Key Takeaways:
- •Recharge after any discharge, even partial — a discharged extinguisher offers no fire protection
- •ABC dry chemical recharge from $25-$45, CO2 from $30-$60, K-class from $50-$90
- •All recharges include internal inspection, new tag, and full pressurization
- •Pickup and replacement service available — no downtime in your site's coverage
- •Performed by CFAA-registered technicians in ULC-listed service shops
A fire extinguisher is a single-use device until it is recharged. Even a 2-second test discharge depressurizes the cylinder and renders it non-functional. CrowdControl.ca coordinates recharge service through ULC-listed service shops with CFAA-registered technicians — your unit returns fully pressurized, internally inspected, and freshly tagged, with a documented chain of custody for insurers and AHJs.
When Recharge Is Required
- •Any discharge — partial, full, or accidental
- •Pressure gauge below operational range — indicates slow leak; recharge required even if no visible discharge
- •6-year internal maintenance — mandatory disassembly, inspection, and recharge for dry chemical units (NFPA 10)
- •After hydrostatic testing — 12-year cylinder test depressurizes the unit; recharge follows
- •Damaged tamper seal — even if the unit was not used, a broken seal mandates recharge to confirm internal integrity
What Recharge Service Includes
- 1Pickup or technician site visit — we coordinate logistics; you keep operations moving
- 2External inspection — dents, rust, hose damage, valve condition documented
- 3Discharge of any remaining propellant in a controlled environment
- 4Internal inspection — visual examination of cylinder interior for corrosion, contamination, or chemical caking
- 5Recharge to factory specification with the correct extinguishing agent and propellant
- 6Pressurization to operational range, confirmed by calibrated gauge
- 7New tamper seal and pull pin installation
- 8New annual inspection tag signed and dated by the technician
- 9Documentation — service report, recharge certificate, updated tag history
- 10Return delivery or technician site visit for re-mounting
Pricing by Agent Type
| Agent | Recharge Cost | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| ABC dry chemical (5 lb) | $25 - $40 | General-purpose, most common |
| ABC dry chemical (10 lb) | $35 - $55 | Larger commercial spaces |
| CO2 (5 lb) | $30 - $50 | Server rooms, electronics |
| CO2 (10 lb) | $45 - $75 | Industrial electrical |
| K-class wet chemical (6 L) | $50 - $90 | Commercial kitchens |
| Halotron / clean agent | $60 - $120 | Sensitive electronics, archives |
| Water mist | $35 - $60 | Galleries, museums |
| Pickup and re-mount per unit | $10 - $25 | Optional; site visit minimum may apply |
| Loaner during recharge | $5 - $15/week | Maintains code compliance |
Volume pricing at 5+ units. Same-day turnaround available for emergency recharge in major metros (additional surcharge typically 25–50%).
Recharge vs. Replacement — When Each Makes Sense
| Condition | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Discharged, body intact, under 12 years old | Recharge | 30–60% of replacement cost; full lifespan retained |
| Body damaged, dented, or corroded | Replace | Hydrostatic test will likely fail; recharge wastes labour |
| Older than 12 years, never hydro-tested | Replace | Hydro test cost approaches new-unit cost |
| K-class with wet chemical past 6-year window | Replace or full internal maintenance | Wet chemical degrades; may not extinguish kitchen fire |
| Halon (any age) | Replace with halotron or clean agent | Halon production banned under Montreal Protocol; recharge supply limited |
Our partners provide a written recommendation with every service — if recharge is not economical, you receive replacement pricing alongside the recharge quote.
Compliance and Documentation
Every recharge produces:
- •Recharge certificate identifying agent type, weight, propellant, and pressure
- •Internal inspection report with technician sign-off
- •New annual inspection tag — the recharge counts as that year's inspection
- •Updated tag history in your unit database
This documentation satisfies NFPA 10 §7, CAN/ULC-S536, and provincial fire code requirements. It is also the documentation insurers require to maintain coverage on a recharged unit.
Request a quote — send your discharged unit count, agent type, and city. Recharge quotes from multiple ULC-listed service shops within 24 hours.
