FAQs

At what height are fire extinguishers to be installed?: Portable fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds shall be installed so that its top is not more than 5 feet above the floor. Hand-held portable fire extinguishers having a gross weight exceeding 40 pounds shall be installed so that its top is not more than 3.5 feet above the floor. The clearance between the floor and the bottom of installed hand-held extinguishers shall not be less than 4 inches.

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Fire Extinguishers

1. What type of fire extinguisher is best for my home?: An "ABC" rated extinguisher is a multipurpose unit and is suited for home hazards. In addition to the "ABC" agent, a "BC" rated unit can be used in the kitchen area specifically for cooking hazards.

2. What type of fire extinguisher is best for my business?: An "ABC" rated extinguisher is a multipurpose unit and is suited for most business hazards. The minimum size, or UL rating, required for building protection is 2-A. Additional extinguishers with higher ratings may be required to protect specific hazards or hazard areas.

3. How often are fire extinguishers supposed to be serviced?: Extinguishers installed in Class I structures are to be serviced by trained personnel annually.

4. What locations need a Class K extinguisher?: Commercial cooking equipment involving vegetable or animal oils and fats shall be protected by a Class K rated portable extinguisher.

5. At what height are fire extinguishers to be installed?: Portable fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds shall be installed so that its top is not more than 5 feet above the floor. Hand-held portable fire extinguishers having a gross weight exceeding 40 pounds shall be installed so that its top is not more than 3.5 feet above the floor. The clearance between the floor and the bottom of installed hand-held extinguishers shall not be less than 4 inches.