How often must the wetting agent in stored pressure wetting agent extinguishers be replaced?

The wetting agent in stored pressure wetting agent extinguishers must be replaced annually to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of the extinguisher. Regular maintenance is crucial because the wetting agent can degrade over time, leading to a diminished capacity to suppress fire effectively. Annual replacement aligns with safety standards and guidelines, as the chemical properties and performance characteristics of the agent can change, making it less effective in an emergency situation.

While other intervals like monthly, every two years, or every five years may seem plausible at first glance, they do not provide the same level of assurance that the extinguisher will function optimally when needed. Monthly checks are often focused on inspection rather than replacement, and longer intervals like every two or five years may allow the wetting agent to deteriorate, which could impair its effectiveness in controlling Class B fires.