Why NI Businesses Are Switching to P50 Fire Extinguishers

Most workplaces still rely on traditional steel fire extinguishers without giving them much thought. While they are effective, they also bring ongoing servicing costs, regular replacements and a significant amount of environmental waste.

Britannia Fire’s P50 Fire Extinguisher was designed to address these issues directly. It offers a safer, longer-lasting and more cost-effective alternative to standard steel extinguishers. Across Northern Ireland, more businesses are now choosing the P50, and the reasons are clear.

A More Sustainable Fire Extinguisher Option

Unlike traditional steel units, the P50 is manufactured using a composite body. This makes it extremely durable and completely resistant to corrosion.

Steel extinguishers can weaken over time due to rust, dents and general wear, especially in harsher environments. The P50 avoids these problems entirely, helping organisations reduce waste and improve sustainability.

Key sustainability benefits of the P50 fire extinguisher include:

• A tough composite body that will not corrode or rust
• A 10-year service-free lifecycle with no annual engineer servicing (inspections can be carried out in-house)
• A 20-year overall lifespan, with factory refurbishment at year 10
• PFAS-free foam options, supporting environmental compliance – read more about the latest PFAS regulations and their impact on firefighting equipment in our recent blog here
• Fewer replacements over time, significantly reducing waste

For organisations focused on ESG goals and environmental responsibility, the P50 is a strong long-term solution.

Lower Lifetime Costs Compared to Steel Extinguishers

While the P50’s environmental benefits are important, it is often the cost savings that first catch the attention of businesses.

With traditional steel fire extinguishers, ongoing costs typically include:

• Annual servicing by a certified fire extinguisher engineer
• Replacement parts and maintenance costs
• A higher number of units due to lower fire ratings
• Full replacement every few years

The P50 removes most of these expenses. Instead of annual engineer servicing, it requires a simple yearly visual inspection carried out by the responsible person on site.

Thanks to higher fire ratings, fewer extinguishers are often required across a building. In practice, many organisations see lifetime savings of around 40-60% compared to traditional steel extinguishers.

Fully Certified and Compliant in the UK and NI

With its innovative design, the P50 fire extinguisher is fully certified and compliant with recognised UK safety standards.

It meets EN3 requirements and carries BSI Kitemark, UKCA and PED approvals. Each unit is clearly labelled with step-by-step instructions for completing the annual visual inspection and comes with access to the Britannia Fire App.

This ensures businesses remain fully compliant with Northern Ireland fire safety legislation, while reducing ongoing servicing costs.

Ideal for Harsh and Demanding Environments

The P50 performs exceptionally well in environments where steel extinguishers often struggle. Because it does not corrode, it is particularly suitable for:

• Food production and processing facilities
• Agricultural and rural environments
• Coastal locations exposed to salt air
• Warehouses and logistics centres
• Manufacturing and industrial sites
• Cold rooms and outdoor installations

There is no rust, no flaking paint and no gradual weakening of the cylinder over time.

A Smarter Long-Term Fire Safety Investment

The P50 fire extinguisher allows businesses to improve fire protection, reduce environmental impact and cut long-term costs in one simple move.

It is reliable, easy to maintain and built to last significantly longer than traditional steel extinguishers, making it a smart investment in modern fire safety.

Interested in Switching to the P50 Fire Extinguisher?

We supply, commission and support P50 fire extinguishers across Northern Ireland. If you would like a site survey, cost comparison or advice on replacing your existing steel extinguishers, get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.