Are Water extinguishers required to have a 5 year discharge in BS5306-3, i was always under the impression that they did but our latest extinguisher company who completed our most recent annual inspections state that water (and powder) extinguishers are not required to have a 5 year discharge under BS5306-3.

can anyone confirm either way, feels nice that the company are not selling something that's not required if that is the case....

Although certain manufacturers state in their instructions that no discharge test is required, BS 5306‑3:2017 sets the UK servicing standard. Table 2 (Enhanced Service – 5‑Year) explicitly lists water, water‑additive, foam, powder, wet chemical, and specific clean‑agent extinguishers as requiring a 5‑year discharge test involving discharge, internal inspection, and refill.

Under BAFE SP101, service providers must follow BS 5306‑3 unless the manufacturer provides a BS‑aligned alternative maintenance schedule. Industry bodies including FIA, IFEDA, and UKAS‑accredited companies all recognise the 5‑year discharge test as mandatory for water and powder extinguishers.