Fire Extinguisher Valves (Squeeze/Pinch)

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Introduction: Controlling Agent Discharge in Portable Units

The Fire Extinguisher Valve is the critical component that controls the release and discharge of the extinguishing agent from a portable fire extinguisher cylinder. The two most common types are the Squeeze Grip Valve (used primarily on dry chemical, foam, and water extinguishers) and the Pinch Valve (used typically on high-pressure CO2​ extinguishers).

These valves must be precision-engineered from materials like brass, aluminum, or chrome-plated steel to withstand the specific internal pressures (175 psi for dry chemical, up to 1800 psi for CO2​) and resist corrosion from the extinguishing agents. They feature an integrated safety pin/seal, a pressure gauge (where applicable), and a durable valve stem and sealing mechanism (e.g., rubber O-rings or PTFE seals) to ensure continuous readiness and reliable activation.

The valve's design determines the ease of use, ability to interrupt discharge, and compliance with standards such as UL 299/711 and ISO 15500. (Approx. 550 words)

Advantage: Durability, Agent Compatibility, and Resealing Capability

  • Reliable Discharge: Precision machining ensures a clean, immediate opening and proper flow rate when the handle is depressed.
  • Corrosion Resistance: High-quality brass/chrome plating ensures long-term integrity, even when exposed to damp environments or aggressive extinguishing agents.
  • Interrupted Discharge: Squeeze grip valves allow the operator to start and stop the discharge flow, conserving agent and improving accuracy.
  • Safety Pin Mechanism: The integrated pin and tamper seal prevent accidental discharge while providing visual evidence of tampering/prior use.
  • Pressure Monitoring: Includes a port for a pressure gauge, enabling immediate visual check of the extinguisher's readiness (required for low-pressure units).
  • Serviceability: Designed with internal components (stem, seals) that can be easily accessed, replaced, and verified during hydrostatic testing/recharge.

Specification: Material, Pressure, and Type

Valve TypeSqueeze Grip (Lever), Pinch Valve (CO2)
MaterialForged Brass, Chrome-Plated Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Operating Pressure175 psi to 1800 psi (Dependent on Agent)
Sealing MechanismPTFE Seal, Rubber O-Rings, Brass Stem
Safety FeaturePull Pin with Tamper Seal
Outlet ConnectionNPT/BSP Threading for Hose/Horn Attachment
Standard ComplianceUL 299/711 (Extinguisher Performance), ISO 15500
Gauge Port1/8 inch NPT for Pressure Gauge Connection (Except CO2)

Assembly and Maintenance of Portable Extinguishers

Dry Chemical Extinguishers (ABC/BC)

Using brass or aluminum squeeze grip valves designed for low-pressure chemical storage and featuring a gauge port.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers

Pinch-style valve with heavy-duty construction to manage the extreme high pressure (∼1800 psi) of CO2​ liquid/gas.

Water and Foam Extinguishers

Chrome-plated brass valves for corrosion resistance, ensuring the agent (water/foam concentrate) does not damage the internal stem.

Extinguisher Recharge and Servicing

Used during recharge processes to replace seals, springs, and check valve integrity before repressurizing the unit.

Cylinder Manufacturing Assembly

Integrated into newly manufactured cylinders via precision threading to ensure a perfect, high-pressure seal with the shell.

Grow Your Bussiness With KAITUO

  • INNOVATION

    Professional R&D Team

    We have a professional R&D team of over 15 people who are able to provide innovative products and customized design services to our customers.
  • QUALITY

    Product quality assurance

    We adhere to quality as a lifeline for our business development, and strict quality management systems ISO and CE, as well as a variety of advanced quality testing equipment are our guarantees for product quality.
  • PRODUCTION CAPACITY

    Annual output exceeds 400,000

    Every month over 400,000 pcs of kinds of valves, including fire extinguisher valve, lpg valve, marine gas cylinder valve and so on.
  • SERVICE

    One-stop service

    We have complete design, and product development, testing and quality control are all carried out in the factory, which to a certain extent guarantees the high quality and performance of Kaituo fire equipment.

Payment & Shipping: Flexible Global Trade Solutions

We offer comprehensive and secure international trade terms tailored to our global clientele.

  • Accepted Payment Methods:

    Wire Transfer (T/T): Standard 30% deposit to confirm the order, 70% balance upon presentation of Bill of Lading (B/L) copy.

    Letter of Credit (L/C): Irrevocable L/C at sight for precision-machined valve assemblies, providing maximum financial security for both parties.

  • Shipping Terms (Incoterms):

    FOB (Free On Board): Ningbo Port is our standard shipping hub.

    CIF/CFR: Available upon request; we manage shipping logistics to your designated port.

  • Packaging:

    Valves are individually wrapped in protective plastic, assembled in partitioned trays, and shipped in durable master cartons to prevent thread damage.

Comprehensive Information Summary

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)10,000 Units (Brass Squeeze), 5,000 Units (Aluminum), 2,000 Units (CO2 Pinch)
Lead Time60-75 Days (Forging, Precision Machining, Plating/Coating, Assembly, and Pressure Testing)
PackagingIndividual Plastic Wrap, Partitioned Trays, Master Cartons.
CertificationsUL 299, ISO 15500, CE Marked, EN 3 (Component Compliance), ISO 9001.
Raw MaterialsForged Brass (C3771), Aluminum Alloy, Stainless Steel Springs/Stems, PTFE/Rubber Seals.
Customization OptionsThread Specification (NPT/BSP/Metric), Color/Plating (Chrome, Red), Gauge Port Inclusion, Valve Handle Design (Ergonomics).

Professional Usage Tips

  1. Torque Specification:

    When threading the valve onto the cylinder, adhere strictly to the manufacturer's specified torque rating to ensure a pressure-tight seal without damaging the cylinder neck threads.

  2. Seal Inspection:

    During annual maintenance, remove the valve and thoroughly inspect all internal O-rings and stem seals for cuts, wear, or chemical degradation.

  3. Pin Function:

    After reassembly, verify that the safety pin is seated correctly and the tamper seal is securely looped to prevent accidental lever depression.

  4. Pressure Check:

    For stored pressure units, confirm the gauge needle aligns precisely within the green operational zone after repressurization and before sealing.

  5. Agent Compatibility:

    Ensure the valve material (e.g., specific coatings) is chemically compatible with the extinguishing agent (e.g., ABC powder or AFFF foam) to prevent internal corrosion.

Get in Touch

ABOUT KAITUO
Ningbo Kaituo Valve Co., Ltd., also known as Ningbo Anke Fire Equipment Co., Ltd., is China Fire Extinguisher Valves (Squeeze/Pinch) Manufacturers and Wholesale Fire Extinguisher Valves (Squeeze/Pinch) Factory, specializing in the research and development, production and export of fire equipment. It owns the anke brand and a number of national high-tech patents.
Founded in 2001, our company mainly provides high-quality fire protection products for the international market, specializing in the production of various types of fire extinguisher accessories, marine gas cylinder valves, gas valves, etc. After years of hard work and continuous improvement of process reform, our products are exported to dozens of countries around the world and have won a good international reputation. All of our products have obtained the EU EN, CE certification in 2007.
Welcome all customers to call and visit us. Our company has a professional sales team to provide accurate services.
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FAQ

Squeeze valves are for low-pressure agents (dry chemical, water). Pinch valves are heavy-duty, used on high-pressure CO2​ units.

Most dry chemical extinguisher valves are made from forged brass or chrome-plated aluminum for cost and corrosion resistance.

Yes, valves are reusable. They must be disassembled, cleaned, seals replaced, and hydro-tested (where applicable) before being reinstalled and charged.

CO2​ pressure is highly dependent on temperature. Their charge is determined by weight (mass), not pressure gauge reading.

The pin prevents accidental operation of the operating lever (unintentional discharge) and serves as a tamper indicator.

Hydro-testing involves pressurizing the valve to a specified test pressure (e.g., 1.5× the working pressure) to check its structural integrity and leak tightness.

Common sizes include 1 inch or 1.25 inch NPT or metric equivalents like M30×1.5 (country and cylinder dependent).

The Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for high-volume brass valves is typically 10,000 units.

UL/FM approvals typically require metal valves for their strength, especially for the pressures involved. Plastic valves may be limited to simple water/air units.

The primary standards are UL 299 and ISO 15500, which specify design, construction, and performance test requirements.