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Reuse of a removed discharge cartridge

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 2 of 9 on Airframe Fire Protection Systems. ACS element AM.II.M.K7 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA mechanic removes a discharge cartridge from a fire extinguisher container's discharge valve in order to read its date stamp. What does typical practice say about that cartridge afterward?

  1. AIt must not be installed in another discharge valve.
  2. BIt may be installed in any like discharge valve.
  3. CIt must be scrapped, since any removal ends its service life.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. It must not be installed in another discharge valve.

  • A — correct Once removed for any reason, a cartridge should not be used in another discharge valve assembly, because the distance the contact point protrudes varies between units and continuity might not exist.
  • B — incorrect Interchanging cartridges between valve assemblies is exactly what the guidance warns against, since an indented plug may not make continuity with a shorter contact point.
  • C — incorrect Service life is read from the manufacturer's date stamp and is measured in years; removal alone does not end it.

BACKGROUND

Regular maintenance of fire extinguisher systems includes inspecting and servicing containers, removing and reinstalling cartridge and discharge valves, testing discharge tubing for leaks, and checking wiring continuity. The service life of a discharge cartridge comes from the manufacturer's date stamp, usually on the face of the cartridge, and cartridges are available with service lives of 5 years or more. Reading that stamp usually requires removing the electrical leads and the discharge line from the plug body so the plug can be taken out of the container. Most new containers arrive with the cartridge and discharge valve disassembled, and the cartridge must be assembled properly into the valve before the valve is connected to the container, usually with a swivel nut against a packing ring gasket. Container pressure is also checked periodically against a pressure-temperature curve, and a container outside those limits is replaced.

STUDY TIP

When a question involves a cartridge that has been pulled from its valve, think continuity: the contact point depth is matched to that one valve assembly.

KEY POINTS

  • A removed cartridge must not go into a different discharge valve.
  • Contact point protrusion varies, so continuity may be lost.
  • Cartridge service life comes from the manufacturer's date stamp.

SOURCES

  • sources/ama-airframe/ch17.txt "Agent Containers"
  • sources/ama-airframe/ch17.txt "Discharge Cartridges"
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MORE ON AIRFRAME FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.