If you’re checking over your fire extinguishers and wondering when they expire, you’re not alone. Unlike food or medicine, most fire extinguishers don’t have an obvious “use by” date printed on them—but that doesn’t mean they last forever.
In the UK, the expiration of a fire extinguisher is usually determined by service intervals, manufacturer guidelines, and inspection records.
In this post, we’ll show you exactly where to look, what to check, and how to know when it’s time to service or replace your extinguisher.
Fire Extinguishers Don’t Have a Simple Expiry Date
Fire extinguishers typically don’t come with a bold expiry date printed on the label. Instead, their lifespan is based on:
- The manufacturer’s date of production
- British Standards for servicing (BS 5306-3)
- Whether the unit has passed its basic and extended services
Let’s break that down…
1. Start With the Manufacturer’s Date Stamp
Look around the neck or base of the extinguisher cylinder. You’ll usually see a small metal stamp, showing the year and sometimes the month it was manufactured. For example, it might say:
“2019/06” = June 2019
This tells you when it was produced, which is important because:
- Extinguishers have a warehouse shelf life of 1 year before commissioning
- Once in service, most extinguishers are expected to last 10 years, provided they are correctly maintained
So if it was manufactured in 2014 and has been in service since, it’s likely due for replacement or hydrostatic testing.
2. Check the Service Label
Every extinguisher installed and commissioned in the UK should have a service label, usually affixed to the side of the unit.
This label includes:
- The date of installation/commissioning
- Dates of annual basic services
- Name or company of the servicing engineer
- Notes on any repairs or refills
If your last service was over 12 months ago—or there are no service records at all—it’s time to call in a professional.
3. Understand Basic vs Extended Servicing
Under BS 5306-3, extinguishers go through two types of servicing during their lifetime:
Basic Service (every year)
- Visual inspection for damage, corrosion, or tampering
- Pressure gauge and weight check
- Checking the hose, nozzle and safety pin
- Labelling and record keeping
Extended Service
- Required every 5 years for most water, foam, and powder types
- Includes complete discharge, internal inspection, and refill or replacement
- For CO₂ extinguishers, extended service is due every 10 years and includes hydrostatic pressure testing
If your extinguisher is past this point and hasn’t had an extended service or replacement—it’s no longer considered safe or compliant.
So, When Does an Extinguisher “Expire”?
There’s no single expiry date printed on the extinguisher—but a general rule of thumb is:
- Water, foam and powder extinguishers: Replace or overhaul after 5 years
- CO₂ extinguishers: Replace or pressure-test after 10 years
- Single-use (non-refillable) extinguishers: Replace after 5 years
If it’s older than that and hasn’t been serviced properly—it’s expired in all but name.
What If It’s Been Sitting in Storage?
Extinguishers sitting in warehouses, cupboards, or new builds should still be commissioned within 1 year of manufacture. After that, the shelf life starts to count against them—even if unused.
That’s why fire safety professionals always check the manufacture date and commissioning date before putting any unit into service.
Can I Use an Old Extinguisher in an Emergency?
Technically? Possibly. But legally and safely? No.
If the extinguisher:
- Hasn’t been serviced in over a year
- Has passed the 5 or 10-year service window
- Shows rust, dents, a damaged pin, missing tag or no pressure
…it must be replaced or fully overhauled before being trusted.
How ESI Can Help
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we support businesses and landlords across Farnborough, Camberley, Guildford, Reading, and the wider Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire region with:
- Full extinguisher checks and servicing
- Replacement of expired or non-compliant units
- Clear advice on lifespan, maintenance, and best practice
- Fire extinguisher supply, installation, and certification
If you’re unsure how old your extinguishers are—or whether they’re still legal and safe—give us a call. We’ll help you spot the key signs, stay compliant, and protect your people and property with no guesswork.
