month, Day, Year) that a new fire extinguisher was placed in service. It will also indicate that this is a NEW extinguisher.
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The date that the Last Annual Maintenance was performed.
It is replaced annually at the time of the Annual Inspection or when the extinguisher requires recharging or internal maintenance and/or testing.
Verification of Service Collar NFPA 10 Section 7.3.4 - 7.3.4.3
The Verification of Service Collar will be found encircling the neck of the fire extinguisher, just below the handle, if internal service or recharging has been performed.
The Verification of Service Collar contains:
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Information about the company and service technician providing the annual inspection, as required by the state or local fire marshal.
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The date (Month, Day, Year) that a fire extinguisher underwent internal service or recharging.
It is replaced when the extinguisher requires recharging or internal maintenance and/or testing.
Hydrostatic Test Label NFPA 10 Section 8.7.2.1 - 8.7.2.3 DOT 49CFR 180.213
The Hydrostatic Test Label will be found on the body or cylinder of older fire extinguishers that have passed this test.
The Hydrostatic Test Label contains:
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Information about the company performing the test, as required by the state or local fire marshal.
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The date (Month, Day, Year) that a fire extinguisher passed hydrostatic testing.
What are the maintenance requirements for my fire extinguishers?
NFPA 10 Section 7.1 - 7.3.3.1S
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Monthly Inspection by building owner, occupant, or his/her authorized agent
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Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspection
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Internal (6-year) Fire Extinguisher Maintenance (also referred to as Tear Down)
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Hydrostatic Testing every 12 years (5 years for some others)
Annual, Internal Maintenance, and Hydrostatic testing must be performed by a licensed fire extinguisher service company, such as Firematic Supply Company.
What is hydrostatic testing on a fire extinguisher?
NFPA 10 Section 8.1 - 8.8.2.3
Fire extinguisher contents are maintained under pressure over long periods of time. To ensure that the shell (cylinder) and hose or nozzle has no defects due to metal fatigue or other causes, the cylinders are emptied, filled with water, and then brought up to a specified pressure over a short period of time (typically 30 seconds). The shell (cylinder) must contain that pressure for 1 minute (or the time specified by manufacturer’s maintenance procedures) while the cylinder is inspected for signs of stress, leaks, bulging and other indications of metal fatigue. Hoses on some extinguishers must also be hydrostatically tested. Carbon Dioxide extinguishers are tested with a different method called volumetric expansion (the expansion of the cylinder under a specific test pressure) that is measured and must meet certain specifications. CGA-C-1
Why do I need to have my fire extinguishers hydrostatically tested?
Per NFPA 10 standards, it is required by law. DOT (Department of Transportation) Title 49 CFR 180. Suffolk County Law 18-2004, Nassau County Law 56-1962 Article 23. It also ensures that they are safe to place into operation and can be expected to maintain pressure and function properly when needed.
Why is hydrostatic testing so expensive?
Hydrostatic testing is more expensive than a recharge or tear down service because it requires special test equipment and it is a time-consuming process, as specified in CGA C-1.
Can hydrostatic testing be done on-site?
No, it cannot be done at your site. Hydrostatic testing requires specialized equipment and facilities, as well as specially trained technicians.
How often must I have my fire extinguishers hydrostatically tested?
NFPA 10 Section 8, Table 8.3.1. The following table illustrates how frequently different types of fire extinguishers must be hydrostatically tested.
Hydrostatic Test Interval for Extinguishers
| Extinguisher Type |
Test Interval
(Years) |
| Stored Pressure Water and/or Antifreeze/Loaded Stream |
5 |
| AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) |
5 |
| FFFP (Film Forming Fluoroprotein Foam) |
5 |
| Wet Chemical |
5 |
| Carbon Dioxide |
5 |
| Dry Chemical, Stored Pressure with Mild Steel Shells, or Aluminum Shells
|
12 |
| Dry Chemical, Cartridge and Cylinder-Operated, with Mild Steel Shells |
12 |
| Dry Powder, stored pressure, cartridge or cylinder operated with Mild Steel Shells |
12 |
| Halogenated Agents |
12 |
What are the steps involved with hydrostatic testing?
NFPA 10 Testing Procedures 8.5 - 8.6.3.4, also CGA-C-1
Low Pressure Hydrostatic Test Service includes:
(1) If a charge remains on the cylinder, it is emptied and the charge is processed and recovered for re-use. Halon extinguishers require special equipment. The charge must be emptied into a Halon Recovery Chamber, to comply with environmental regulations.
(2) The head is removed
(3) The inside of the cylinder is inspected for any signs of damage, rust, or corrosion.
(4) The cylinder is filled with water and a high-pressure fitting is installed to allow pressure testing.
(5) Water is manually pumped into the cylinder until the internal pressure is 2-3 times the normal operating pressure for the cylinder (typically 585 PSI, or as specified by the manufacturer).
(6) Inlet valve is closed and the cylinder must maintain the minimum test pressure for at least 60 seconds.
(7) The cylinder is inspected to verify that there are no signs of leaks, cracks, or bulges that would indicate a defective cylinder.
(8) The pressure is then released and the cylinder is drained and thoroughly dried.
(9) Finally, if the cylinder passed all tests and inspections, a new Hydrostatic Test Label is attached to the cylinder per County and Town Fire Marshal directives.
IF the cylinder fails any of these tests or inspections, it must be removed from service and replaced with a new extinguisher.
If the cylinder passes all tests and inspections, steps 2 – 9 of the Internal (Tear Down) Maintenance are performed and the cylinder is returned to service.
Internal (Tear Down) Maintenance includes:
NFPA 10 Section 7.3.1, 7.3.3, Annex I
(1) If a charge remains on the cylinder, it is emptied and the charge is processed and recovered for re-use.
(2) The head is disassembled, O-rings replaced, and valve is lubricated.
(3) Interior of the cylinder is inspected for signs of rust, corrosion, other deterioration.
(4) Hose / Nozzle assemblies are inspected and repaired or replaced as needed.
(5) Handle and other parts are inspected and repaired or replaced as needed.
(6) Cylinder is refilled with extinguishing agent to specified weight or volume.
(7) A “Verification of Service Collar” is installed per County and Town Fire Marshal directives.
(8) Extinguisher is reassembled, pressurized, and tested for leaks.
(9) Finally, a new “Annual Maintenance Tag” is attached to the cylinder per State Fire Marshal directives. This tag also has space for the owner to record monthly inspections.
Am I required to keep maintenance records on my fire extinguishers?
NFPA 10 Section 7.2.4.1 - 7.2.4.2.3
Yes.
This is for your own protection in the event of a fire resulting in any legal action or insurance claims for loss. Fire extinguisher service companies are required to provide itemized invoices for any service and parts replaced during servicing.
Am I required to replace my fire extinguishers periodically?
NFPA 10 Section 7.2.3.2, 7.2.3.3 (Non-rechargeable units)
That depends on the type of extinguishers that you own. Some extinguishers are not serviceable or rechargeable (i.e. they are Single-Use). Some extinguishers are more cost effective to replace with a new one, than to service or maintain them.
Below is a list of extinguisher types that are considered obsolete and the fire marshal requires that they be removed from service:
NFPA 10 Section 4.4, 4.4.1
(1) Soda acid types
(2) Chemical foam (excluding AFFF and FFFP)
(3) Vaporizing liquid (e.g., carbon tetrachloride)
(4) Cartridge-operated water
(5) Cartridge-operated loaded stream
(6) Copper or brass shell fire extinguishers (excluding pump tanks) joined by soft solder or rivets
(7) Stored pressure water extinguishers with fiberglass shells
(8) Stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers manufactured prior to October 1984
NOTE: BECAUSE FIREMATIC IS A LICENSED EXTINGUISHER COMPANY, A MEMBER OF NAFED, AND REGISTERED WITH D.O.T., WE RECEIVE FREQUENT BULLETINS AND RED LETTER ALERTS ON CERTAIN EXTINGUISHERS AND CERTAIN CYLINDERS, THAT MUST BE REMOVED FROM SERVICE, BECAUSE THEY MAY PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD. THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS. FOR EXAMPLE, THERE ARE SOME CO2 EXTINGUISHERS THAT MUST BE REMOVED FROM SERVICE, BECAUSE THEY ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO LOAD CRACKS INTERNALLY. OUR TRAINED SERVICE ADVISORS WILL BE ABLE TO ADVISE YOU OF THE PROPER COURSE OF ACTION. THIS IS ANOTHER REASON WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE YOUR EXTINGUISHERS INSPECTED.
Am I required to train employees on the proper use of fire extinguishers?
Yes, and Firematic can provide training. Call us at 631-924-3181 to schedule.
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