At Brazas Fire, we are fire extinguisher professionals, licensed by the New Mexico state fire marshal. We are committed to getting your business up to code so that you can get back to business.
This guide follows 10 standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and it also highlights some of the most asked questions that we receive about fire extinguisher installation to assist with your knowledge and compliance.
Fire extinguishers should be placed where they can be most effective when needed during a fire. Best placement for the specific smoke alarm application would be near exits, away from ducts, where air flow is limited, along escape routes, in close proximity to areas that are susceptible for high fire risk (e.g. kitchens) or in areas where flammable material presents.
NFPA 10 requires them to be mounted in such a way as to not be easily obscured by products on pallets, stored products, or other objects, so not behind doors, “too close to the hazard” and so on.
At Brazas Fire, we excel in examining your business arrangement to suggest the appropriate locations for fire extinguisher installation. We will customize your service to the exact hazards in your facility, as required by NFPA 10, for your safety.
With knowledge of what is involved in each of these setting, we assist businesses to strategically place equipment to ensure that the best response can be had as soon as possible in the event of a fire.
What Height Do Fire Extinguishers Need To Be Mounted?
As per the NFPA 10 directives the mounting height of fire extinguisher varies with the weight of the fire extinguisher:
- Fire Extinguishers with a Gross Weight of Less Than 40 Pounds: The top of the extinguisher cannot be more than 5 feet above the floor. The height, (hit any button without reaching or climbing) can be easily reached in the event of an emergency for prompt and effective response.
- Fire Extinguishers That Weigh More Than 40 Pounds: For heavier extinguishers, the top of the extinguisher should not be more than 3.5 feet above the floor. This reduced mounting height is important, because these types of extinguishers weigh considerably and could be dangerous to raise if they are mounted too high off the floor.
These rules exist in order that fire extinguishers are indeed reachable to all probable users, even if they are unable to lift heavy things or reach a high point.
How Much Clearance Should There be Around a Fire Extinguisher?
NFPA 10 standards state that a fire extinguisher must have a floor clearance of at least 4 inches beneath it.
This space allows the extinguisher to be seen and reached, yet helps guard against moisture and dirt on the floor that can cause the extinguisher to let slip. Keeping as much of this clearance as possible also helps with ease of maintenance and inspection.
How Much Space Should be Around a Fire Extinguisher?
NFPA 10 guidelines suggest an amount of clear space around fire extinguishers in order to keep them readily accessible. Make sure there’s at least 3 feet of room around the extinguisher – you want to be able to find and get to it quickly and easily without any obstacles. This distance is necessary for a clear sight at a fire and quick working space.
What Kind of Buildings Need a Fire Extinguisher?
NFPA 10 standards require that fire extinguishers be readily available in nearly every type of commercial building. This sweeping requirement applies to various types of entities such as commercial establishments like offices and stores, educational institutions, medical offices, industrial facilities, and residential properties with common or public areas, like apartment complexes.
Type and number of fire extinguishers required may vary depending on the occupancy load and jurisdictional fire code. Navigating those requirements can be complicated, but that’s where Brazas Fire can help by offering expert advice to make sure you meet both national standards and local regulations, and to assist in managing your fire safety obligations.
How Many Fire Extinguishers Are Required in a Building?
The amount of fire extinguishers that a building requires will depend on a number of factors, stipulated within the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 10 code, such as the size of the building, the layout, and the types of fire hazards that are present.
Normally, fire extinguishers should be located such that no one has to travel further than 75 feet to reach one. In high risk situations, such as kitchens or workshops where flammable materials are used, this may be less and done in order to provide easier access to the extinguisher.
Also, the number of needs can be a function of occupancy and local fire codes. These local codes may control differences in actual requirement for number and types of extinguishers in view of special features regarding the building and its uses.
What Sort Of Bracket Do I Use To Mount My Fire Extinguisher?
When installing a fire extinguisher, as required by NFPA 10, it is important to use a bracket that is both designed and listed by the manufacturer to be the correct bracket for use with your model and size extinguisher. These top brackets make sure that your extinguisher stays right in place for when you need it the most.
To determine which bracket is the appropriate one for you, refer to your fire extinguisher’s manufacturer instructions or call us to have a selection of fire extinguisher brackets.
Can Fire Extinguishers Be Installed Inside Cabinets?
Fire extinguishers may be placed within cabinets per accordance with the NFPA 10 if installation is in compliance with visibility and accessibility standards. Cabinet is not to block view of extinguisher, and access to it in an emergency should not be impeded.
Also, if a cabinet hides it, you have to have signage to communicate where the extinguisher is, so it is still findable and reachable when required. It is so that the room looks neat all the time and still keeps you safe and fire code compliant.
Make Brazas Fire Your One-Stop Fire Protection Source
The team of professionals at Brazas Fire is committed to using our expertise and passion to protect your business.
We provide complete services from installation and maintenance to training, custom to the NFPA 10 standard, to keep your business safe.
Contact Brazas Fire today and let us consultation you about panning for your business. Let our trained professionals help keep your employees and customers safe.