Frequently Asked Questions
Fire Extinguisher Services in Dallas TX
AllStar Fire Extinguisher Service is committed to helping business owners across Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, and Ellis counties understand their fire safety responsibilities. Whether you manage a small retail store or a large commercial facility, fire protection compliance can seem complicated — but our experts are here to simplify it.
With over 25 years of experience and State License ECR 2019, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about fire extinguisher inspections, installations, testing, emergency lighting, and maintenance. Each answer reflects current NFPA 10, NFPA 101, and OSHA standards to ensure your business stays protected and compliant.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection and Maintenance
How often should my fire extinguishers be inspected?
Portable fire extinguishers require a monthly visual inspection and a comprehensive annual inspection by a licensed technician. Additional internal maintenance or hydrostatic testing may be required every six or twelve years, depending on the extinguisher type.
What does an inspection include?
During inspection, our technicians check each unit’s pressure, seals, labeling, weight, and accessibility. We confirm proper mounting, visibility, and up-to-date tags. Any deficiencies are corrected on-site when possible.
How do I know if my extinguisher passed inspection?
Each inspected extinguisher receives a new service tag that includes the inspection date, technician license number, and next due date. You’ll also receive a detailed report for your records.
Can I perform my own inspections?
Business owners may perform monthly visual checks, but annual maintenance must be completed by a licensed professional to comply with NFPA and state regulation
What happens if an extinguisher fails inspection?
If a unit fails due to corrosion, pressure loss, or other damage, we will repair or replace it and provide updated documentation.
Fire Extinguisher Testing and Recharging
What is hydrostatic testing?
Hydrostatic testing verifies the integrity of an extinguisher’s cylinder by filling it with water and pressurizing it. This ensures the extinguisher can safely hold pressure without leaking or rupturing.
How often should hydrostatic testing be performed?
Most dry chemical extinguishers require testing every 12 years, while CO₂ and certain high-pressure models require testing every 5 years.
Do extinguishers need to be recharged after use?
Yes. Any extinguisher that has been discharged — even partially — must be recharged and re-tagged by a licensed technician before it can be placed back into service.
How can I tell if my extinguisher needs recharging?
Check the pressure gauge. If the needle is outside the green “operable” range or the unit feels unusually light, it likely needs to be recharged or replaced.
Can extinguishers be refilled on-site?
In many cases, yes. Depending on the type, our technicians can perform recharging at your facility. For hydrotesting or full maintenance, units may be taken to our service center.
Installation and Placement
Where should fire extinguishers be installed?
Extinguishers should be installed in visible, accessible locations within 75 feet of travel distance for Class A hazards and within 50 feet for Class B hazards. Mounting height and placement must meet NFPA 10 and local fire code requirements.
Can you install extinguishers I already own?
Yes, as long as they are up-to-date, serviceable, and meet current standards. We can inspect, mount, and tag them for compliance.
How long does installation take?
Most installations can be completed in a few hours, depending on the size of your facility and number of units.
Do I need special extinguishers for kitchens or restaurants?
Yes. Class K extinguishers are required in commercial kitchens to handle grease and cooking oil fires safely.
Do you provide exit and emergency lighting installation as well?
Yes. We install and service exit signs and emergency lighting to meet NFPA 101 Life Safety Code standards.
Where should fire extinguishers be installed?
Extinguishers should be installed in visible, accessible locations within 75 feet of travel distance for Class A hazards and within 50 feet for Class B hazards. Mounting height and placement must meet NFPA 10 and local fire code requirements.
Can you install extinguishers I already own?
Yes, as long as they are up-to-date, serviceable, and meet current standards. We can inspect, mount, and tag them for compliance.
How long does installation take?
Most installations can be completed in a few hours, depending on the size of your facility and number of units.
Do I need special extinguishers for kitchens or restaurants?
Yes. Class K extinguishers are required in commercial kitchens to handle grease and cooking oil fires safely.
Yes. We install and service exit signs and emergency lighting to meet NFPA 101 Life Safety Code standards.
Do you provide exit and emergency lighting installation as well?
Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs
How often should emergency lights and exit signs be tested?
Per NFPA 101, exit and emergency lights must undergo a monthly visual inspection and an annual 90-minute functional test.
What happens if a light fails inspection?
We replace the defective component — whether it’s a bulb, battery, or circuit — and retest to confirm proper function.
Are LED exit signs required?
LED exit signs are the preferred standard due to their long lifespan, reliability, and energy efficiency, though other types may be approved based on building code.
Can you service multiple buildings?
Yes. We provide maintenance programs for multi-location businesses throughout the DFW metro area.
Compliance and Documentation
Which codes apply to fire extinguisher service in Texas?
We follow NFPA 10 (Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers), NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), and OSHA 1910.157, along with local county and municipal regulations.
How long should inspection records be kept?
Keep at least three years of inspection records available for review by fire marshals or insurance providers.
What documentation do you provide after service?
AllStar Fire Extinguisher Service provides a tag for each extinguisher, a service report detailing work performed, and a master log of all units inspected or tested.
Do you notify customers when inspections are due?
Yes. We track your service schedule and send reminders before your next required inspection or test, ensuring you remain compliant without added stress.
General Company Information
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. AllStar Fire Extinguisher Service operates under State License ECR 2019, with full insurance and 25 years of professional experience.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, and Ellis counties with 24/7 availability.
How can I schedule service?
You can call (469) 235-3362 or email gregpiper@allstarfireext.com anytime to schedule an inspection, installation, or testing appointment.
What are your business hours?
We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to meet the needs of local businesses and emergency requests.
Contact AllStar Fire Extinguisher Service
For additional information about inspections, testing, installations, or emergency lighting, contact the professionals at AllStar Fire Extinguisher Service today.
Serving the Dallas–Fort Worth area since 2015 with reliable, licensed fire protection services designed to keep your business compliant and your people safe.
