The service life of a rapping hammer in an electrostatic precipitator is not a fixed number and depends on various factors. A well-designed rapping hammer, made of appropriate materials and operating under normal conditions, typically has a service life aligned with the precipitator's major maintenance cycle, generally ranging from 3 to 8 years. However, under harsh operating conditions, its lifespan may be shortened to 1-2 years or even less. The service life of a rapping hammer is the result of a systematic engineering process. It could be as short as 1 year or exceed 8 years. The most reliable approach is to conduct regular inspections (e.g., listening for unusual sounds, checking the hammer head position, measuring dust accumulation on insulators) and, based on actual operational data and the equipment supplier's experience, select the most cost-effective solution with the longest service life. Neglecting the condition of the rapping hammer not only leads to its own damage but also causes a permanent decline in dust removal efficiency due to inadequate cleaning.