To explain the wide range of prices on the market, from €20 to over €200, we need to understand the criteria that influence the final price.
First of all, the type of extinguisher is important. More precisely, it's the nature of the extinguishing agent contained in the device. There are additive water, dry powder and CO2 extinguishers. Each agent has a different purchase cost, and therefore impacts the selling price. It's essential to choose the right type of extinguisher for the risk to be protected.
Some extinguishers are multi-purpose and can extinguish several types of fire, while others are specifically designed for a particular type of fire.
Capacity will then logically influence sales price: a small device, for modest applications, will cost less than a classic 6 to 12 Kg/L portable device. And wheeled devices, designed to protect large installations, are more expensive.
In addition, extinguishers can be of the permanent pressure or auxiliary pressure type.
Permanent pressure extinguishers are continuously pressurized, and are fitted with a control pressure gauge. These extinguishers generally have a shorter service life (10 years) because the tank is subjected to high pressure, but require less maintenance and are generally a little less expensive than auxiliary pressure extinguishers.
Auxiliary-pressure extinguishers contain a cartridge (or sparklet) which concentrates the gas (generally CO2). On impact, and therefore on use of the device, the gas is expelled from the cartridge and mixed with the extinguishing agent in the tank to be propelled onto the fire. Auxiliary pressure extinguishers have a longer service life (20 years) but require more regular maintenance (every year).
The NF standard is also important to consider when purchasing an extinguisher. It guarantees that the extinguisher meets minimum performance and reliability requirements.
The final price of the extinguisher will therefore depend on the combination of all these criteria.
