The length of time you will get out of your cartridge will vary but will often be around 1 to 3 years. But you should check the cartridge regularly to make sure there is no damage or corrosion that could affect its performance.

Do life preservers expire?

All of the care that you give to your PFD will prolong its use. There is no expiry date for a personal floatation device and/or lifejacket, but it becomes void if it has been repaired or altered; therefore, it is no longer usable and must be replaced and discarded for recycling.

Do life vests go bad?

Technically, the life jacket itself does not expire. It's the material within the vest that loses it ability to retain buoyancy when in water over time. ... It's important to check the recommended tank replacement date before purchasing an inflatable life jacket. These tanks usually have a 1-3 year life span.