Fire Extinguisher Pressure Testing is a hydrostatic test of the cylinder to check it can still safely hold pressure. It applies to older extinguishers that are due for a test, units with damage or corrosion, and units going back into service after a long time.
Describe the job once and compare quotes from extinguisher pressure testing providers.
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How a Pressure Test Works
- Empty. The extinguisher is discharged and the agent removed.
- Inspect. The cylinder is checked inside and out for corrosion and damage.
- Test. The cylinder is filled with water and pressurised to its test pressure.
- Result. A cylinder that leaks, bulges or fails is condemned and taken out of service.
- Dry, refill and mark. Passed cylinders are dried, recharged, marked or tagged and returned.
When It Is Due
Test intervals depend on the extinguisher type and are set in SANS 1475-1. Industry practice is commonly every 5 years for stored-pressure units and every 10 years for CO2 cylinders, but ask your provider to confirm the interval for each unit. The test date is usually on the cylinder or service label.
CO2 cylinders may only be re-validated by an organisation accredited to SANS 1825, so they are often sent to a specialist test station.
Fire Extinguisher Pressure Testing Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Pressure test, portable extinguisher (per cylinder, excl. VAT) | About R88 |
| 5-year overhaul including pressure test (per unit, excl. VAT) | R350 - R700 |
| Recharge after the test (installer range) | R90 - R350 |
| New DCP 4.5 kg extinguisher, for comparison | R445 - R800 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Ballpark figures, not quotations. Compiled from prices published by South African suppliers, retailers and service providers, rounded. They are not our prices and no provider is bound by them. Equipment-only prices exclude installation. Confirm whether VAT is included on every quote.
Sources:
- My Safety Shop (Makrosafe), online service listings (prices excluding VAT)
- Altrafire, fire compliance costs in South Africa guide (Gauteng, prices excluding VAT)
- Aish Fire Control, published recharge rates (VAT not stated)
- South African retailer listings: Takealot, Makro, Plumblink, Safeco, Firstaider, SafetySigns, GeeWiz, Supplywise
What Affects the Price
- Extinguisher type and size.
- Refill after the test, which is usually charged separately.
- Number of cylinders.
- Replacement of failed cylinders.
- Collection and loan units.
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Get Fire Extinguisher Pressure Testing QuotesWhat to Include in Your Request
- Town or suburb.
- Number, type and size of units.
- Dates on the cylinder or service labels.
- Whether a service provider has said they are due.
- Collection or drop-off.
Where It Applies
Residential
Older home and vehicle extinguishers.
Commercial
Offices, shops and complexes with ageing equipment.
Industrial
Sites with many cylinders, wheeled units and CO2 banks.
Choosing a Provider
- Check the SABS permit for SANS 1475-1 and SAQCC Fire registration.
- Ask for test and refill prices together.
- Ask what happens to condemned cylinders and the replacement price.
- Ask for a record of each test.
How the Enquiry Works
- Request. Send your site details and what you need through the form.
- Match. Your enquiry goes to independent extinguisher pressure testing providers that may serve your area.
- Assess. Providers ask questions or arrange a site visit before a firm price.
- Compare. Check scope, standards, registrations, documents and price side by side.
- Appoint or decline. There is no obligation.
Fire Protection South Africa collects pressure testing quotes from independent providers for you.
Fire Extinguisher Pressure Testing FAQs
Is pressure testing the same as servicing?
No. Servicing is a routine check. Pressure testing is a periodic test of the cylinder itself and needs the unit emptied.
What if my cylinder fails?
It is condemned and should not be used again. You replace it.
Is it cheaper to replace than to test?
For small units it often is. Compare test plus refill against a new unit.
Related Services
Fire Protection South Africa is a free quote-comparison service. Fire equipment and systems are supplied, installed, serviced, tested and certified by independent providers, and your agreement is with the provider you appoint. Before you pay, ask each one for a written quote and confirm their registrations and the documents you will receive.
Fire Extinguisher Pressure Testing. One request, quotes from independent extinguisher pressure testing providers.
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