Hydrostatic Testing & Certification Rules

Overview

Rules defining the hydro-test requirements, testing intervals, and legal compliance standards for paintball air cylinders.

Key Points

• All tanks must display a valid hydro-test date
• Testing intervals vary by tank material
• Expired tanks cannot be filled or used
• Only certified facilities may perform hydro-testing

Details

Hydrostatic testing verifies that compressed-air cylinders can safely withstand their rated pressure after extended use. All tanks must display a clear and legible hydro-test date that determines their period of legality.

Aluminum tanks typically require hydro-testing every five years, while carbon-fiber composite tanks require testing every five years but also have a total lifespan limit—commonly fifteen years from the manufacture date. These values vary by region and certification authority.

Events prohibit the filling or use of any tank with an expired hydro-test date. Officials may randomly inspect cylinders and enforce immediate removal if out-of-date.

Testing may only be performed by certified hydrostatic testing facilities using approved equipment. Unauthorized testing or label alteration is not permitted.

These rules ensure long-term structural integrity and protect participants from pressurized-cylinder failures.

Related Topics

• Air System & Tank Regulations Overview
• Regulator Output & Pressure Compliance Rules
• Burst Disk & Pressure Relief Safety Standards
• Tank Inspection Protocols