When Your Fire Extinguisher Fails: The Reality of Recalls

We don’t think much about our fire extinguishers until we need them—and when we do, we expect them to work. But what happens when they don’t? Recently, several fire extinguisher models have been recalled due to faulty designs, leading to failures when people needed them most.

One of the biggest offenders? Kidde. They issued a massive recall affecting over 38 million fire extinguishers across the U.S. and Canada. The reason? Some of their models—many with plastic handles or push-buttons—were prone to getting clogged or even losing their nozzles, leaving people without an operable extinguisher in emergencies.

Why Do Fire Extinguishers Get Recalled?

There’s nothing more frustrating (or terrifying) than grabbing a fire extinguisher and realizing it won’t work. Manufacturers recall these products when they’re found to have serious issues like:

  • Failure to discharge: When you press that lever, you expect it to release the foam or powder inside. But in some recalled models, pressing the handle did nothing at all, which could be a death sentence in a fire.
  • Nozzle detachment: Some extinguishers had nozzles that would fly off when activated. Imagine pressing the button, and instead of a lifesaving burst of foam, the nozzle shoots across the room. Not good.
  • Loss of pressure: Extinguishers can sometimes leak pressure over time, becoming useless when you need them.

The Kidde recall in 2017 hit hard because it affected such a wide range of models—spanning years of production, from as far back as the 1970s. It wasn’t just a couple of faulty units; it was an issue that had been building for decades​.

The Kidde Recall: A Breakdown

Let’s talk specifics. The 2017 recall involved both disposable plastic handle extinguishers and push-button Pindicator models, covering a whopping 134 different designs. The defect wasn't just an inconvenience; it was linked to one reported death, when a Kidde extinguisher failed to work during a car fire.

Kidde isn’t the only brand to issue recalls, but this one stands out for its sheer scale. It didn’t matter whether you bought your fire extinguisher from Home Depot, Amazon, or a local hardware store—millions of units were suddenly unreliable​.

More Than Just Kidde: Other Recalls to Be Aware Of

While Kidde’s recall is the most high-profile, they’re not alone. Back in 2015, Kidde also had to recall 4.6 million extinguishers due to plastic valves that could fail. Similarly, Ansul, another big name in the fire safety industry, recalled about 154,000 units because they might crack if dropped, leading to failure.

These problems seem small, but in an emergency, a tiny defect could mean the difference between life and death.

What Should You Do if You Have a Recalled Fire Extinguisher?

So, what do you do if your fire extinguisher is part of a recall? First off, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. Manufacturers like Kidde make it pretty simple to check if your extinguisher is affected. They have identification guides on their websites to help you figure out if your model is part of the recall.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Check the model number on your extinguisher. It’s usually on the label or bottom of the unit.
  2. Visit the manufacturer’s website to cross-check the number with their recall list.
  3. Contact the company: If your unit is recalled, they’ll send you a replacement, often at no cost to you.

Kidde, for example, has a system where you can register your recalled unit, and they’ll mail you a new one with minimal hassle​.

Regular Fire Extinguisher Maintenance: A Good Habit

Even if your extinguisher isn’t part of a recall, it's always a good idea to do a little maintenance check now and then. This takes just a few minutes but can make all the difference:

  • Check the pressure gauge: It should be in the green zone. If it’s in the red, it’s lost pressure.
  • Inspect the body for damage: Dents, rust, or cracks? Time for a replacement.
  • Turn it upside down: If it’s a powder extinguisher, shake it a bit to prevent the powder from clumping at the bottom.

Fire extinguishers are essential safety tools, but they’re only reliable if they function properly when needed. Recalls, like those from Kidde, remind us how important it is to regularly check our safety equipment and stay updated on potential defects. A few minutes of maintenance can make all the difference in an emergency.

If your fire extinguisher is affected by a recall, don’t wait—take action immediately. Colorado Safety Supply Company is here to help. We provide comprehensive fire extinguisher services, including inspections, maintenance, and replacements. For more information or assistance, give us a call at 303-537-5832. Ensure your equipment is ready when it counts the most—because when it comes to fire safety, there's no room for error.

Fire extinguishers

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published