Are P50 Fire Extinguishers Legal?

Yes, P50 fire extinguishers are legal in the UK and many other regions if they meet certain standards and are used correctly.

 

They are designed specifically to comply with UK fire safety regulations, and when used in accordance with guidance, they fully meet legal requirements.

 

Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

 

1. BS EN3 Certified:

   P50 extinguishers (such as the Britannia P50) are manufactured to British Standard EN3, which is the legal standard for portable fire extinguishers in the UK.

    

2. Kitemarked:

   Many models carry the British Kitemark, which indicates independent third-party certification and quality assurance.

    

3. Approved for Self-Maintenance:

   Under UK fire safety regulations (such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005), extinguishers must be maintained in an efficient state, but this does not require third-party servicing if:

    

   • The extinguisher is designed for self-maintenance (like the P50).

   • The person doing the checks is properly trained (often via a simple course provided by the manufacturer).

   • Visual inspections are carried out annually and recorded.

​

What You Must Do to Stay Compliant:

 

• Conduct annual visual inspections (pressure gauge check, anti-tamper seal intact, etc.).

• Train a responsible person in-house to do these inspections.

• Keep maintenance records (a logbook or digital system is fine).

 

Misconceptions:

 

• "No servicing" doesn’t mean “no checks”. You still have to inspect and document checks yearly.

• They're not "legal shortcuts" — P50s are engineered to reduce maintenance, not ignore it.

 

​

What are P50 Fire Extinguishers?

 

P50 fire extinguishers are a type of maintenance-free fire extinguisher made from a composite material, designed to be more durable and cost-effective than traditional metal extinguishers.

 

Key Features of P50 Fire Extinguishers:

 

1. Corrosion-Resistant Composite Construction
    

   • Made with an inner blow-moulded container, aramid fiber (like Kevlar), and an outer UV-resistant polyethylene jacket.

   • Doesn’t rust or corrode like steel extinguishers.

      

2. 10-Year Lifespan (No Annual Servicing Needed):
    

   • Instead of yearly service by a technician, a simple visual check by a trained in-house staff member is sufficient.

   • A 10-year manufacturer’s warranty is standard, with potential for a second 10-year life if refurbished.

      

3. No Need for External Servicing:
    

   • No refills, servicing contracts, or technician call-outs for the first 10 years.

   • Only a basic annual visual inspection is required, documented by the user.

      

4. Environmental Benefits:
    

   • Longer life reduces waste.

   • Recyclable components.

   • Less travel from service engineers = lower carbon footprint.

      

5. Cost Savings:
    

   • No servicing contracts and reduced replacement frequency = lower long-term costs.

      

Ideal For:

 

• Schools

• Offices

• Factories

• Farms

• Places looking to reduce ongoing fire safety maintenance costs

   

P50 extinguishers are designed to be a low-maintenance, durable, and long-lasting alternative to traditional fire extinguishers. While the upfront cost is usually higher, they offer significant savings over time due to the lack of servicing requirements.

​

 

How often should P50 fire extinguishers be serviced?

 

P50 fire extinguishers do not require traditional annual servicing by a third-party technician like standard extinguishers. However, to stay legally compliant and ensure safety, they must still be checked once per year — but this can be done in-house.

 

Service Requirements for P50 Fire Extinguishers:

 

Every Year (Annually):

 

• A visual inspection must be carried out by a trained in-house person.

   

• This check includes:
   

  • Confirming the pressure gauge is in the green zone.

  • Ensuring the tamper seal is intact.

  • Checking the outer casing for damage or UV degradation.

  • Making sure the label and instructions are legible.

     

• The inspection must be recorded in a fire logbook or digital system.

   

This replaces the standard annual service by an external technician required for metal extinguishers.

 

If you would like further information on the P50 fire extinguishers and the range we currently offer please visit our P50 fire extinguisher page.