Carbon dioxide extinguishers must be...

🔍 Key Concepts

• Fixed and portable CO₂ fire extinguishers maintenance standards in 46 CFR (shipping regulations) • Typical percentage-of-charge requirement for when a CO₂ extinguisher is considered unserviceable • Difference between a weight loss tolerance (acceptable loss) and the point where recharge is required

💭 Think About

• Think about how critical CO₂ quantity is for proper extinguisher performance: would the acceptable loss be relatively small or relatively large before recharging is required? • Compare the options: which percentage would represent a realistic maintenance standard for life‑saving equipment—too strict vs. too lenient? • Consider how inspectors or crew check CO₂ extinguishers: are they more likely to allow only a small deviation from full charge, or a larger one?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify the specific CFR citation that addresses portable CO₂ extinguisher maintenance (46 CFR, Fire Protection/Firefighting Equipment sections). • Check the exact minimum allowable charge weight percentage before an extinguisher is tagged for recharge, not just noted for observation. • Confirm that the percentage refers to remaining charge by weight, not gauge pressure or volume.

Carbon dioxide extinguishers must be recharged when the charge weight is less than _____.

80%

85%

90%

95%

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