It’s a common question from business owners and facilities managers alike: can a fire extinguisher be refilled, or do you need to buy a new one every time it’s used?
The good news is yes—many fire extinguishers can be refilled, and in the right circumstances, doing so is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. But it’s not as simple as topping up the tank and moving on.
Let’s explore when and how refilling works, and what UK regulations say about it.
When Should a Fire Extinguisher Be Refilled?
A fire extinguisher should be refilled (also known as “recharged”) if:
- It’s been used, even partially
- The pressure gauge is low or in the red
- It’s due for extended servicing (typically every 5 years)
- The extinguisher has been discharged during testing or training
- The manufacturer’s service instructions specify recharging after a certain period
Under BS 5306-3, fire extinguishers in commercial premises must be inspected and maintained by a competent person, and recharging is an accepted part of this process when needed.
Which Fire Extinguishers Can Be Refilled?
Most standard commercial fire extinguishers can be refilled, including:
- Water
- Foam (AFFF)
- ABC Dry Powder
- Wet Chemical
These types are usually metal-bodied and designed for multiple uses with proper maintenance. After discharge, they can be emptied, cleaned, refilled with the correct agent, and re-pressurised by a qualified technician.
CO₂ (carbon dioxide) extinguishers can also be refilled, but only by specialist service centres due to the high pressure involved.
Important: Not all extinguishers are refillable
Some domestic or disposable models—often found in cars, kitchens or small premises—are non-refillable. These are usually plastic-bodied, lightweight, and marked as such. Once used, they should be responsibly recycled and replaced.
Who Can Refill a Fire Extinguisher?
Fire extinguishers must only be refilled by a competent technician—someone trained and certified in accordance with BS 5306-9 and working for an accredited service provider.
That means:
- It’s not a DIY job
- The correct type and volume of extinguishing agent must be used
- The extinguisher must be leak- and pressure-tested
- All seals, valves and components must be checked
- A new service label should be applied
Attempting to refill a fire extinguisher yourself could result in an unsafe unit that won’t work when you need it—and could even cause harm.
How Often Should Refilling Be Considered?
In addition to after use, most refillable extinguishers require an extended service every 5 years (for water, foam, and powder) or every 10 years for CO₂.
During extended servicing, the extinguisher is:
- Emptied and internally inspected
- Refilled with fresh agent
- Re-pressurised and resealed
- Tested for leaks and performance
This keeps your extinguishers compliant and reliable, and is an essential part of your legal fire safety responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Is Refilling Cheaper Than Replacement?
In many cases, yes. Refilling an extinguisher is usually cheaper than buying a new one, especially for larger or more specialist models like wet chemical extinguishers used in commercial kitchens.
However, if the unit is:
- Out of date
- Damaged or corroded
- Missing parts
- Unbranded or uncertified
Then replacement is likely the safer, more compliant choice.
A trained technician can assess each unit during your annual inspection and advise accordingly.
How ESI Can Help
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we offer a complete fire extinguisher service across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and throughout Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire.
We can:
- Refill and recharge your fire extinguishers after use
- Carry out extended servicing in line with BS 5306-3
- Replace damaged or out-of-date units
- Ensure your extinguishers are always fully compliant, ready and safe to use
If you’re unsure whether your extinguishers can be refilled—or you’re due a service—get in touch with our expert team. We’ll help you stay protected and within the law.
