---
title: "How long does a fire extinguisher last?"
description: "A fire extinguisher lasts 5–12 yr. How that compares to other things, and where the number comes from."
url: https://atoneplace.net/how-long/fire-extinguisher/
site: "At One Place"
---

# How long does a fire extinguisher last?

**Typical lifespan: 5–12 yr**

A pressurised cylinder that discharges dry chemical, CO2, foam or water onto a fire.

> Rechargeable units must be hydrostatically tested every 5 or 12 years depending on type; disposable ones are replaced at 12.

## How that compares

*Fire extinguisher against things of a similar time.*

- Fire extinguisher: 5–12 yr
- Car: 8–20 yr
- Air conditioner: 8–20 yr
- Leopard: 10–21 yr
- Jaguar: 11–22 yr
- Snow leopard: 10–21 yr
- Labrador retriever: 10–14 yr
- Propane tank: 10–12 yr

## What that means over time

*Assuming the typical lifespan above and immediate replacement.*

| Period | How many you would buy |
| --- | --- |
| Per year | 0.0833 replacements |
| Over 10 years | 1 of them |
| Over a 30-year mortgage | 2.5 of them |

> Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.

## More about a fire extinguisher

- [How much does a fire extinguisher weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/fire-extinguisher/) — 2–16 kg
- [How much does a fire extinguisher cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/fire-extinguisher/) — 25–250 $
- [Fire extinguisher vs Tyre](https://atoneplace.net/vs/fire-extinguisher-vs-tyre/) — Side by side

## Common questions

### How long does a fire extinguisher last?

A fire extinguisher lasts 5–12 yr. Rechargeable units must be hydrostatically tested every 5 or 12 years depending on type; disposable ones are replaced at 12.

## Related pages

- [How much does a fire extinguisher weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/fire-extinguisher/)
- [How much does a fire extinguisher cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/fire-extinguisher/)
- [How long does a toilet last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/toilet/)
- [How long does a ceiling fan last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/ceiling-fan/)
- [How long does a bathtub last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/bathtub/)
- [How long does a front door last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/front-door/)
- [How long does a garage door last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/garage-door/)
- [How long does a window last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/window/)
- [How long does a radiator last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/radiator/)
- [How long does a defibrillator last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/defibrillator/)
- [Fire extinguisher vs Tyre](https://atoneplace.net/vs/fire-extinguisher-vs-tyre/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)