First Published in February 2008.

The 2007 edition of NFPA 10 has been released and contains many important updates, additions and changes that impact our industry.  

Below is a summary of the major changes:

                        • Pressure Water manufactured prior to 1971.

                        • Any extinguisher that needs to be inverted to operate.

                        • Any Stored Pressure manufactured prior to 1955.

                        • Any extinguisher with a 4B, 6B, 8B, 12B, 16B fire rating

                        • Any extinguisher that can no longer be serviced by the manufacturer’s manual or parts. (This includes manufacturers that are no longer in business. Servicing in this case, places liability of performance on your company.) 

Fire Extinguishers requiring removal at next service interval.

                        • Any Dry Chemical “Stored Pressure” extinguisher manufactured prior to 1984 shall be removed from service at the next six-year maintenance interval or hydro-test interval, whichever comes first.

                        • Why 1984? UL underwent major changes that came into effect in 1984. Some of the changes were any extinguisher over 2A-20B:C required a discharge hose versus a fixed nozzle. Extinguisher labeling was standardized to include pictograms and universal class markings for A, B and C designations.

                        • “Stored Pressure” extinguishers do not include Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers or Clean Agent fire extinguishers. These are designated as “self-expelling” type extinguishers by NFPA. 

                        • When subjected to temperature at or about its listed rating, stored pressure fire extinguishers (any that require a twelve-year hydro-test) shall be emptied and subjected to the applicable maintenance and recharge procedures on an annual basis. (section 7.3.1.2.3)

                        • This new change will effect any fire extinguisher that is exposed to the elements in either high heat or extreme cold. 

Certified Person requirement

• A definition of “certified person” was added to the 2007 edition to state that “A person that has been certified by a recognized organization through a formal certification program or by the equipment manufacturer.”

Important Note:  Ontario has not adopted the NFPA 10 2007 changes in the Ontario Fire Code.  The referred standard for the Ontario Fire Code is the NFPA 2002 edition.  Changes such as the replacement of old fire extinguishers and inspections by a "Certified Person" is not required per the Ontario Fire Code. 

In all cases, please refer to local building and / or fire codes or confirm fire protection and service requirements with the local authority having jurisdiction. 

National Fire Equipment Ltd. offers full steel pipe fire sprinkler fabrication services. 

Call (800) 267-8508 or your local branch office for more information.

For product information, please visit our website at www.nationalfire.com 

National Fire Equipment Ltd.

Providing Fire Protection Solutions Since 1959