Amerex 322 User guide

PN 05603 04/2020
COVER SHEET
DO NOT PRINT THIS PAGE FOR ACTUAL MANUAL. INTERNAL USE ONLY.
PART
NUMBER TITLE DATE CREATED CREATED BY REV. CK’D
05603 MANUAL OWNER’S SERVICE CO2 HP 12/15/92 HB F
REV DRAWING CHANGE BY ECN# DATE
EUPDATE MANUAL & ADD MODEL 320/321 JA 7/2013
FREFRESHED LAYOUT DESIGN CT B002026 4/22/20
THIS DRAWING IS THE EXCLUSIVE AND CONFIDENTIAL PROPERTY OF AMEREX
CORPORATION. IT SHALL NOT BE DUPLICATED, USED OR DISCLOSED TO OTHERS
WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF AMEREX CORPORATION.
#NOTES
1THIS COVERSHEET FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY - DO NOT PRINT THIS PAGE IN MANUAL.
2DESCRIPTION: MANUAL OWNER’S SERVICE FOR CARBON DIOXIDE PORTABLE EXTINGUISHERS
3ACTUAL PRINTED MATERIAL TO CONSIST OF ATTACHED
4OVERALL SIZE OF PRINTED DOCUMENT PAGES: 8-1/2” X 11” ON 20 LB PAPER
5PRINTED MATERIAL TO MATCH ATTACHED IN SADDLE STITCHED BOOKLET FORM
6PRINT MATERIAL IS TO BE HOLE PUNCHED 3 EACH 1/4” HOLES DOWN LEFT SIDE FOR STD 3-RING BINDER
7CURENT REVISION DATE: 4/20

PN 05603 04/2020
All fire extinguishers shall be installed, inspected, and maintained in accordance with the National Fire
Protection Association standard titled "Portable Fire Extinguishers", NFPA 10, or the National Fire Code of
Canada and the requirements of local authorities having jurisdiction.
When maintenance is indicated, it shall be performed by trained persons having proper equipment. Fire
extinguishers are pressure vessels and must be treated with respect and handled with care. They are
mechanical devices and require periodic maintenance to be sure that they are ready to operate properly and
safely. Amerex strongly recommends that the maintenance of portable fire extinguishers be done by a trained
professional – your local authorized Amerex Distributor.
Amerex Corporation makes original factory parts available to insure proper maintenance – USE OF
SUBSTITUTE PARTS RELEASES AMEREX OF ITS WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS. Amerex parts have
machined surfaces and threads that are manufactured to exacting tolerances. o-rings, hoses, nozzles and all
metal parts meet precise specifications and are subjected to multiple in-house inspections and tests for
acceptability. There are substitute parts available that may be incorrectly labeled as UL component parts,
some are advertised as Amerex type. None of these meet UL requirements, and all of them void the Amerex
extinguisher warranty and UL listing. DO NOT SUBSITUTE
RECHARGE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IMMEDIATELY AFTER ANY USE
OWNER’S SERVICE MANUAL
INSTALLATION, OPERATING & SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS
MANUAL PN 05603
CARBON DIOXIDE PORTABLE EXTINGUISHERS
MODELS 321M, 322, 322NM, 330, 331, 332
REFERENCES IN THIS MAUNUAL:
NFPA 10 Portable Fire Extinguishers
JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ
CGA C-1 Methods for Pressure Testing Compressed Gas
Cylinders
CGA C-6.1 Standard for Visual Inspection of High Pressure
Aluminum Compressed Gas Cylinders.
National Fire Code of Canada
AVAILABLE FROM:
National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park,
Quincy, MA 02169-7471
Compressed Gas Association, 14501 George Carter Way,
Chantilly, VA 20151-2923
Compressed Gas Association, 14501 George Carter Way,
Chantilly, VA 20151-2923
National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road,
Building M-58 Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6 Canada
AMEREX DOES NOT SERVICE, MAINTAIN, OR RECHARGE FIRE EXTIN-
GUISHERS. THIS MANUAL IS PUBLISHED AS A GUIDE TO ASSIST QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL IN THE INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND RECHARGE OF AMEREX
. NO ANTICIPATE ALL POSSI-
BLE MALFUNCTIONS THAT MAY BE ENCOUNTERED IN THE SERVICE OF FIRE EXTIN-
GUISHERS. DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT PRIOR SERVICE PERFORMED ON THIS
EQUIPMENT MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY DONE, IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT
ALL WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND NOTES IN THIS MANUAL BE CAREFULLY OBSERVED.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
AMEREX NO FOR SERVICE, OR OF
EXTINGUISHERS BY PUBLISHING THIS MANUAL.
AMEREX CORPORATION – P.O. BOX 81 – TRUSSVILLE, ALABAMA 35173-0081
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail] Web Page: http://www.amerex-fire.com

PN 05603 04/2020
INSPECTING THE EXTINGUISHER
This extinguisher must be inspected at regular intervals (monthly or more often if circumstances dictate) to
insure that it is ready for use. Inspection is a “quick check” that a fire extinguisher is available and is in
operating condition. It is intended to give reasonable assurance that the fire extinguisher is fully charged. This
is done by verifying that it is in its designated place, that it has not been actuated or tampered and that
is no obvious or to its operation.
OPERATION
NOTE: Persons expected to use this extinguisher shall be trained in initiating its operation and in
the proper fire fighting technique. Familiarize all personnel with this information before an
emergency occurs.
WARNING: Carbon Dioxide extinguishes fires by diluting the surrounding atmosphere with inert
gas keeping the oxygen level below the percentage required for combustion. When it
is used in an unventilated space, such as a small room, closet or other confined area,
prolonged occupancy of that space can result in loss of consciousness due to oxygen
deficiency. Avoid skin contact – CO2 is extremely cold and could cause burns or
frostbite.
1. Remove extinguisher from wall hanger or vehicle bracket, and move it to within approximately 8
feet [2m] (2½ & 5 lb.) or 10 feet [3m] (10, 15, or 20 lb.) of the fire site.
2. Hold the extinguisher upright, twist, and pull the pull pin.
3. Stand back 8 feet [2m] (2½ or 5 lb.) or 10 feet [3m] (10, 15, or 20 lb.) from the fire, and aim the
horn at the base of flames nearest you. Hold horn on hand grip only—grasping the horn or
swivel discharge tube could cause cold burn. The 2 1/5 & 5 lb. has a swivel and once aimed will
maintain that same fixed position and is not required to be held during discharge.
4. Keeping the extinguisher upright, sweep side to side across the base of the fire and past both
edges. Progressively follow up until the fire is extinguished. Work the fire away from you while
being alert for flashbacks. Move closer as the fire is extinguished, but not so close as to scatter
or splash the burning materials.
5. When the fire is out, release the valve lever to stop discharge. Stand by and watch for possible
reignition.
6. Evacuate and ventilate the area immediately after extinguishing the fire. The fumes and smoke
from any fire may be hazardous and can be deadly.
DISCHARGE TIME (APPROXIMATELY)
2½ or 5 lb. – 9 seconds
10 lb. – 11 seconds
15 lb. – 15 seconds
20 lb. – 19 seconds
DISCHARGE RANGE (APPROXIMATELY)
2½, 5, 10, 15, 20 lb. – 3 to 8 feet [0.3 to 2.4m]

PN 05603 04/2020
PERIODIC INSPECTION PROCEDURES
(Monthly or more often if circumstances dictate)
Periodic inspection of fire extinguishers shall include a check of at least the following items:
1. Located in designated place.
2. No obstruction to access or visibility.
3. Operating instructions on nameplate and facing outward.
4. Tamper seal not broken or missing.
5. Examination for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle.
6. Determine fullness by weighing or hefting.
MAINTENANCE
At least once a year, or more frequently if indicated by an inspection, Maintenance shall be performed.
Maintenance is a "thorough check" of the extinguisher. It is intended to give maximum assurance that an
extinguisher will operate effectively and safely. It includes a thorough examination and any necessary repair
or replacement. It will normally reveal the need for hydrostatic testing.
MAINTENANCE - SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Clean extinguisher to remove dirt, grease or foreign material. Check to make sure that the instruction
nameplate is securely fastened and legible. Inspect the cylinder for corrosion, abrasion, dents or weld
damage. If any of these conditions are found and you doubt the integrity of the cylinder, hydrostatically
test in accordance with CGA Pamphlets C-1 and NFPA 10.
2. Inspect the extinguisher for damaged, missing, or substitute parts. Only factory-replacement parts are
approved for use on Amerex fire extinguishers.
3. Weigh the extinguisher, and compare with weight printed in the “Maintenance” section on the nameplate
(label). Recharge extinguisher if weight is not within indicated allowable tolerances.
4. Check the date of manufacture stamped on the cylinder dome. The agent cylinder must be hydrostatically
tested every 5 years to the test pressure indicated on the nameplate in accordance with DOT
requirements.
5. Remove pull pin breaking tamper seal. Replace if bent or if removal appears difficult. Install new tamper
seal.
6. Inspect discharge lever for any dirt or corrosion which might impair freedom of movement. Inspect
carrying handle for proper installation. If lever, handle or rivets are damaged replace with proper Amerex
part(s).
7. Remove the horn and discharge tube (2½ & 5 lb.) or hose and horn assembly (10, 15, or 20 lb.), inspect
for damage; replace as necessary. Replace the horn if brittle, cracked or deformed. Blow air through
nozzle and nozzle assemblies to insure passage is clear of foreign material.
8. Carbon dioxide hose assemblies have a continuous metal braid that connects to both couplings to
minimize static shock. A hose continuity test shall be performed using a basic conductivity tester
consisting of a flashlight having an open circuit and a set of two wires with a conductor (clamps or probe)
at each end (NFPA 10).
9. Inspect the valve assembly for corrosion or damage to hose thread connection. Visually inspect the safety
relief assembly for obstruction or damage. If necessary, replace with complete Amerex factory assembled
safety relief assembly (tightening assembly to 250 in-lbs. [28.25 Nm] of torque). DO NOT SUBSTITUTE.
Valve removal and/or valve part replacement shall be made only after completely discharging the contents
of the cylinder.
10. Inspect the 10, 15 & 20 lb. elbow and diffuser tip for blockage or damage. The Amerex 2½ & 5 lb. CO2
diffuser is built into the discharge tube. Check elbow and discharge tube for blockage or damage. Replace
damaged parts with genuine factory replacement parts only.

PN 05603 04/2020
11. Reinstall horn and discharge tube (2½ & 5 lb.) or hose and horn assembly (10, 15, & 20 lb.) to discharge
valve. Check horn strap and clip (10, 15 & 20 lb.) for damage and proper positioning. Replace, tighten, or
realign as necessary.
12. Install new tamper seal, and record service data on the extinguisher inspection tag.
13. Replace the extinguisher on the wall hanger or in the vehicle bracket making sure that it fits the bracket
properly and the bracket is securely attached to mounting surface – replace the bracket if necessary.
RECHARGE
WARNING: Before attempting to disassemble, be sure the extinguisher is completely empty/
depressurized. Use only an approved source of carbon dioxide (see minimum
specifications in NFPA 10 "Inspection, Maintenance & Recharging"). Do not use dry
ice convertors. Use an approved pump, hose, and recharge adapter to insure safe and
efficient charge operations.
RECHARGING PROCEDURE
1. Perform steps 1 through 10 of the "Maintenance-Service Procedure" section.
2. Discharge all remaining pressure and contents, making sure that there is no remaining pressure.
Retighten valve assembly. A proper valve installation occurs when the minimum tightness is used to
make a leak-tight, valve-to-cylinder seal. Do not over-tighten valves! (100 ft. lbs. [135.58 Nm] maximum
torque). Over-tightening can damage both valve and cylinder and may lead to unsafe situations that can
cause property damage, injury and/or loss of life.
3. Check the extinguisher nameplate (label) for the proper amount of CO2 to be pumped into the
extinguisher.
4. Install the proper Amerex recharge adapter. Adapter must fit over diffuser tip on 2½ & 5 lb. discharge tube
and elbow on 10, 15 & 20 lb. without blocking diffuser holes. Do not remove 2½ & 5 lb. discharge tube or
10, 15, 20 lb. elbow.
5. Place extinguisher on an accurate scale, and attach carbon dioxide supply line to the recharge adapter.
6. Attach a device such as a "Pony Spring Clamp" to hold the extinguisher valve lever in the squeezed or
open position. Pump the proper amount of CO2 into the extinguisher. When the proper weight is reached,
release the clamp, shut off the CO2 pump, and vent the supply line.
7. Remove the CO2 supply line and recharge adapter from the extinguisher valve.
8. Check the collar and valve for leaks using a leak-detection fluid or a solution of soapy water. Remove leak
-detection fluid from the valve assembly, and wipe exterior of the extinguisher dry.
9. Install pull pin with ring facing the front of the extinguisher.
10. Install tamper seal. Record recharge date, and attach new recharge tag.
11. Install the horn or hose and horn assembly to the extinguisher valve.
12. Weigh assembled extinguisher, and confirm that the total weight is within the allowable tolerances
indicated in the Maintenance section of the nameplate (label).

PN 05603 04/2020
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
WARNING: Determine the source of a leak before the extinguisher is depressurized. The extinguisher
must be completely depressurized before any attempt is made to de-valve it and correct a leakage
problem. To depressurize – hold the extinguisher in a vertical position and slowly squeeze the
discharge handle. Thoroughly clean all valve parts after depressurization and valve removal.
Amerex CO2 valve bodies and aluminum cylinders are 1⅛"-12 UNF straight threads. Use a proper
straight-thread adapter when hydrostatically testing. When reinstalling the valve assembly, the
cylinder must be placed in a suitable securing vice. Lubricate O-ring area only. The threads of straight
-threaded cylinders require no lubricant for proper valve installation. A proper valve installation
occurs when the minimum tightness is used to make a leak-tight, valve-to-cylinder seal. Do not over-
tighten valves! (100 ft. lbs. [135.58 Nm] maximum torque). Over-tightening can damage both valve and
cylinder and may lead to unsafe situations that can cause property damage, injury and/or loss of life.
FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS SEE THE AMEREX PORTABLE AND WHEELED
PARTS BOOK PN 27277 AVAILABLE AT http://www.amerex-fire.com UNDER
MANUALS OF THE RESOURCE SELECTION.
PROBLEM CORRECTIVE ACTION
1. Leak at collar O-ring
Remove valve assembly, clean collar thoroughly,
and install new collar O-ring. Lubricate O-ring only
with V-711 and reinstall valve.
2. Leak through valve
Check valve stem seating area for scratches or
foreign matter. Clean seating area with a tooth
brush and soft cloth. Install new valve stem
assembly.
3. Leak at safety relief nut
Remove safety nut, disc, and gasket assembly.
Replace with new Amerex safety nut, disc, and
gasket assembly. Tighten assembly to 250 in.-lbs.
[28.25 Nm] maximum of torque.
4. Leak during discharge
under discharge lever
Remove valve assembly, downtube, spring, and
valve stem assembly. Install new valve stem
assembly. Check valve seat for scratches or
foreign matter.
5. Leak during discharge at
hose connection elbow
Tighten hose connection at elbow on 10, 15 & 20
lb. Replace O-ring and/or elbow on 2½ & 5 lb.
6. Leak in the cylinder
Contact Amerex if under warranty – otherwise
mark "Rejected", and remove from service or
return to the owner.