12. When must a dry chemical fire extinguisher be recharged?

Dry chemical fire extinguishers must be recharged after each use to maintain their rated capacity and ensure readiness for immediate use, as required by USCG regulations and manufacturer instructions. Discharge, even partial, compromises internal pressure and chemical quantity, rendering the extinguisher not fully serviceable. Temperature or calendar intervals are not primary recharge triggers; recharge is dictated by use or condition.